National Conference On Racism In A Global Context

An "Australian" event: The Cronulla Beach riot revisited

Nahid Kabir (Edith Cowan University)

On 11 December 2005, at Sydney's Cronulla beach, about 5000 "Australians" wrapped themselves in Australian flags to demonstrate their version of national identity, and thereby distinguish themselves from Australian-born Lebanese Muslims who were impudent enough to claim a share of this sacred space. The rather aggressive posturing of both parties raises the question of what constitutes "Australianness".

This paper briefly examines the Cronulla riot, considers the interview responses of some Australian Muslim students of Lebanese background in Sydney, and considers what it means for these Australians to be "Australian". The paper concludes by discussing some of the positive measures taken towards Muslim migrants in the wider community. It suggests policies about using Australian beaches and favours the notion of bi-culturalism. The research for this paper was supported by an early career researcher grant awarded by Edith Cowan University.

Session 6, Stream 3

Date & Time: Saturday 10 November (10.45am)

Location : ECL3

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Networking resistance to the terror frame: Australian Islamic internet culture as a reactionary force to a nation of fear

Ms Judith Elund (Edith Cowan University)

Recent events have seen an increased focus on Islam and Muslims throughout the world. In Western nations, this focus has often turned into fear and the demonization of an 'other' that is regularly misunderstood and misrepresented, further exacerbating tensions between the West and Islam. International terrorist activities, such as the London bombings of July 7, 2005 have seen an increase in fear of Muslims and of potential terrorism on our shores, ensuring Muslim issues have become a major focus in Australian news. Taking 7/7 as an example, the proposed presentation will supplement recent studies in exploring how select Australian news media position Muslims as an 'other' to mainstream Australian society, and how this has become synthesised with the political agenda of the current government. In addition to presenting a discourse analysis of three major Australian newspapers the paper will investigate the usage of internet networks by Muslim Australia. The analysis of these networks highlights the potential for a counter-culture to maintain a voice outside of the mainstream, as well as the possibility of reviving an eroded public sphere.

Session 6, Stream 3

Date & Time: Saturday 10 November (11.05am)

Location : ECL3

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Institutionalised racism and asylum seekers: The Australian community fights back

Anne Pedersen (Murdoch University)

Linda Briskman (Curtin University)

Mary Anne Kenny (Murdoch University)

Sue Hoffman (Murdoch University)

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child.This proverb emphasises the need to consider the whole context of relationships rather than take an individualistic view.Using the case study of Wasim, we look at the role of the Australian community in both allowing the hard-line treatment of asylum seekers, and the role of the Australian community in turning this around.To do this, we use Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework.We found that Bronfenbrenner's societal framework was more relevant for the allowing of the institutionalized racism of asylum seekers.Conversely, when looking at the community impact on attempting to turn this situation around, all of Bronfenbrenner's levels are highly relevant.Drawing on the perspectives of four researchers from four different disciplines, we note that the impact of the Australian policy is negative, most importantly for the asylum seekers themselves, but also for the whole of the Australian community.Finally, we note that communities are not helpless when attempting to turn around situations such as this.Although there are many issues which still need to be addressed regarding asylum seekers, change has occurred at all of Bronfenbrenner's levels.The community can make a difference.

Session 6, Stream 3

Date & Time: Saturday 10 November (11.25am)

Location : ECL3

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Anti-racism and the common person: lessons from Australia and New Zealand based on two case studies.

Farida Tilbury (Murdoch University)

Racism and anti-racism can be seen as duelling discourses which constantly cross reference each other. Using two data sources, one from interviews with Maori and Pakeha New Zealanders, and the other from letters to the editor by white Australians about asylum seekers, this paper explores the ways in which anti-racism expressed by ordinary people engages directly with dominant racist discourses. The paper explores some of the themes and linguistic devices used, arguing that a counter hegemonic discourse is alive and well and being used to challenge racism at a grass roots level. However, it also notes that some of the themes of the oppositional discourse in Australia actually reinforce some of the assumptions behind racist discourse.

Session 6, Stream 3

Date & Time: Saturday 10 November (11.45am)

Location : ECL3

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Racism and the health of Indigenous Australians

Yin Paradies (University of Melbourne and Menzies School of Health Research)

There is emerging evidence for the contribution of self-reported racism to ill-health among minority populations worldwide. However, very little research has been undertaken in relation to Indigenous Australians.

This paper begins by defining racism and discussing the pathways between racism and ill-health before presenting findings from the 2004-5 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS).

Over one in seven of the 5,757 Indigenous adults who participated in the NATSIHS reported being treated badly because of their Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander status.

Respondents of higher socioeconomic position were more likely to report experiences of racism as were those who identified with a tribal group, recognised a traditional country, lived in an urban area or were members of the Stolen Generation.

Self-reported racism was associated with poor self-assessed health status, psychological distress, diabetes, smoking and substance use. Stress mediated the association between racism and many of these health outcomes.

Compared to other Australians, Indigenous people are three times as likely to have diabetes and twice as likely to be hospitalised for mental disorders, to report fair/poor health and to be daily smokers. The contribution of self-reported racism to such ill-health highlights the importance of further research in this area.

Session 6, Stream 3

Date & Time: Saturday 10 November (12.05pm)

Location : ECL3