Australia is a multi cultural society in which hundreds of nationalities live together peacefully. Having lived in Europe, I often feel that the Australian society in general copes much better with multi cultural issues as European countries. Yet, like anywhere else in the world, some people clearly hold racist views. Have you experienced racism in Australia? What happened? Is it become better or worse than before? Being an international student and living in Australia, do you feel like a wanted or unwanted immigrant? Let me know.

 Hi,

thanks alot for your kind opinion. It will help me to take importatant decision of my life.

thanks.

Hi Anita,

Safety is a very relative issue. Crime figures in Australia are low compared with other countries and from statistics it seems that international students are in less danger to me mocked or assaulted than Australians. An Argentinian friend is happy to go home alone late by train, while she would never dare to do that in Argentina. However `to feel safe somewhere` often does not depend on statistics but on your personal experiences. I feel very safe in Australia and I would say: don't worry, Melbourne is a great place to live and enjoy life!

Bert

 Hello all,

                  I am planning to come Australia ,Melboune in March 2010 for my PhD . I would like to know that how much is it safe now for Indian student? 

Regards,

Anita

Has anyone heard of the NIMBY Syndrome?

The NIMBY (Not-In-My-Back-Yard) syndrome is particular strong in Australian (and in some Western Cultures).  If represents the fact that most Australians don’t mind or tolerate something as long as it is “not in their backyard” (or neighbourhood).

In my view, it is an isolated and selfish approach to living, which has no basis for understanding.  A kind of sheltered ignorance, and represents some of the fears that Australians face, such as the “Asianisation” of Australia.  Most Australians, would say that they are not racist, yet would they live next to or even live with an Asian?

My argument is that most would not if they had a choice.  The case in point is a former housemate of mine, a “WASP” (White-Anglo-Saxon-Protestant), who says he is not racist, but when asked if we could have an Asian housemate, he refused it outright (and became defensive about his position).  When I asked him why, his answer was: “I have lived with one before and I didn’t like it and I felt uncomfortable”.  My response was: “so you’ve lived with one and that makes a good representation for the rest of the Asian population”……hmmm interesting………

Surely, shouldn’t we have more tolerance of others and push our personal boundaries of understanding?  Isn’t that what life is all about, or am I missing the point?