Collective on Anti-Racism
4. POC identity in Australia
Being a person of colour in Australia is a whole identity in and of itself.
Hailed as one of the world’s most multicultural countries, Australia is bustling with different cultures and identities. There is lots to celebrate about being a Person of Colour in Australia. Still, there are many nuances to the experience. Notwithstanding the differences between communities and cultures, being part of a diaspora inevitably shapes our identities and lives. The feeling of being between cultures, not entirely fitting into one, can lead to a categorical feeling of being a ‘hyphenated Australian’. Is this experience one you (or someone you know) has felt? How does it play into your identity today? Are there little things, such as code-switching or using a different name, that characterise your lived experience in what is still a White country? Stories from around our country may perhaps give you the words to express what you feel.
Articles:
"“I Never Felt Welcome Anywhere”: Young People Of Colour On Growing Up In Australia." by Julie Fenwick
"Growing Up African in Australia: racism, resilience and the right to belong" by Kathomi Gatwiri
"For many women of colour the workplace is full of challenges" by Saman Shad
"My mum's sari was a subtle challenge to the racism we encountered on a cruise" by Masrur Joarder
Book:
“Scary Monsters” by Michelle de Kretser
TV Show:
Ronny Chieng: International Student
Websites:
Sociology of Race: The Other Sociologist - Dr Zuleyka Zevallos
Organisations:
Reports:
"Women of Colour: Workplace Survey Report 2021" by WOMEN OF COLOUR and Dr Catherine Archer
"Who Gets to Tell Australian Stories? 2.0" by Media Diversity Australia