Australia racist, backward: Sol Trujillo

Raindog (User):

24 Million should be enough for the gringo to buy himself a set of ear-plugs, to save his sensibilities.

It's odd that a man from the homeland of the KKK, while commenting to reporters fom another land notorious for its problem skin-heads, would decide to accuse a nation he had just made a fortune from, as being racist.

This bitter businessman would be well served to take a good long look, and would be even better served by keeping his mouth shut.

edit(I know I did not refer to Sol as a busuiness man in my reply, that would have implied he possessed some actual business skill.)

todd_h86 (User):

"Trujillo, who was born in the United States, but has a Mexican heritage, was frequently referred to in the media as one of the "three amigos", referring to him and his two American friends Greg Winn and Phil Burgess who played right-hand roles to him"

I must say "Winn" and "Burgess" really are Mexican names..... how is it racist to call them the three amigos when 1 thats right 1 has mexican heritage... he is american not mexican! Once less wanker american in our country!! Screw you sol!

grantreibelt (New user):

I don't have a problem with anyone from the USA but it has to be said that Sol was crap and he is not a credit to any nationality he would represent. He was crap.

Ash (New user):

That's pretty funny. There are so many racists in America, particularly about Mexicans, often demanding deportation, but somehow using Spanish words to refer to a Mexican man, inoffensive ones at that, makes us not only equal but worse then American bigots.

An exasperated adios from me, and good riddance.

Alex C (New user):

This is just all ridiculous. I don't think his comments should be broadcasted at all.

I enjoyed this entry on it at www.sydneyspy.blogspot.com , takes the p*** out of the whole seriousness of it all.

Pauly (New user):

is it any more racist than Sol saying "G'day" when he first arrived in Australia?
Poor little rich white boy trying to pretend he's a misfortuned minority, makes him sleep far better in his penthouse

Tin (Regular user):

So it's racist if we use his lingo, but fine if he uses ours? How far up himself is this guy?!?!

Edit: He really takes the cake when you think about it... Almost every Australian will interact in some way with someone from another background every time they step outside. Yet most Australians will happily interact with no care for the other persons skin colour, clothing or accent (apart from maybe being frustrated because of language barriers).
Seems Sol is the common factor here. And it seems a little racist to call an entire country racists. He hasn't personally met me, so how would he know?

TV Bis (New user):

His mentality is the same as the company he worked for:-
Overpriced.
Thinks he is above everyone.
Willing to take your money and couldn’t give a dam about you in the end.
Cry's foul when he couldn’t get his own way.
Thinks everyone owes him for what he hasn't done.
A country which is back in time - behind the rest of the world?
Yes thanks to Sol & Telstra!
Goodbye..........

FindTheWalrus (User):

I tend to agree with Trujilo.....our broadband connections are definitely backwards(blame Telstra with or without Sol) as well as our dumb and obvious journalism(yes, he's Mexican - we get it). Also, K-Rudd is never funny:) Saying "adios" isn't particularly funny/inventive.

Raindog (User):

Quoting FindTheWalrus:
Also, K-Rudd is never funny:) Saying "adios" isn't particularly funny/inventive.

Yes of course but this post is about the sins of an entirely different bastard.

Tin (Regular user):

Quoting FindTheWalrus:
lso, K-Rudd is never funny:) Saying "adios" isn't particularly funny/inventive.


Maybe it wasn't meant to be funny... The laughter was probably due to being happy he was gone.

rjsquires (New user):

Bottom line is:
1. Krudd is arrogant
2. Everybody hates Sol (obviously)
3. "Adios" is NOT Racist!!!

Hemma (New user):

Besides the fact that Sol was never ever good at his job, if you look at his comment of Australians being Racists as a separate issue, I'd say, YES, we are a racist country!

Young kids on trains are targeting Indians for a bit of 'Curry Bashing', Cronulla riot... there are a LOT of examples of how racist this country is. If an Australian is in trouble overseas, the government here would intervene immediately, but if a foreigner here is killed, it's just 'Unfortunate', and we're working on it. I bet you any money, that Indian beating case... it'll just be another file in the cabinet, locked away gathering dust.

Not only that, Pauline bloody Hanson..... I CANNOT believe how this country would tolerate with a redneck to the point where she is a celebrity on a certain TV channel. It makes me sick.... it really does.

