Being Australian has always been defined in sexist terms. It has also been defined in racist terms. In the early days the pioneers' battle against the hard land was also seen as the struggle against the dangerous and 'wily' blacks. Later the fight was against migrants who would dilute the British character of the nation, and undermine the race. (Keegan 1986). This Quote in fact highlights the racist bigotries in Australian society. In this essay the extent of which Australian society has been shaped by racism towards Indigenous people and towards immigrants will be explored. This will be done through defining racism, the forms of racism, and how these forms relate to school education. And also through past history of this countries policies such as the anti-Chinese policy and the White Australian policy are a reflection of how our society has been shaped around racism and discrimination. Today's education system will be used to give examples of how the two forms of racism are still quite apart of its policies through the use of deculturation process of our indigenous children and immigrants (NESB) entering our schools.
Australian Coat of Arms (adopted 1912)
Sign for "colored" waiting room at a Greyhound bus...
English: A range of coloured ochres were obtained ...Although there are multicultural policies within the education system we have to ask ourselves do these address racism, in terms of catering for all not just the majority Anglo Australian population or are they racist tending to discriminate against minority groups.
The Macquarie dictionary defines racism as the belief that human races have distinctive characteristics which determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that ones own race is superior and has the right to rule or dominate others; Offensive or aggressive behaviour to members of another race stemming from such a belief; A policy or system of Government based on it.
Racism is form of prejudice. Many people tend to consider their own...