Why is racism a problem?

The effects of racism

Racism can cause a lot of damage to both individuals and communities.

On individuals

If I wasn't hearing bad things about myself, I wouldn't think "oh, I'm a bad person, I can't do this, I am not going to do it". Whereas if no one said anything bad about me, I would push myself harder into doing things and knowing that I can do it, no matter what happens I will do it … but I just can't."

- Ekta, 15

A study of over 800 Australian secondary school students found that racism had huge mental health impacts on young people who experience it, including:

• ongoing feelings of sadness, anger, depression and being left out
• headaches, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, muscle tension
• a constant fear of being verbally or physically attacked
• not wanting to go to school
• having little or no trust in anybody apart from family.

These impacts can reduce people's ability to work or study, and to achieve their future goals. Racism also affects people's general wellbeing when they are denied equal access to jobs, services and education.

Racism makes me question myself and why things have to be this way … I wondered one day what it would be like to be white and how much better my life would probably be. That was a low point."

- Andrew, 19

On communities

Communities Australia is now a very culturally diverse country – about half of us were born overseas or had one or more parents born overseas. When racial tensions develop, they don't just affect one or two of us - they affect us all… as neighbours, workmates, friends and fellow Australians. Racism creates a society where people don't trust and respect each other. When it's allowed to flourish, it lessens us as a people.

Remember the Stolen Generations… the White Australia policy… these are the ugly times in our history. We need to be vigilant in making sure that these kinds of things are never allowed to happen again.

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.

Racial Discrimination? Know your rights

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) was a landmark in Australian race relations. It was a legislative expression of a new commitment to multiculturalism and it reflected the ratification by Australia of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act, the Australian Human Rights Commission developed resources aimed at raising awareness about the Act and how it can be used to protect against racial discrimination and vilification.

The resources include an educational video, an accompanying PowerPoint presentation, poster and postcard. If you want hard copies of the poster and postcards, please contact us at publications@humanrights.gov.au.

Find out more about Racial Discrimination? Know your rights.

Further reading

• Think critically about common myths and misconceptions about racism.
• Explore who experiences racism?
• Understand why people are racist?
• Be aware of where racism happens?
• Review a guide to addressing spectator racism in sports
• Understand the Australian Human Right's Commission work on Race Discrimination
• Explore human rights teaching resources relating to racism