Some of you will think: Well America has the KKK.... BUT, instead of benchmarking yourselves against other countries, have you thought about YOURSELVES? I've read every single comment here, and nobody's ever questioned whether they are racist or not.

As an immigrant who came to Australia in the 1990s, i've witnessed countless number of cases of racism..... on the playground, at Pubs, in conversations.... Maybe its just that some of the people in this country do not think before they let loose.

Pfft. and those brainless rednecks that say: 'If you don't like it here, just get out.....' well, YOU are an immigrant too! You are on Aboriginal Land, and your forefathers didn't pay rent on land that's theirs.

I'm not standing by Sol for what he's done, and I HATE the fact that he's playing the race card. BUT, Australia is in fact, a racist country.... but some of you (not you the reader, but Australia in general) are just so pasty white, that you will never understand what's it like to be racially discriminated, so, just be happy that you're white this lifetime.

Raindog (User):

Quoting Hemma:
I'd say, YES, we are a racist country!

I'd strongly refute your claim!


Quoting Hemma:
there are a LOT of examples of how racist this country is.

On! There are lots of examples of unacceptable racism by individuals or groups of individuals. Do not dare to hang that on my nation. You could cite as many examples for every nation on earth many of them being implemented by civil and cross border war.


Quoting Hemma:
If an Australian is in trouble overseas, the government here would intervene immediately, but if a foreigner here is killed, it's just 'Unfortunate', and we're working on it.

That is simply rubbish, huge efforts and huge expenditure has been made on many occasions to find, return, heal, support and assist individual of other nations who have come to harm within Australia.


Quoting Hemma:
I bet you any money, that Indian beating case... it'll just be another file in the cabinet, locked away gathering dust.

Like any number of criminal events do. And why is it somehow due more credence because the assumed victim is Indian? Isn't that racist in itself? Would it be less important if the victim was Chinese, Australian or American? If we are taking everything to the Nth degree then your claim is racist.


Quoting Hemma:
Not only that, Pauline bloody Hanson.....

Well sorry you feel that way. But I will defend the fact that our country even gives Mad Women a say! I don't agree with Ms Hanson's ideaology but I defend her right to have a point of view. There is no place in Australia for an regime that intends on deny others a point of view without redress.


Quoting Hemma:
BUT, instead of benchmarking yourselves against other countries, have you thought about YOURSELVES?

Well how about you have a look at some of the countries which you defend! How about you compare the rights of women in the community from here to there? Do you see any caste system in Australia denying opportunity to vast sectors of the population?


Quoting Hemma:
As an immigrant who came to Australia in the 1990s, i've witnessed countless number of cases of racism.....

As a WASP I've experienced the negative side of endless positive discrimination. I've seen countless examples of migrants bringing their battles and prejudices to this country. Is it racist for Australia to wear the cost and violence from recent Tamil and anti-Tamil confrontations in our city streets? Indians, Arabs, Europeans, even Kiwis have been welcomed to integrate into the Australian community.


Quoting Hemma:
Pfft. and those brainless rednecks that say: 'If you don't like it here, just get out.....

Well Pfft all those who choose to bring the politics and dispute of another land to Australia. We don't need Serbs vs Croats at the tennis and soccer from those who are Australian by convenience yet wish to embroil us in some pointless overseas race war.


Quoting Hemma:
well, YOU are an immigrant too

7th generation proud Australian thank you, my ancestors were immigrants not me.


Quoting Hemma:
You are on Aboriginal Land, and your forefathers didn't pay rent on land that's theirs.

I am on Australian Land! I am not responsible for my forefathers? Do you wish to be responsible for yours and for the action of your nation of origin throughout the centuries?


Quoting Hemma:
but some of you (not you the reader, but Australia in general) are just so pasty white, that you will never understand what's it like to be racially discriminated, so, just be happy that you're white this lifetime.

That is possibly the most ignorant statement you could issue? You've played the race card and in the same breath dismissed the discrimination faced by the obese, the slow, those with religious affirmations, Collingwood and Manly Supporters and other with an identifiable hook. Skin color is not a curse in Australia.

You've made a disparaging attack on a tolerant nation, your attack is unwarranted. Sure there are racist individuals in Australia but there are those everywhere. I'd also not that the most blatant racist attitudes within our community are those show by recent migrants.

