Race And Equality Issues Are Universal
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Race And Equality Issues Are Universal

Even 10,000 miles away, corruption is everywhere.

698
Race And Equality Issues Are Universal
Flickr

Growing up, I would’ve never imagined that any place in the world could be as politically corrupt and unjust…. let alone worse than the United States. However, upon arrival in Sydney, Australia I was surprised to learn more about the political and foreign policies that are prevalent in this distant country.

Some things that are particularly corrupt in Australia are issues regarding immigration, race, and equality. Initially, it was extremely striking to learn about these foreign problems that I was never aware of back in America. I thought that once I left the US, things would be more peaceful and civil. Then I realized that every country has its own flaws and corrupt issues; they keep to themselves and manipulate the propaganda to their best interest. Everything seems so perfect from the outside, and you can’t truly become exposed to the reality of a nation until you fully immerse yourself in the culture and surroundings.

Although, the immigration laws and policies in the US were quite disturbing to learn about, the issues of immigration in Australia are significantly more horrific. When I first became aware of the unjust policies in Australia, I thought that the US was the only unsympathetic nation that turns it’s backs on innocent immigrants who are begging for asylum. However, I soon found out that Australia has even worse immigration policies and treats the incoming refugees as if they are criminals.

From the outside, Australia seems as if it is a multicultural country that embraces and celebrates its widespread diversity. However, government officials and politicians are trying to change this multicultural structure. There are now strict laws being enforced in regards to immigrants who are arriving by boat seeking asylum.

These individuals who are traveling to Australia in hopes of a better life are facing life-threatening situations back in their hometowns. It is truly devastating to learn about the harsh treatment that these refugees are facing because they are extremely vulnerable and desperate upon arrival. Instead of Australia welcoming these individuals with sympathy, these refugees get locked up in modern day “concentration camps” on bordering islands. They then have to live in these institutions with terrible conditions and illnesses.

Refugees are dehumanized and treated like criminals just because they need help. Those who are locked away in detention centers are denied rights to asylum and are faced with verbally- and physically-abusive situations. They are living in a non-ending nightmare because these detention centers hold refugees hostage indefinitely. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, “Australia's policy towards asylum seekers is one of deliberate and calculated barbaric cruelty.”

Today, certain radical members of the Australian parliament are racist against certain ethnic groups. These racist members of authority are trying to ban certain races and religions from entering the country unless they have had a substantial amount of education and a valid reason for entering the country. This is very similar to the travel ban that President Trump is trying to enforce in the US.

These issues are prevalent all over the world; however, you only become aware of them once you experience them within a certain culture. Issues of same-sex marriage and racism are still the main topics of political debates in Australia. I have watched a couple of political debates here in Sydney, and they remind me of the same issues and arguments that are occurring back in America.

I have come to the realization that every country has its own political issues and corruptions deep within its government. However, the only way to truly be exposed to these issues is to spend a significant amount of time in a country and to fully immerse yourself in a new culture.

The one hopeful thing that I have learned amongst all these corruptions is that a majority of individuals in Australia are standing up for what they believe in. Members amongst the younger generations are raising their voices by protesting on social media, just as many citizens of the United States do in order to make a difference in the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48886
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31090
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954882
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180196
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments