Originally Posted by MD09

You need to look up the meaning of racism, boy.

For example, stating that I believe Italy has more culture than England is not racist in any shape or form.

Originally Posted by betterskierthanthewife

I mean how could anyone say that this is racist? "Irish Scots French and Italians have class and English have none".

Originally Posted by chmaiden

Hi
we have applied for our 136 visa after visiting Aus last year (drove a motor home from Sydney to Melbourne and had a great time). We are looking at moving to either Melbourne or Brissie (although may have to go to Sydney for a bit for work). However, I am Welsh and my wife has Jamaican parents - I am concerned about the levels racism that we might get.
Anyone else have any problems?
tia

Originally Posted by Teabag

It is a generalisation regarding a particular people, while not "racist" it is still offensive

Originally Posted by wmoore

It's got nothing to do with status. And yes, racism has got to be in the perception of 'the giver' to a degree. Ignorance may not be an excuse but surely racism is about intent to discriminate or offend? Look it up:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism

So for me that all suggests that there should be some intent to belittle, upset or harm someone when being 'racist'. All I'm saying is that I do not believe Australians (in general) use those terms in a derogatory or prejudicial way. That's not to say that it's never used that way but in general it isn't.

So in response to the OP - and as I've already said - I don't believe that racism is a real problem here. Of course there are idiots who think and act that way but the majority do not. I don't believe that an Asian, African or Jamaican will suffer from racism any more than they would in the UK.