By Ruby Doan
Racism in Australia is hiding in systems and institutions and manifests in inequity and injustice, according to a new publication by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
In a strategic step towards rewriting the narrative surrounding racism, the AHRC has released a series of informative fact sheets that shed light on the racism reflected in institutions and daily life.
The guide, Common Myths & Misconceptions About Racism, serves as a catalyst to instil meaningful change in Australian society.
The factsheets aim to encourage introspection and reflection about how racism does not only affect thoughts and interactions through raising awareness about its depth of effect in the creation of policies.
“Whilst racism can come in the form of harassment, abuse, or violence, it also exists in systems and institutions and manifests in inequity and injustice,” they say.
The AHRC emphasises the importance of understanding the issue further than the surface of interpersonal racism, where behaviours and interactions are motivated by racist beliefs.
The myth of meritocracy is debunked, with the Commission underscoring the impossibility of a fair playing field.
“Belief in a meritocracy does not take into consideration the many discriminatory structural and societal pressures that continue to have a negative impact on the lives of First Nations peoples and other negatively racialised communities,” factsheets emphasised.
The guide affirms whiteness as the desirable norm for success, bolstering systems that prioritise white communities whilst redirecting the blame for systemic failures onto disempowered individuals of colour.
When approaching the hard conversation of how racism affects a friend or loved one, the AHRC cautions avoiding the approach of those who “don’t see colour and treat everyone the same”.
Factsheets critique the approach of racial colour blindness, maintaining that ignorance of racial differences render implicit racial bias invisible.
Disregarding the racially specific struggles of people of colour results in a lack of support for racial disadvantages experienced by marginalised populations, further widening the gap of true equity when shaping regulations and practices.
One of the most harmful myths is the idea that “racism is a thing of the past”, the guide reveals.
The belief that racial equality has been achieved for all those who reside in Australia is misguided, incorrect and mis informed on the continuous impact of entrenched historical racism on negatively racialised populations.
“Nor is this idea consistent with the ongoing impact of racial injustice on key outcomes for different communities, like life expectancy.”
Whilst improvements have been made to move Australia closer to racial equality, racism is still an issue that pervades Australian society. “Diversity is not an accurate reflection of the distribution of power”, the AHRC insist.
Crucially, the Commission offers not only critique but also a blueprint outlining strategies to enact change.
Australians in positions of privilege are encouraged to establish racial literacy and the active rejection of racism in both everyday life and institutional frameworks. “It is a choice and form of racial privilege to not “see” race and to ignore racial inequity and discrimination.”
The guide insists on anti-racism as an important skillset that should be acquired by all Australians, where actions must be determined by the precursors of hard conversations, learning and reflexivity.
“Anti-racism requires a consistent commitment to learning, listening, and collective action, through which we can start to build a society that is truly fair and equal, and one that recognises the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people”.
Find the factsheets at “5 Common Myths and Misconceptions about Racism” Self-Reflection and Education Guide | Racism. It Stops With Me.
