then, there is context - on a social media site - why would anyone ask if someone is aboriginal??
it's odds on to be microaggression at best
it's even dammed doubtful that it's justified in job selection
in normal conversation - it's a sure sign that the person who asks is an ignorant bonehead
Aussies are so emersed in a racist society that they cannot question their normal -
this might give some kind of hint to how others work
"Nobody asked who was Jewish and who was not. Nobody asked where you were from. Nobody asked who your father was or if you could pay. They just accepted each of us, taking us in with warmth, sheltering children, often without their parents—children who cried in the night from nightmares." —Elizabeth Koenig-Kaufman, a former child refugee in Le Chambon
In France - the French are gobsmacked that in Australia one has government forms with - 'tick the box if you are Aboriginal or TI' --
if you tell a French that - you get a reaction from blank stare, to disbelief to wtf
Everything like that in France is illegal.
here's some thoughts on it.
Asking someone if they are Aboriginal can be a sensitive issue and may be perceived as racist depending on the context and intent behind the question. Here are some key points to consider:
## Context Matters - **Intent and Approach**: The way a question is framed and the intent behind it play crucial roles in determining whether it is seen as respectful or intrusive. For instance, asking someone about their Aboriginal identity in a context where it is relevant, such as for a job application that specifically seeks Aboriginal candidates, may be acceptable. Conversely, asking out of mere curiosity or based on assumptions can come across as disrespectful or intrusive[4][3].
- **Cultural Sensitivity**: Many Aboriginal people have expressed that questions about their identity can feel invasive, especially if they are prompted by stereotypes or assumptions. Casual inquiries that imply a stereotype—such as assuming all Aboriginal people share certain traits—can perpetuate harmful narratives and be considered racist[1][4].
## Historical Context - **Racism and Stereotypes**: The historical context of racism against Aboriginal peoples in Australia means that questions about identity can trigger negative connotations. Terms like "Aborigine" have been criticized for their colonial roots and the oversimplification of diverse identities within Aboriginal communities[5][6].
- **Varied Experiences**: Individuals within Aboriginal communities can have different experiences based on their background, including skin color and cultural heritage. Fair-skinned Aboriginal people often face unique challenges regarding their identity being recognized, which complicates how questions about their background are received[4].
## Conclusion In summary, while asking someone if they are Aboriginal isn't inherently racist, it can be perceived that way depending on how the question is asked and the context surrounding it. It is essential to approach such topics with sensitivity, awareness of historical implications, and an understanding of individual experiences within Aboriginal communities.
Citations: [1] https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/racism-in-aboriginal-australia [2] https://indigenousx.com.au/racist-to-white-people/ [3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ok-ask-someone-racial-cultural-background-melina-cordero [4] https://landcare.nsw.gov.au/landcare-program/you-cant-ask-that-questions-and-responses.pdf [5] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/c...8-facts-about-indigenous-people-in-australia/ [6] https://indigenousx.com.au/appropri...orres-strait-islander-people-its-complicated/
