Australian racial epithet

[Still Life]

I went to Australia a few years back, there was a bar that was actually racially segregated, there was a "white" side and an "abo" side, one of the "abos" got too close to the other side, and nearly got beaten, I left soon after, obviously it doesn't represent all of Australia, but the fact that that is legal, or was at the time, is pretty disgusting

Things have improved by a fair degree over the past decade or so, but the national statistics are still abysmal. A few communities are doing quite well and there is a growing number of us who are getting a higher education so that we can help change things through the dominant system of power. What is needed is a system of Indigenous sovereignty so that tools of accountability can be implemented in Aboriginal communities. Community and cultural development will be key to addressing health related matters and reduce contact with the justice system. It would also help cross-cultural communication which is absolutely vital, as those positive discourses are underdeveloped.

There's actually a lot of funding, but its implementation has been misguided, mismanaged and become a victim of bad politics both on the Aboriginal and non-Aborginal side of the fence. There are still segregated communities in existence, though, these issues don't get much media attention.

Don't get me wrong. I stated earlier in this thread about the growing number of Australians getting involved with the issues, wanting to help communities get on their feet and practice their culture, so I'm quite positive about the future. Education is key.

 

[Furioso]

I went to Australia a few years back, there was a bar that was actually racially segregated, there was a "white" side and an "abo" side, one of the "abos" got too close to the other side, and nearly got beaten, I left soon after, obviously it doesn't represent all of Australia, but the fact that that is legal, or was at the time, is pretty disgusting

Things have improved by a fair degree over the past decade or so, but the national statistics are still abysmal. A few communities are doing quite well and there is a growing number of us who are getting a higher education so that we can help change things through the dominant system of power. What is needed is a system of sovereignty so that tools of accountability can be implemented in Aboriginal communities. Community and cultural development will be key to addressing health related matters and reduce contact with the justice system. It would also help cross-cultural communication which is absolutely vital, as those positive discourses are underdeveloped.

There's actually a lot of funding, but its implementation has been misguided, mismanaged and become a victim of bad politics both on the Aboriginal and non-Aborginal side of the fence. There are still segregated communities in existence, though, these issues don't get much media attention.

Don't get me wrong. I stated earlier in this thread about the growing number of Australians getting involved with the issues, wanting to help communities get on their feet and practice their culture, so I'm quite positive about the future. Education is key.

Well that makes me feel better, thank you for that well written response, it really angered me when I was there, nice to know there is progress

 

[Xixikal]

How the hell did you make that connection?

You said:

if you fail to see the foundations of racism in Australia through its institutional foundations/frameworks and class structures

And I just thought that I'd clarify, that I don't believe myself to be racist despite you clearly viewing Australian society to be.

You mean besides being an Aboriginal person myself? I don't want your sympathy. I want you to actually listen, because if you had been paying attention there is no way you would ave pulled such a stupid question.

I wasn't specifically directing my sympathy at YOU, rather people who have suffered not only in the past, but now. Along with Aboriginal Australians, the Jews, gypsies and homosexuals sent to concentration camps like Auswitz and Saxenhausen, the mentally and physically disabled who were sent to 'hospitals' to be 'cured' in Nazi Germany, the Native Americans of both the north and south, the poorly treated chinese minorities (e.g. the Tibetan people), the buddhist monks in Vietnam, victims of the White Terror during the Russian Revolution, the people living in poverty in China's rural areas, millions of asylum seekers fleeing from their homes during civil war, the British natives during the Roman invasion... clearly I could go on.

You think that my sympathy equates to pity, it doesn't. I cannot possible empathise with people who have lost so much when I am so privileged, the best I can do is acknowledge their pain try and help. Is that really so wrong?

 

[Still Life]

I cannot possible empathise with people who have lost so much when I am so privileged, the best I can do is acknowledge their pain try and help. Is that really so wrong?

OK. I think we have misunderstood eachother and I apologise for some pretty biting commentary which has been rendered unwarranted. This last statement is exactly the right attitude to have.