You are in a tolerant and accepting society that offers opportunity regardless of skin color or country of origin, if along the way you cop some name calling from the lunatic few then I'm sorry, but clearly the compromise is on the whole positive.
Do not dare to point blame at my nation when the comparisons don't support your position!

Raindog (User):

Quoting Hemma:
there are a LOT of examples of how racist this country is

There are a lot of examples of how tolerant and accepting Australia is.

Absense of a caste system, rights for women, and ethnic and cross border disputes going no further than a 3 game series of football.

Any racism demonstrated by a minority few is not an indictment upon the nation. Name me another nation with a greater ethnic tolerance and acceptance?

Hemma (New user):

Quoting Raindog:
There are a lot of examples of how tolerant and accepting Australia is.

There are nice people everywhere in the world. I've met them, and they help you out whichever way they can. I've experienced that... It's fantastic that there are people who have basic courtesy skills you'd expect from a decent person. However, I've also experienced first hand experience in racism here from an early age, and it was not just a one-off, but numerous occasions, and even now. The occasional 'ching chong' grunts, 'go back to your own country, you xxxxx'.... I've had a colleague who was from Germany.... and he's been labelled as a Nazi many times.... You have to be a foreigner to understand what it's like.

It's great that you don't have to experience it, but when you do, the examples of great people goes out the window....

Watch the Southpark episode of 'With Apologies to Jesse Jackson'.... although it puts things in a funny context.... but the message that 'I don't get it' rings very very true.

Raindog (User):

Quoting Hemma:
I've also experienced first hand experience in racism here from an early age, and it was not just a one-off,

I've been rained on many times, as recently as today, does that make Australia a rainy country?


Quoting Hemma:
but when you do, the examples of great people goes out the window..

Why? What happened to balance? A few bad eggs are now somehow the prevailing attitude? What happened to balance?


Quoting Hemma:
Watch the Southpark episode

Pass! I'd rather take my racial clues from something a little more grown up.

As for Mr Trujillo the man is a hypocrite, all his references to Optus as Singapore Peril weren't racially motivated. It seems some of those who call the race card are themselves the worst offenders.

FindTheWalrus (User):

Quoting Raindog:
What happened to balance? A few bad eggs are now somehow the prevailing attitude?

I wouldn't call the Cronulla riots "a few bad eggs" giving us all a bad name. It was a popular "uprising" on both sides - whether you were bashing anglo saxons or lebanese. And the police saying to indians to be less "indian" in order to "help" them on our -safe only if you don't fit the profile- public transport system. Plus, our newspapers through the years drawing Sol with a sombrero on a donkey "stealing" money from hard working citizens of australia......being called a bandit in parliament etc... I mean it's just very easy to make the case for underlying racism in our country. I am not going to debate how racist/backward we are compared to the US(and they(US) are building a wall on the Mexican border and they want mexicans out because they "steal" their jobs etc etc) but i will not stay blind to what was/is happening in our country.

ranting on a forum will not help- but recognizing the problems that we DO have, and consistent communication between communities may help.

....just my worthless opinion

cheers

Raindog (User):

Quoting FindTheWalrus:
I wouldn't call the Cronulla riots "a few bad eggs" giving us all a bad name. It was a popular "uprising" on both sides - whether you were bashing anglo saxons or lebanese.

Popular uprising is just a little bit of an exaggeration. Two mindless rabbles of testosterone (and alcohol) charged morons is far from an uprising. The whole sorry incident was universally condemned by the broader community.


Quoting FindTheWalrus:
Sol with a sombrero on a donkey "stealing" money from hard working citizens of australia......being called a bandit in parliament etc... I mean it's just very easy to make the case for underlying racism in our country.

And what of all the cartoon portrayals of Howard (and now Rudd) they must be racist too? For $30 odd million for a bodge job Sol is entitled to a good dose of public and media ribbing. If he was WASP they'd have made fun of his more than striking resemblance to Super Mario.

It's not racism lads, get over it! Oh and please spell Australia only with a capital "A", we're very proud of our wide brown land.

Hemma (New user):

RD, don't take this as an insult, as its never meant to be one. But, its ok to not understand what it means, let alone feels, when someone does not accept you because of the colour of your skin.

