Institutional Racism In Australia

Racism in Australia has a long history and is still as prominent in modern society as it was many years before. The prevalence of racism is thought to be of much less but has be argued differently and that there are still a variety of different forms of racism. The racial hierarchy and institutional racism helps to explain the prevalence of racism in Australia. Through sociological concepts, theories and discussions, showing that racism plays a huge role in modern society and is still extremely common. Institutional and popular racism has played a key role in Australia in migration policy, starting from the ‘White Australia policy’, to keep Australia as British as it can. Such discrimination towards Aboriginal was said to be on their behaviour

This means that this type of racism can be found by insensitivity and lack of understanding of others, a culture within an institution and many organisations. (Van Kriekien, p. 251.) This theory can be placed in everyday life as Australia and citizens have access to these institutions. Some organisations such as the police force may never have people of colour in top authority or a certain institution may not cater for someone’s needs of a different racial background. Institutional racism can be blatantly seen in Australia, through our history. From the British name ‘Terra nullis’, the stolen generation and the failure of the government to issue a formal apology for the Aboriginals. (dhhds p.) The healthcare in Australia has a significant issue of institutional racism. Aboriginal healthcare is much more neglected than those of non-indigenous backgrounds and those in remote Aboriginal communities receive less Medicare and pharmaceutical Benefits, in contrast with a wealthy Sydney suburb, where people receive more of those that are non-indigenous (Aboriginal health care, p.). Leaving an unfair and lack of social and national identity for those targeted to this type of racism. This Institutional racism captures racial disparities and shows how that even racist thinking and thoughts can be prominent not just by an individual speaking, but all

Both theories place racism as a priority but contrast as ‘bad’ and ‘good’ (Van Kieren. P.250). ‘New racism’ can be eminent as focusing on culture and stereotypes whilst ‘old racism’ has a sociobiological understanding of race. Many arguments and discussions have been placed that ‘new racism’ is focused on ‘racial groups’ being separated or that some groups are more superior to others. Themes of Racial hierarchy, racial separatism, and racial separation place key ideas of prevalent racism in Australia. (reference). These three themes contrast with Australia claiming to be a ‘multicultural’ and a ‘diverse’ country. Pauline Hanson’s ‘one nation’ party claims to make ‘equal treatment for Australians’ yet targets those of different ethnic groups such as Asians and Muslims. However, she has claimed to ‘not be racist’ as she has never said ‘one race is superior to another’ yet conflicts with her being able to say Australian culture is being threatened by Asian and Muslim culture (Dave Corlett, p.44, 2002). Tony Abbotts ‘ban the boats’ contrast with how Australia claims to be ‘multicultural’ yet bans those trying to flee their country for a better life. Using power and white privilege, Tony Abott makes a clear racist action but can claim it is ‘benefiting’ those on the boats while Pauline uses her white privilege to voice her opinion on what she thinks it is to be