I think where you have misinterpreted me lies in the semantics. You see, addressing the issue isn't about changing the past. It's acknowledging that the past still exists very much in the present for Aboriginal people; it is about being proactive, and open in approaching the problems. Simply throwing money at it won't solve anything and has created welfare traps and compounded poverty cycles. It's not about wage management, interventions, child protection, or any other form of government paternalism. And it isn't simply just getting a job. This means many things, including giving power to -- and consequently -- responsibility back to Aboriginal communities. Education and culture are key to sustaining positive outcomes and eliminating the destructive lifestyle vices that have become too far entrenched in some communities.

Too many people say 'it's in the past' as a way of washing their hands of responsibility for wrongs which continue in Australia. That is where I misinterpreted what you were saying.

Many people think that it's an issue of assigning guilt, or 'finger pointing' -- it's not. This is where reconciliation comes in. We need bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people so that a more equitable relationship can be formed. Australia has been built upon racist/ethnocentric foundations. That does not mean that every individual person is a racist person. Far from it. However, the effects are still felt when the government passes legislation for Aboriginal people with no regard for those affected, and with no consultation. It's still felt when mining corps strip mine Aboriginal land with zero consideration and accountability for environmental impact. It's still felt when 6000 children become displaced by the NT intervention. It's felt when tourists climb and shit allover Uluru, a sacred site of the Pitjantjatjara. I could go on, but you get the picture.

An official apology and acknowledgement of the continuing harm only happened in 2008.Terra Nullius was deemed illegal in 92. These achievements are yesterday and there are still a lot of issues to be fixed.

I stated earlier in this thread that I'm positive about the future and there are legal reforms in the pipeline. There is a growing number of people who want these problems to end and who want to learn about Aboriginal culture and take pride in it. It's not about guilt. It's about getting things done and people's lives back on track.

 

[DrHahn]

What I'm saying here is both sides need to put in effort. BOTH.

My apologies, and thank you for clarifying. And I fully agree with the above statement; I have plenty of bones to pick with certain Aboriginal 'leaders'. Believe me when I say that there is a lot of frustration towards the greed and politicking of a few Aboriginal people who have made things harder on the rest of us.[/quote]

I can't stand it when what I say is taken out of the meaning I give, so apology accepted. Apologies too, if what I said first off sounded racist. I didn't mean it in that way at all.

 

[No_Remainders]

Dick Van Dyke CANNOT speak cockney to save his life

You say it as if it's a language...

OT: Shrug. I've never really noticed it to be honest, but that might be because I haven't played Dead Rising past mid-way through the sewers part because the game stomps on your face with the infected zombies in groups of 4/5.

 

[KnowYourOnion]

Actually, "Jap" is most definitely a derogatory term.

This is kind of just my opinion here, but I've used the word in front of Japanese people before and they took it what was, a shorter term for Japanese. I'm my eyes though the actual derogatory term for them is nip. Jap I feel can be used without being racial just like abo.

I thought 'yellow monkeys' was the racist term for people from that part of the world. I don't get the whole abbreviated racial insults. Pakistani is fine but paki is disgracefull. Japanese is fine but jap is an insult. WTF?

Racism:
1.a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2.a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3.hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.


I don't see anything in the dictionary definition of 'racism' that suggests abbreviated terms are racist

It's the intent behind them that causes offence, I wouldn't consider the term Jap offensive but I probably wouldn't say it to a Japanese person because certain unscrupulous fucksocks DO use the word in a derogatory way. It's the same for the term Paki, the majority of the people who use the term Paki are working class yobs who are very racist indeed and use it as an insult.

 

[Ris]

Also no one would say half-abo, half-caste is the word for a mix.

http://www.intermix.org.uk/features/FEA_22_half.asp

I don't think many people actually realise how offensive that term is. Sorry to pick on you, but you said it with such authority that I couldn't let it slide :/

 

[Loonyyy]

I've heard the term "abo" used a fair bit. I'm an Australian, and no, I can't see why the term is racist. I can't see why the term "******" is racist either. The fact of the matter is though, if they find it offensive or racially degrading, then they do. Both of these terms are horrible to use, and if you use them as abreviations, then it's as bad as abbreviating Copper (Cu) Nano Tubes (You can work it out, and see how offensive it is.)