Raindog (User):

Quoting Hemma:
RD, don't take this as an insult, as its never meant to be one.

I did not see any personal insult, the only thing I found offensive was the sweeping generalisation that attempts to declare my nation as racist.

Quoting Hemma:
But, its ok to not understand what it means, let alone feels, when someone does not accept you because of the colour of your skin.

Don't assume people do not understand, those shunned for their weight, their accent, their IQ know exactly what it feels like to be not accepted.

Australia is a very accepting nation, to suggest any different is as a nonsense and an insult to those that have allowed our culture and wealth to be shared for generations!

TV Bis (New user):

Quoting Hemma:
It's great that you don't have to experience it, but when you do, the examples of great people goes out the window....

Racism is in all countries my friend. It's one of humankind’s failures to except others who appear different in some regards. I do not believe anyone who says that they have not thought of someone in a racist way. It's impossible because as I said before it's in our genetic makeup.
Even the fact that school bullying exists is a form of racism - one person thinking of another in a superior way. Have you not got upset at another when driving a car and thought racist comments?? Don't say no because I think you would have at some stage. One cannot deny different races throughout the world and one cannot deny the feeling of territorial rights.
Racism is not acceptable and should be frowned upon but I do not hold any country or their peoples at fault for what a minority may think.
Go to Russia or France and you will see what racism is all about!

 x  (User):

Well Sol, let me just say, adios

Aghori (New user):

the country is not racist, its just that all the whites have a gene problem.. first they have the skin problem which have effected there brains and second.. especially in Australia it is there genes. I would like to remind you that Australia was once a send off island for criminals and crooks, now these very whites were basically the first settlers and as evident from the recent attacks, have left certain criminal genes in there generations.

Bicycle (New user):

@Aghori:
I disagree with just about everything you just said. But my epic powers of deduction have deduced that you are a Troll.

I'm still offended that you think it's funny to write utter fabrications and get people fired up.

Bicycle (New user):

If we can learn anything from this article, it only takes one to stuff it up for everyone. Like the kid in class who threw scissors into the fan on the hottest day of the year. We all end up dealing with the detention/fans being off - or in this case, the Dramatic over dramatisation of the media dramatising one persons' point of view.

Fear breeds Hate. Hate breeds Racism. Discuss:

Sean Smith (New user):

Hi,

Sol made his own bed, sadly. Let's take stock here. USA has and hosts about 3 world series where only USA are involved. That says something about the basic mentality of US citizens. The world starts and ends between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Similarly Sol thought the telecommunications landscape in Australia started with the letter T and ended with the letter A.

And so he did ride into town and tried to bully everyone - regulators, politicians, competitors, customers. Regardless that he might have been a caricaturists dream, with that Spaghetti western moustache, his actions really lead to the public persona that was portrayed.

Of his tenure, lets break that down to. His brief was achieved very successfully - and the uproar regarding severance pay (with the bonuses) happened because people did not realise what his metrics were for his salary. I can assure you it had nothing to do with shareholder returns, shareholder wealth, increased revenues or EBITDA. He was brought in because of his reputation for disrupting and spoiling.

He is a champion exponent of putting insular policies into practice to ward off further re-regulation and access to publicly bestowed - and now Telstra owned - infrastructure.
Look at the financial performance metric during Sol's tenure and it become self-evident as to why he was employed, the outcome of his tactics (i.e. anamosity) and extraordinary severance pay - given the face value metrics.

He was hired to be the bad boy riding into town to do exactly what I have stated above specifically by the Telstra Board. Oh and the truth behind his early departure was soley (pardon the pun) to avoid our tax law impacts on him as a US ex pat working in Australia. He had about $11 million reasons to leave early. Perhaps these facts should be researched so people understood the full story. And perhaps Trujillo should do his homework and acknowledge that each country has a different culture of doing business and he failed to grasp our culture in many ways - and felt offended as a result. It could be argued that Americans are backward in doing business because there is little trust and faith in relationships in deference to terms of a contract - and the litigeous pursuit thereafter. Which is more advanced - open trust in forging business partnerships or reliance on litigation to resolve an impasse??

