Yahoo Lifestyle Are Australians ‘Racist’ And ‘Unfriendly’?
Australia has a world-renowned reputation as the “sunburnt” country, full of fun-loving, friendly people.
But a new survey by Monash University says that’s not the case anymore, with “racism” and “discrimination” topping the list of things migrants least like about living in Australia.
When asked if Australians are caring, hospitable, friendly people, only 4% of Indians and Sri Lankans said yes, as did 3% of Britains and 1% of New Zealanders.
Andrew Markus, who spearheaded the study, said recent migrants reported ongoing issues with discrimination.
"Racial discrimination in Australia is not a minor matter. More than 40 per cent of recent arrivals from a number of Asian countries report experience of discrimination over the last 12 months," Professor Markus said.
In a recent marie claire survey in which we asked a selection of people overseas what they thought of Australia, a number of respondents said they were “surprised” by its immigration policies.
“The white population came off a boat themselves didn’t they?” asked Zoe Boyle in the UK. “I find it really hyprocritical that they are objecting to asylum seekers landing there.”
Meanwhile, Rob Ludgate from the UK added that he thought Australia was “backwards” when it came to certain social issues. “Elements of Australian culture can come across as regressive, a little racist and sexist,” he said.
On the flipside however, the Monash University study also found that almost two out of three (64%) migrants indicated that they were ‘very happy’ or ‘happy living in Australia, with many citing the quality of life as a big drawcard.
In addition, the use of technology means the sense of isolation reported in decades past has also decreased.
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