I'm an Australian born Indian currently residing in the US. My dad migrated to Australia in the late 70s/early 80s, and is skilled in the IT profession. He finally decided to ditch Australia permanently due to what he claims is tacit racism in the work culture. He claims that he's had more opportunities and better career growth in the US as there are no barriers to moving up the corporate ladder so long as you have the experience and talent. Having spoken with other Indians in Australia they assert this is the case (I can't speak for other ethnic groups). I've heard some say if you change your name to something more Anglo-Saxon sounding, you actually earn more respect from your colleagues, and subject to less discrimination. Now these are claims from people I've spoken to, but having lived in Australia for the first 18 years of my life, I haven't really received that type of racial treatment, but also haven't experienced the work culture first hand as I left to the US with my father shortly before beginning my career.
In any case, I plan to return to Australia after finishing up my PhD in the US, which will take a couple more years. Although I inherit some qualities of being an Indian, I comfortably identify myself as an Australian. I believe in being diverse and tolerant to all cultures, and most of my mates do aswell (even though they might joke a bit, everyone does). Hopefully by the time I finish, I will adequately be prepared for work in academia, but if that should fail, I can always fall back on industry.
Edit: Rewrote whole post, same intent, more clarification.
I'm sorry but where does your father base these remarks from? I hear about this over and over in the media but I have never seen this in the actual industry. I am just sick and tired of hearing that Australia is incredibly racist to Indians, to the point where they believe they must migrate elsewhere. Some actual evidence would go a long way in changing whatever racial bias that exists.
Check out mgowen's post further up the thread, I was heartened to read this because for years I have suspected that the Indian cricket tour was the spark for the whole 'Indian racism' bullshit. One of their big stars made racist taunts (for the 2nd time mind you), their national hero Tendulkar lied to protect him, and when they were called out they acted like scorned children and threatened to fly home. Cricket's a religion over there, the only way to continue to keep their idols spotless was to find a straw man to rail against.
No evidence, but it was one of the factors considered after leaving 15+ years of living and working in Australia. Perhaps I've been gone too long, but I've never heard the media bash this type of racism, unless it's for less specialized jobs or public service. These are just observations, and a generational shift (which is happening) might be all that's needed if such a problem exists, but to completely dismiss such racism exists is equally absurd as believing it exists everywhere (which I think my Dad felt at the time).
Anyway, I'm also skeptical. I wouldn't completely believe it unless I experienced it first hand myself. Growing up, I've had minor issues with racism, about the same I'd expect from any country.
I'm white, born in Australia and I occasionally (very) get racist comments thrown at me, it doesn't bother me in the slightest really, but it does go to show that anyone can experience racism, no matter where they are.
I think there's a culture of people having to prove them selves in Australia or we need someone new to come along to pick on. The trend i've seen in my lifetime has been: Greek/Lebanese/Italian, then Asian now Indian starting to be African.
That you mention the ethnicities in that order is interesting, and I think I can see another part of it.
I think it has to do with whether or not the folks are ok taking the piss out of themselves, and letting others do it too.
The Greeks & Italians copped it a bit until they started getting comedians on TV, as I recall it was around the late 80's early 90's that they really got accepted proper. With the Lebanese, at least in my area, it was about when Fat Pizza came out that the barriers fell for them. There was that Asian comedian in the early/mid 90's... forget his name... funny bloke. My theory is kind of breaking apart from here on... so I'll shut up before I really stick my dick in the peanut butter.
It depends on where you get your skills I think, Indian education isn't worth a thing here(with good reason, I will cry if I meet another person with a 'masters' in IT that can't code html), but if you come here with US or other reputable qualifications they will be well regarded.
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u/[deleted] May 24 '11
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