Adios and Amigo are part of our own humourous, affectionate vernacular. They are rarely used in a derogatory way - maybe because Sol had been so abrasive, the rub went the other way.

The important thing is that Sol has moved on - and now so can the Australian telecommunications industry as a whole - which sadly to Sol's view of the world at the time, is more than just Telstra.

Sean Smith
QLD

craigles35 (New user):

we are not racist.

craigles35 (New user):

australia is not a racist country,people from other countries are only saying it because they dont get our humor,so leave australia alone look at some other countries and see what they do and how they treat people before you start accusing australia who has always been able to speak freely about anything,if we are that racist how come we let so many people from other countries into our country to start a new and better life.if anyone is racist its the person calling australia racist.

marrian (New user):

Actually I agree with Trujilo. You only experience racism when your not a 'true blue aussie' or a white australian. Those that haven't experienced racism would not think australia is racist.

Raindog (User):

Quoting marrian:
Actually I agree with Trujilo.

A real meeting of minds.


Quoting marrian:
You only experience racism when your not a 'true blue aussie' or a white australian.

Of course! It's never racist when some out there Muslim cleric regards white women as a "piece of meat"! It's never racist when groups 1st and 2nd gen residents of Australia show contempt for the nations laws and customs!

Racism is not a vice solely the domain of white Australia, only a fool a coward or a divisive creep would suggest it was!!!!

And please note Australia or Aussie is spelt with a capital "A", it's the Anzac way, nothing less is acceptable!

marrian (New user):

So are you saying that there IS racism in Australia? Or there is no racism?

Raindog (User):

Quoting marrian:
So are you saying that there IS racism in Australia?

There are degrees of racism everywhere! For you to suggest it to be endemic throughout white Australia is a wicked,scurrelous an unfounded slur. The most apparent racism is Australia is between ethnic group who refuse to assimilate into the broader populous.

Isn't your accusation and singling out of white Australians with an Anglo heritage a racist and divisive act? If you wish to champion an absence of racism why choose to segregate and judge by skin colour, or heritage?

marrian (New user):

Quoting Raindog:
There are degrees of racism everywhere! For you to suggest it to be endemic throughout white Australia is a wicked,scurrelous an unfounded slur. The most apparent racism is Australia is between ethnic group who refuse to assimilate into the broader populous.

Isn't your accusation and singling out of white Australians with an Anglo heritage a racist and divisive act? If you wish to champion an absence of racism why choose to segregate and judge by skin colour, or heritage?

__________________

Did I say that there is RACISIM JUST in Australia? No! Of course there is racism all over the world, but that doesn't mean Australia doesn't have racisim. When did I suggest that it is endemic? "The most apparent racism is between ethnic groups who refuse to assimilate into the broader populous"???? The cronulla Riots? Pauline Hanson? And when did I single out white australians with an Anglo heritage? When did I choose to judge by skin colour? Not all Australians are racist! Of Course! But there ARE australians that are racist. Not ALL but it exists!

Raindog (User):

Quoting marrian:
When did I suggest that it is endemic?

You stated your agreement with that coward and vandal Trujillo who branded Australia as racist. Not some Australians, but Australia the nation. That levels the accusation at me and I find that very offensive.


Quoting marrian:
The cronulla Riots?

You wish to judge a whole nation by specifics and in particular an incident which showed appalling racist behavior from both side of the battle.

What of recent events in Melbourne & NSW, where Indian press chose to label the entire Australian population as racist over some specific events. What was the result when subsequent investigation showed several of the attacks and murders to have been at the hand of other Indian nationals. Right down to the jackass who set himself alight trying to torch his own car. Was there a retraction? Was there any apology to Australia or Australians for the unfounded accusations?

Take your claims of wholes sale racism and share them with the other insular nutjobs who wish to peddle such nonsense. Such claims are not credible and they are not welcome here!

marrian (New user):

Perhaps I didn't make this clear. I only agreed with Trujilo on the terms that Australia has racism. Not ALL australians are racist. I said that before, I wish you read my post carefully. I'll say it again: Not ALL Australians are racist. But of course there is racisim in this country. I am not judging a whole nation by specifics and " in particular an incident which showed appalling racist behaviour from both sides of the battle ". And you can't deny that there are racist people in Australia.

" take your claim of whole-sales racisim" DID YOU NOT READ MY POST BEFORE?

