Is something rotten in Australia?

Fiona Katauskas

Writing in The Age today, Sushi Das believes an undercurrent of intolerance permeates our society. Following is an excerpt:

“In Australia, racism is embedded in the history of colonisation and migration. Some link modern expressions of racism to notions of nationhood. If being a "real" Australian is presented as the norm through a host community's customs and beliefs, then racist beliefs will inevitably find expression through stereotyping.

Of course, in this multicultural, tolerant country, many people are not racists, but there are ever-present signs that something ugly lurks just below the surface. It was not that long ago that Aboriginal footballer Michael Long was called a "black bastard" during a match and Nicky Winmar raised his guernsey and pointed to his black skin in response to similar abuse.

In the political arena, John Howard, through his carefully chosen words, and sometimes through a lack of words, has fostered an environment in which racial prejudice can flourish.

When Pauline Hanson told Federal Parliament "I believe we are in danger of being swamped by Asians", Howard failed to specifically repudiate her comments and instead welcomed them as a return to free speech.

In 1998 he told the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils: "I genuinely believe there are some who seek to prey upon community fears to encourage a sense of hostility towards people of particular racial backgrounds."

Yet three years later, just before the 2001 (Tampa) election, that is exactly what he did when he fuelled racist beliefs by condemning queue-jumping asylum seekers whom he wrongly claimed had thrown their children overboard.

Tapping into racism delivers votes. When the stench of racist sentiment is evident in government policy (mutual obligation), asylum-seeker regulations, political rhetoric, community attitudes and individual values, there is something rotten going on.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act. Last year the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission received 159 complaints under the act. It should receive none.”