What is an open mind?
Because everyone is a good person. Everyone is tolerant. Everyone believes they are doing the right thing - Just ask them.
when someone uses the word 'but' do you assume that everything they have said prior is a lie?
I am not racist but...
i am not upset but...
I love you but...
Do they instill confidence in the statement just offered?....
So being Asian, I get to see some odd moments of racism and being gay, I get to see some odd stereotypes as well. Although there are countless apps and websites; online hookups have become a way of life for many people. Being able to filter through people at the touch of a few keys, what people would not say in a face to face environment they are more than happy to express in these online forums. Is it racist to state "no Asians, I'm not racist, it's just a preference"? - I wouldn't go so far as to say a flat out and resounding "yes that is racist" because who doesn't have a preference for who they might take to bed. However if a profile stated "looking for mates", it astounds me that someone would care where their mates came from. Yes, I believe THAT might be racism.
On the other side of this there are those with a specific preference for "Asians" and it's funny how racism is a part of this also, or rather, the stereotype generated through this preference. I am not short, skinny, softly spoken, feminine and willing to go home with someone old enough to be my grandfather. In fact, I'm adopted, 6 foot 1, swimmer, tattoo'd and raised in a mining/farming family and can only speak English. In fact when I do get messages from older people who seem to expect me to say yes, when I say no, apparently it is fine to offer money. I however do not think its ok - but even responses to these messages with "I don't normally charge, but for you I would have to make an exception" is completely lost on them.
Though I'm not actually offended by racism or these stereotypes because I have seen it frequently - I'm a little concerned that I have become used to it. Being raised in Australia, I am pretty easy going but for those who weren't and are emotionally affected by it; I can only imagine how horrible it may feel. I laughed the other day when someone told me to go back to my third world country and saw the surprise when I responded, stating that I was from Perth and then proceeded to 'out-bogan' them with a myriad of expletives until they walked away. I still actually find this interaction hilarious, but I doubt others would have which may have led to a very different outcome.
By no means do I think it is Australia as a whole that is cause to cry out racism and small mindedness but just those who:
1- Are uneducated or a product of other people's beliefs.
2- Are someone who has not had the opportunity to interact with others outside their sense of normality and has formed opinions based on media or their parents prejudice.
3- Is just an asshole.
Another point to this is some people's immediate reaction to change or opinion who state when confronted with a challenge to their sense of what Australia is; respond with "if they don't like it, go back to where you came from". A few years ago, someone happened to express the idea that "Australia day" should be changed to "citizenship day" and the backlash of these statements was unbelievable. Hearing people say "they come in and try to change our way of life, but they should change or leave" (in a far less civilized way). There was this reaction without fully understanding the facts, that this statement was made by an indigenous Australian - who just happened to be that years Australian of the year... Exactly where would he be going back to? - I applaud passion in your beliefs, but there is a lesson to be learnt about expressing emotional opinions without being open to a different perspective.
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