Even before the recent attacks on Indian students erupted, Goans in Canada who visit Australia return with indelible impressions of racism in Australia.
Common perceptions from their visit are: They work much less hard in Australia. They can afford more than us (probably tax-level difference) Sports is more encouraged and nurtured there. They are a definitely racist population. The patronizing remarks made to the Muslim community by various Australian Govt officials from time to time would never be condoned or tolerated in Canada. There was an attempt in Ontario by the community to establish Sharia Law for themselves but strong voices from their women and from others scuttled the attempt. The important thing in Canada is that there was no rancor, just sensible debate. The anti-sharia lobby won and that was that. Now reading this TOI article referenced in Goan Voice UK ( http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Indians-Abroad/Old-Indians-in-Australia-say-youngsters-invite-attacks/articleshow/4716992.cms), it can be seen that the "old Indians" in Australia are a pretty ingratiating lot, bent on been seen in a good light by other Australians, finding out all sorts of excuses to distance themselves from the current incidents involving Indian students rather than unitedly standing up against what is clearly racism. One has to live in Canada to appreciate how well integrated the various communities are in the cultural mosaic. While it is my pet peeve that immigrants should be taught oneness rather than encouraged in their diversity, one cannot but help appreciating how immigrants from all over the world are taught to be self-confident in Canada as compared to the seeming desire by immigrants in Australia to try to please white Australians lest they be seen as "different". Roland Francis http://roland-torontogoan.blogspot.com +1 (416) 453.3371
