Who experiences racism?

Education

Anyone can experience racist behaviour, such as being abused because of the colour of your skin. It’s never okay, even as a one-off incident. And it’s even worse for people who experience it frequently, many of whom also experience discrimination in other areas of their lives.

Groups that regularly experience racism include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. They also often have to deal with systemic discrimination, which limits their access to the same opportunities and resources as many people from Anglo-Australian backgrounds.

“I don’t see that casual racism is acceptable. People who perceive they have the right and luxury to engage in racist practices do not understand that they are adding to a lifetime of injury for those of us who have had to navigate racism.”

— Kath, 50

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Aboriginal man staring straight at the camera

"Just being born Indigenous makes you feel second class.”

— Greg, 35

A survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria found that:

97 per cent had experienced racism within the last year.
Two out of every three people had experienced eight or more incidences a year.

Imagine the impact that would have on you, your family and your community.

Intergenerational impacts of racism

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also still dealing with the effects of past laws and government policies which resulted in them being removed to missions and reserves or taken away from their families. These laws and policies have caused huge amounts of hurt and pain for individuals, families and communities, which shows up in lots of different ways - poor health, high rates of mental illness and family breakdowns.

In many cases this disadvantage has been passed from one generation to the next, meaning that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today miss out on the opportunities that other Australians take for granted.

Migrants and refugees

"alt="Muslim business woman working on laptop with man in background watching."

“We get told that we cannot be trusted, that we are lazy. This is much harder to fight than looking for work or houses.”

— Chidike, 27

Many migrants and refugees also regularly experience racism, but not all in the same way. Their experiences are often shaped by when they came to Australia and where they have come from.

Recent arrivals

Migrants and refugees who have recently arrived in Australia — especially those whose skin colour, speech or dress is different than we’re used to — are more likely to be targets of racism. For example, research has found that we are more accepting of migrants from countries with a long history of migration to Australia, such as Italy and Greece, and that we tend to feel more negative towards “newer” groups of migrants from the Middle East and African countries.

Impact of media

Media reports and commentary that use negative stereotypes about refugees and new migrants can fuel prejudice against these groups in the wider community. And these attitudes can make it very difficult for new arrivals to find housing and jobs, and to feel connected to their communities.

Stand up to racism

There are no reasons or excuses for racism. It's just wrong. And in many cases, racism is against the law.

If you witness or experience racism, you may want to report it, seek support, or support those who have been negatively impacted. Explore the 'Responding to Racism' section of Racism. Its Up To Me website for information on services and reporting mechanisms available.

You can also get support or advice to deal with a difficult situation from organisations like Kids Helpline and ReachOut.