Casual Racism in Australia: A Personal Account Sparks Conversation
In Australia, casual racism remains a daily reality for many non-white individuals. Praveen Param, a Singapore-born Indian man living in Melbourne, recently highlighted this issue in a TikTok video recounting an encounter at McDonald’s. While ordering food, a cashier assumed he was there as an Uber Eats delivery driver, greeting him with “Uber?” rather than a proper salutation. Praveen described the comment as “a bit of a slap in the face,” reflecting on the frequent, subtle discrimination he encounters.
Despite the distressing nature of his experience, the comments section of his video quickly devolved into negative reactions, with many users dismissing his claims and telling him to “go back to your own country.” While some viewers empathized, stating that a simple “How can I help?” would have sufficed, the overwhelming responses revealed a troubling attitude towards discussions about racism.
Praveen defines microaggressions as subtle remarks that may seem innocuous on the surface but can have deeply harmful effects, diminishing individuals to stereotypes based solely on appearance. He argued that the intent behind a remark does not excuse its impact, urging individuals in positions of privilege to reflect on how their words can affect marginalized communities.
In response to the incident, a McDonald’s spokesperson expressed regret over Praveen’s experience and emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all customers.
Praveen advocates for open conversations about casual racism, encouraging fellow people of color to validate their experiences and not shy away from speaking out. "Speaking out isn’t weakness; it’s power," he asserts, emphasizing the need for understanding and change in everyday interactions.
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