NOT ALL I repeat, NOT ALL australians are racist. Prejudice is not welcomed here.

Raindog (User):

Quoting marrian:
I only agreed with Trujilo on the terms that Australia has racism.

That was not the claim made by Trujillo!


Quoting marrian:
I wish you read my post carefully.

So that's a one way thing is it? you selectively ignoring that I stated racism can be found almost everywhere.


Quoting marrian:
I'll say it again: Not ALL Australians are racist.

Not all? wouldn't "only a tiny minority" be more accurate? Even if that truth makes it much harder to peddle a particular barrow?


Quoting marrian:
I am not judging a whole nation by specifics

Sure looks like it from here! You can quote Hanson or an incident at Cronulla as if those are the norms of Australia, typical of the behavior of an entire Nation. You do not have to say that specifically but that is the implication.

I've had a gutful of this divisive lefty crap, leveled at a nation that is probably one of the most accommodating to racial diversity on the planet. I've had a gutful of seeing the brain washing and the denial of Australian customs and traditions to appease noisy minorities. Those who cannot cope with things like children's Christmas parties or Easter eggs, and those who choose to lobby on behalf of an ethnic groups rights and advantages over others are the real racists.
Do not dare to label Australia racist, and if you do and find it abhorrent, well you no doubt know, where the airports are.

marrian (New user):

Hmmm...maybe I didn't get my message across to a lousy-brained like you. I said I agreed with Trujilo ON THE TERMS that australia has racism. But not on the OTHER TERMS that ALL australians are racist. Quoting Raindog:
So that's a one way thing is it? you selectively ignoring that I stated racism can be found almost everywhere.


I am not ignoring that you said racism can be found almost everywhere! Stop jumping to conclusions! Geezus, take a chill pill. I said I wish you read my post carefully because you thought I said All australians are racist. Seriously, calm down.
Quoting Raindog:
Not all? wouldn't "only a tiny minority" be more accurate? Even if that truth makes it much harder to peddle a particular barrow?


Its the same thing! Not ALL and "only a tiny minority" are the same thing. They both mean that there are racist Australians and non-racist Australians.
Quoting Raindog:
Sure looks like it from here! You can quote Hanson or an incident at Cronulla as if those are the norms of Australia, typical of the behavior of an entire Nation. You do not have to say that specifically but that is the implication.

See, thats just the view of a person who keeps jumping to conclusions. You need to take a nap, it seems your too agitated. I am definately not judging a whole nation by specifics. Just because I listed examples doesn't mean I'm judging a whole nation by specifics. And again, I said, NOT ALL Australians are racist.


Quoting Raindog:
I've had a gutful of this divisive lefty crap, leveled at a nation that is probably one of the most accommodating to racial diversity on the planet. I've had a gutful of seeing the brain washing and the denial of Australian customs and traditions to appease noisy minorities.

Minorities of what? It seems you aren't being clear, please state what you mean.

Quoting Raindog:
Those who cannot cope with things like children's Christmas parties or Easter eggs, and those who choose to lobby on behalf of an ethnic groups rights and advantages over others are the real racists.

I never knew anyone who cannot cope with things like children's christmas parties or easter eggs. What are you even talking about? This has very little to do with racism.

Quoting Raindog:
Do not dare to label Australia racist

Am I labeling Australia as racist? I am saying that there are Australians who are racist, and those who are not. Remember, I'll repeat again, NOT ALL AUSTRALIANS ARE RACIST.

It is almost hopeless to argue with someone who jumps to conclusions.

Raindog (User):

Quoting marrian:
maybe I didn't get my message across

maybe because it is garbage! With or without the included insults and poor grammar.


Quoting marrian:
Geezus, take a chill pill. I said I wish you read my post carefully because you thought I said

Where is the clarification? You label my Country and it's people as racist and supposed to be OK with that? Like hell!


Quoting marrian:
Its the same thing! Not ALL and "only a tiny minority"

It is nothing like the same thing. "Not ALL" could just as easily be read as almost every, no tiny minorities there.


Quoting marrian:
Minorities of what? It seems you aren't being clear, please state what you mean.

Any minorities who choose to identify themselves by race, colour or origin and who somehow believe the are due special treatment.


Quoting marrian:
I never knew anyone who cannot cope with things like children's christmas parties ........ This has very little to do with racism.

It has everything to do with racism, and ignorance and lack of respect for customs or beliefs of others.


Quoting marrian:
Remember, I'll repeat again, NOT ALL AUSTRALIANS ARE RACIST

Not good enough. Your statement still implies a racist nation or a nation tolerant of racism, something Australia is certainly not.


Quoting marrian:
It is almost hopeless to argue with someone who jumps to conclusions.

Even harder to rationalise with someone who has a closed mind a fixed and inherited opinion and a barrow to push. If you have racist claims to make point them at the individuals concerned rather than a broad swipe at a proud and inclusive nation!

marrian (New user):

so IS there racism in Australia?

Raindog (User):

Quoting marrian:
so IS there racism in Australia?

back peddle all you like but do not dare to call Australia racist or backward!

marrian (New user):

See? You haven't answered my question. You are avoiding it.You could just give me a yes or a no. IS THERE RACISM IN AUSTRALIA?

Raindog (User):

Quoting marrian:
You are avoiding it

I'm avoiding nothing. What did i say in my first reply to you. Read the topic again princess, that is the assertion you stated you agreed with. A particularly offensive statement made by a particularly divisive an self serving individual. Why anyone would wish to give credence or affirmation to such a statement is a wonder.

So you do the yes or no! Do you still stand by your agreement with Mr Trujillo's assertion that Australia is racist and backward?

marrian (New user):

Well there is no harm in saying it again since you were not clear in your response in the first comment. Is there racism in Australia? IS THERE? Give me a YES or NO and I will be content.

petert (Advanced Forumologist):

Yes marrian, there is racist in Australia. Go to any community of one particularly religious group (if you are from Sydney, anywhere between Lakemba and Bankstown would be a good starting point) and see how they treat Anglo-Celtic Aussies. There is little doubt that there was always some racism here, as there is in any country, but we've imported far more racism than I believe ever existed before. So, yes marrian, there is racism, but I doubt that it is in the way that you would like to it be portrayed. So much for ANZAC day and the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers to ensure the rights of men and women in our country! Are you wearing your burqa marrian?

 x  (User):

Let’s face it guys, Sol did a terrible job and bailed early.
He now needs to find a job somewhere for his next couple-o-million, and with what reference?
Sol claiming Australia to be racist is a pre-emptive strike on every person to mention the awful job he’s done.
Now anyone to mention that terrible job, is, as he claims, ‘racist’. And since ‘we’ don’t want to be racist, we have to ignore anything negative, anyone has to say of him, because we will not indulge racism, right?
This is a popular theme ongoing in America (where racism is both rampant and highly misunderstood/exaggerated), and has really been brought to light with the current administration. To disagree or raise a single question, is to be racist. I honestly laugh everytime I see this.
Is Australia racist?
Is Australia multicultural? Well hell yes.
Is Australia immune to the ‘us and them’ mentality. Well guess what, my soccer friends will always argue with my football friends. My metal friends dislike my digital friends, yet they're so much the same.
Not all differences can be celebrated, they are however, a point of discussion or observance and at the very least something curious. And of course, for so many the unknown raises concern or feared.

Racism is a human trait. It’s an obvious part of the simple formula of friendship. Our friends are those we share similarities with, and are distinguished by the differences to everyone else. For those who’s friendships are not secure, they fall to obvious and pointless exploitation of those with the greatest differences (ie. culture) to enhance their supposedly existing relationships.

It’s so easy to see so much variety in a country as multicultural as Australia. Some would have us believe it is racist just to be aware of this variety.

One quick thought on the Cronulla riots. They were not as racist as everyone would believe. Young males love violence. What? We need a reason?
I expect 90% of people involved in the riots have friends within the ‘opposition’. I also expect that 80% of the people involved, had at least one friend there, on the day, on the opposing side.

If a schoolyard bully were to pick on just one student, chosen entirely randomly, there would be what, 20-40% chance the random victim would be of the same nationality. Aha! Racism!

There is racism in every country, it is the yin to the national pride yang. Unfortunately it is also a plaything of the ignorant.

Can we all just agree that since we don’t live in the Star Trek universe, racism does exist, only not so much for Sol, he’s just a tool.