If I call you a purple headed stinker, what does that do that can offend you? It's false, and what is objectively objectionable about smelling bad? What someone constitutes as an insult is up to them. When it's an entire race, then you're messing with a large group with a term that they find refers to the degradation of their people, something that White Australians, and indeed, most White people, have not experienced. So respect their feelings, unless you have damn good reason not to. There's no reason that the word is offensive. Neither is there any reason for most swear words to be offensive. But if I vocalised them at your mother or significant other, you would likely not be particularly enamoured of me, so clearly, offense is relative to the offended.

 

[Hellz_Barz]

Also no one would say half-abo, half-caste is the word for a mix.

http://www.intermix.org.uk/features/FEA_22_half.asp

I don't think many people actually realise how offensive that term is. Sorry to pick on you, but you said it with such authority that I couldn't let it slide :/

I don't think you realise I was just explaining that nobody in Australia saya half-abo. Didn't say I go around saying it or that I condone its use. I say it with a authority cause I live here and know how people talk.

 

[MvP Worthy]

I'm Australian, and whenever I hear someone say "abo" it's almost always meant in a racist way.

I rarely hear it anymore though, when I do it's usually from the older racist crowd.

 

[Merkavar]

i would say that cause all of non australns probaly dont know wt abo means and i am going to kill this dam keyboard son if it doesnt start working properly on is site.

 

[Ris]

Also no one would say half-abo, half-caste is the word for a mix.

http://www.intermix.org.uk/features/FEA_22_half.asp

I don't think many people actually realise how offensive that term is. Sorry to pick on you, but you said it with such authority that I couldn't let it slide :/

I don't think you realise I was just explaining that nobody in Australia saya half-abo. Didn't say I go around saying it or that I condone its use. I say it with a authority cause I live here and know how people talk.

Ah, your wording made it sound otherwise. That's cool, it happens.

 

[Ilikemilkshake]

I've heard the term "abo" used a fair bit. I'm an Australian, and no, I can't see why the term is racist. I can't see why the term "******" is racist either. The fact of the matter is though, if they find it offensive or racially degrading, then they do. Both of these terms are horrible to use, and if you use them as abreviations, then it's as bad as abbreviating Copper (Cu) Nano Tubes (You can work it out, and see how offensive it is.)

If I call you a purple headed stinker, what does that do that can offend you? It's false, and what is objectively objectionable about smelling bad? What someone constitutes as an insult is up to them. When it's an entire race, then you're messing with a large group with a term that they find refers to the degradation of their people, something that White Australians, and indeed, most White people, have not experienced. So respect their feelings, unless you have damn good reason not to. There's no reason that the word is offensive. Neither is there any reason for most swear words to be offensive. But if I vocalised them at your mother or significant other, you would likely not be particularly enamoured of me, so clearly, offense is relative to the offended.

I get what you're saying, and i agree with most of it, i dont really find swear words offensive either, they're just words, they dont really have a reason to be offensive.. BUT he word ****** definatly has reason to be offensive because of its derogatory slave connotations.

Im not Australian, so to me, while the term "abo" probably isnt politically correct i dont really see it is as offensive.. But thats because i havent been brought up in Australia where there are still ongoing issues involving natives and non natives, which probably gives the term abo negative connotations or implies a certain stereotype.

As for Dead Island, i havent played it.. but as far as im concerned, as long as this "abo" you're supposed to kill or whatever, isnt a complete stereotype (although im aware thats probably a big ask considering how stereotypical the white austraians are in the game) then i think its perfectly acceptable to use, and infact the game could have used this to highlight the issue of race in a meaningful way.

 

[Mudze]

Depends on the context, end of thread.

 

[Robert Ewing]

Dick Van Dyke CANNOT speak cockney to save his life

You say it as if it's a language...

OT: Shrug. I've never really noticed it to be honest, but that might be because I haven't played Dead Rising past mid-way through the sewers part because the game stomps on your face with the infected zombies in groups of 4/5.

It might as well be. I'm English, and live near London, yet I don't understand a word of cockney.

 

[Loonyyy]

As for Dead Island, i havent played it.. but as far as im concerned, as long as this "abo" you're supposed to kill or whatever, isnt a complete stereotype (although im aware thats probably a big ask considering how stereotypical the white austraians are in the game) then i think its perfectly acceptable to use, and infact the game could have used this to highlight the issue of race in a meaningful way.

