"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that" - George Carlin

I'm currently overseas (in Paris) at the moment with my son (15) and my mum (68).

Mum has never been overseas before and is - in the most literal sense of the word - xenophobic. She is literally afraid of people that don't look or speak like her. I had to convince her to see Paris (my son and I were here in 2006 and wanted her to see how beautiful it is) but today she preferred (partly due to her reduced mobility) to stay in our apartment and read her book than see the City.

I know my mum well. She went to school in Melb in an age where there was only/predominantly white people. She barely eats anything (other than Chinese or Italian) that's not traditionally English/Aussie and she reads the Herald-Sun so only 'experiences' other cultures through that lens. I don't believe she is the slightest bit racist but she is quite ignorant and skeptical of other cultures.

My son on the other hand sees and speaks, eats and mingles amongst many cultures. He's very comfortable trying (and failing) to speak French etc and is not the least intimidated by those that look different.

Australia is not a racist country it's just run by a generation not exposed to other races on our doorstep and when we are many simply don't know how to react.

Our nation has always been one that asks our migrants to 'prove' their aussieness and that mentality filters through. So many of my Greek mates could tell me of their racist experiences growing up but do you think that makes them any less racist towards the 'Chinesi' at our club... no way.

We are not a racist country but we could be a lot less ignorant.

/rant

I still think people are missing the main point of mvarsenal lecturing on the English language :lol:

Grow up . Oh wait .. Typical teenager who thinks he knows everything