To not know how to word this?

[ObscureReference]

Ok, I have no idea how to word this correctly, so I apologise from the off if I offend anyone.

It seems to be that casual racism/sweeping generalisations/assumptions are 'ok' or left to stand against some countries, whereas with others, they are jumped all over with the people saying them being called racist etc.

For example, it is ok to say Australians are mad and sweeping generalisations made about their hygiene are made, whereas it would be offensive to say the same about Indians (for eg).

Similarly (dont have time to search for the thread but I know it has been pointed out before) Americans are rude and brash on holidays but it is ok to say that, because they are American. If we said the same about, say, the Chinese being insensitive and chatty at tourist destinations with their cameras, then that would be racist.

I dont know how to word it but I hope someone gets my meaning. just for the record, I dont believe any of the above generalisations, I was using them as an example.

once again, I apologise if I have offended anyone. I just wanted to see if anyone else ad noticed the same.

Also, this is not a thread specifically as a thread, I have had these thoughts for a while, the current thread just highlighted it once again.

Haha my DP is Chinese and when we went out once he even commented on 'asian people and cameras' although he is just as bad

Presumably it's because they are predominantly white like the British.

I also think that we have mutual generalisations between the countries that are meant more jokingly but do highlight each others indiosyncrasies like we also say how rude the French are and all German queue jump and are brash. It's not true when you meet individuals but seems so when you look at the nation on holiday.

I just feel that people get offended all too easily. Especially on other people's behalf. Most people use generalisations on a daily basis and about a lot of things, without malicious intent. I really think that our collective energy would be best directed at situations of REAL prejudice and bigotry where people are being persecuted and physically or mentally abused for just being 'different'.

Ha Hana! That is funny!

Morticia - well I wanted to say that, but wasnt brave enough!! But I am sure if I was on an American forum and started a thread such as 'The British are all have terrible skin because of all the slap they wear' I would be gunned down at dawn!

The Americans do say we all have terrible, terrible teeth. I don't mind. I just smile (crookedly).

I don't think that this is the same as using racist words. We all know how British people are seen as a certain way too.

E.g. Recent trip to post office to pick up a package; there was a massif queue and then some guy walked in and just went straight to the front. Noone said anything but gave each other knowing looks and muttered under their breaths. Very 'british' way.

Not everyone is like that.

Same in all countries.

lorelilee - I agree it is not a big life changing thing as it is just a forum and 'words on a screen' and cannot be compared to being persecuted and physically or mentally abused for just being 'different'. But it does niggle somewhat to see the inconsistencies.

Massive... Strange auto-correct :S

@ bearcrumble!

No, ot the same as racist words, I agree. Just annoying!

*not

I remember once talking about Princess Mary and some git said "well, its not like the proper royal family is it"..in a condescending way. Ha, no nothing like some commoner shop girl marrying into your royal family ha ha ha ha

I agree with you... I experience it on a daily basis. The explanation I once got was that "friendly" nations (western developed countries) are supposed to be big enough to take the friendly banter on the chin. Most of the times it's ok, sometimes I can't help being annoyed by it. It's rude.

I'm Scottish, so you can imagine the generalisations I've had to put up with - especially whilst living in London for 20 years! I get your point, but I just think it's wasted energy to worry about it. As highlighted by Hanaka88, EVERYONE makes them at sometime.

Racism (and sexism and other forms of behavior that generally get "ism"ed) are different from other forms of sweeping generalizations because of the history of oppression that has made the lives of those on the receiving end far more difficult than the lives of their oppressors.

Australians (at least the Australians from the last few hundred years) have not had to endure the same difficulties because of the opinions held against them. They don't, on the whole, have shorter lives, worse health, higher infant mortality, and lower standards of living because others with power have made sweeping generalizations.

When people talk about racism being simply a matter of equality they forget that racism is a problem because of the history of oppression, not simply because sweeping generalizations aren't true.

*I don't mean to imply their that oppression is only about sweeping generalizations.

I dont agree suchprospects.

Im not sure that you are suggesting shorter lives, worse health, higher infant mortality, and lower standards of living are the cause or caused by racism. Not sure this makes sense tbh

SuchProspects, Australians have their own issues within the global community - we all do. I grew up in rural Aus, and the racism and sexism there was horrific. Having seen and heard both my parents recently, don't think it's much different now - communities are simply polarised. They've all got their own stuff going on within the country.

Though I live here as a UK citizen and love it, I understand completely the international bias about the British. I just try to be the exception to the misplaced 'rule'. And I think that's all any of us can do.

This all sounds like objections to the cultural norms when visiting/hosting international visitors.

Tolerance, people...

onlion I'm suggesting that racism is something that we have come to consider a human rights issue because of the way it has caused some groups to have shorter lives etc. Had racism not had such an impact on some groups it would not be considered so unethical. Hence sweeping generalizations against groups that have not suffered racist oppression does not require the same challenge on those ethical grounds (though one might want to challenge more because it is still lazy and unlikely to be particularly informative).

I remember an INSET once, where we were asked to draw an Autralian. Our group drew a bloke (we wrote 'Bruce' in big letters on the top) with stublle, a hat with corks on, khaki shirt and shorts, a tinny in one hand and a crocodile tucked under his arm. It was a work of art.

All the groups did the same - then we got smilingly told off and it turned out the INSET was on stereotypes and casual racism...

I must admit, Im not overly fond of the british (sorry) but I try not to be rude.

God, sorry

missmehalia My example is not a statement that Australians aren't racist. But that racism against (non-native) Australians, or the British say, isn't racism in the same way as racism against groups that have suffered racist oppression.

suchprospects - I do not consider it a human rights issue. I just consider it rude. Against anyone.

By your logic,it is ok to be racist to pretty much any first world country as they are not oppressed and can therefore 'take it'??

Missmehalia, tolerance is what I admire the most in the British culture (and I have travelled a lot). I do not perceive what the OP described as racism, it is at most sometimes rude.