A good point: Offensive language used in a provacative or thought provoking way can be a good thing: the use of racist ters in period pieces for instance, adds a layer of realism to a situation, and a social commentary on the evolution of society. Swearing in say, a war game, or a game about gangs, or a movie or other media, adds to the realism and immersion of the world. It depends on the context, if racism is being shown in a positive light, then it's likely offensive, but when you have say, a racist character (Think Cartman from South Park) you can use them to tell a story.

CAPTCHA: Owlope More.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

very few of us Aboriginal people will accept it when it is used

Sort of makes it a give away on whether it's an acceptable term, doesn't it?

It's generally regarded as offensive, but I don't deny that some communities/families have adopted it as a passive form of resistance to racism. Between more intimate relationships and within Aboriginal circles it is used, but in a broad, general sense, the term is found to be rather offensive/disrespectful. Though, there are other, more 'colorful' terms being employed.

Well, yes, I meant in general terms. How it's used/received amongst smaller groups is, of course, a different story and we could probably overload the forum server trying to cover them all.

Hell, just in my family, I have 3 different cases regarding the word 'Abo':

I would never use it when conversing with my Uncle because he'd consider it disrespectful. He's old school Stolen Generation and Mission educated (same Mission as Gerry Hand and that mob). Only got to keep cultural connection because his Grandmother would sneak the kids out at night on weekends and teach them. His father was killed by spearing as the result of an interclan feud (my uncle's mother was from the rival clan). I tell him every time he brings up his childhood experiences he should write a book but he always just shakes his head and says he's not a writer... but yeah, the reason he'd consider the word disrespectful is because he's heard it all and words by themselves just don't offend him but he'd take it's use as a sign of having no respect for him.

I wouldn't use it in conversation with one of my cousins because he'd consider it offensive (yet we call each other all sorts of other names as a laugh). My cousin basically grew up middle class 'white' and was in his late teens before he got interested in his own culture, with all the zeal usually displayed by recent converts to any 'cause' (not exactly the right word but I can't think of something more appropriate). He isn't as hypersensitive to any signs of racism as he used to be (he's mellowed with age) but he's still got his Take No Shit From Anyone attitude when he encounters it.

With my nephews who're of Aboriginal descent, they couldn't give a fuck what I called them... but then again, that's probably because only older aboriginals can peg them as having any Aboriginal ancestry so it's not like they've really had to deal with the negatives.

Of course, it's not a word I use unless I'm taking the piss... If I want to provoke someone by using racist words I use much stronger ones to leave no ambiguity as to my intentions - it's the polite thing to do, after all. Other than that, I use the terms 'Indigenous Australian', 'Aboriginal' or, in informal settings, 'blackfella'.

I have plenty of bones to pick with certain Aboriginal 'leaders'. Believe me when I say that there is a lot of frustration towards the greed and politicking of a few Aboriginal people who have made things harder on the rest of us.

I dunno how it is these days but nepotism used to be the biggest problem. All the money, influence and power in any given region would end up concentrated in the hands of a few prominent families, often all from the same clan. All that sort of bullshit played into the Federal govt's hands and gave Howard an excuse to break up ATSIC.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Too many people say 'it's in the past' as a way of washing their hands of responsibility for wrongs which continue in Australia.

That's possibly the biggest part of the problem. Not having a personal connection with past wrongs doesn't mean anything in the context of, just for example, several Aboriginal communities having the worst access to health care in the world... In a 1st World Nation... that has Universal Healthcare. That should be worn as a national badge of shame not shrugged off with a bullshit excuse.

I stated earlier in this thread that I'm positive about the future and there are legal reforms in the pipeline. There is a growing number of people who want these problems to end and who want to learn about Aboriginal culture and take pride in it. It's not about guilt. It's about getting things done and people's lives back on track.

It's about undoing a cultural genocide, and that's something that takes time and money to do. Various governments have tried all the quick fixes and now people are finally starting to twig that the only way shit is going to get sorted and stay sorted to the benefit of all is to do it right, regardless of the time and cost.