Can educated African Americans live in Sydney without color issues?

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Jimminy

Listen my friend, most of the above answers are from Australians I should imagine.

Here is an OBJECTIVE view from a white guy from London (UK).

I have many Aussie friends both here in London and back in Australia. First things first, MANY of them openly ADMIT to having a negative perception about Aboriginies, the indigenous population who are obviously darker skinned. I found there to be a minor undercurrent of racism on numerous occassions.

For example, the day I landed, back in 2004, race riots broke out in the large Aboriginie-inhabited are of Redfern, as they perceive that they are being treated, and probably ARE being treated, as 2nd class citizens.

As for Asians, (Australian term for those from the far east ie Japanese, Korean, Chinese etc) put it this way:

I lived in the City centre in a shared apartment with 2 english, 1 turkish, 3 korean, 1 Malasian, 1 from Taiwan and 1 german. We all got on and would all go out together sometimes. On MORE THEN ONE OCCASSION, we would try to get into a bar (ie the Shark Bar, Liverpool Road) and whilst the white guys would get in, the bouncers would have some 'problem' with the shoes or clothing of the others and wouldnt let them in. This happened more than once.

As for African Americans, I have to be honest, I saw very few in the 3 months while I was out there although the ones I did see were being stared at quite a bit, I'm SURE that this had little to do with racism, but purely because you don't often see guys like you there.

Basically I'd conclude by saying this, and in so doing i dont wish to offend any aussies:
Whilst a MASSIVE MAJORITY of Australians are cool, enlightened, cultured and happy to accept others of every race colour and religion, there was a noticable undercurrent of racism in a fair few of the Australians I encountered whilst there, not necessarily against blacks but against ANYONE who wasnt a WASP. There have recently for example, been race riots against Lebanese Muslims in an area of Sydney called Cronulla

That having been said, I'm SURE you'll be fine and might get the odd ignorant comment out of every two thousand, but you'll have an amazing time. It's an amazing place!
Good luck!

Serena

Yes,of course.Australia has people from many ethnic backgrounds,and we like having diversity.Some people may think that you are an Australian of African descent or an African immigrant,but they are certainly not racist.I'm sure the people you meet would love to learn about African-American history and culture.

Ella E

As said before, Australia is one of the most multicultural Country in the world. Many people from different races, religions and cultures are proud to call Australia home, and we are glad to have them as neighbours!

Come on over! I'll shout you a beer, Aussie Style!

auburn

I think Australia is a multi racial country where you can see all nationalities of people in every corner of it. I don't believe that there is a problem with colour here as Aussies tend to accept people for who they are and the deeds they perform and not for the colour of their skin. Mind you if you do the wrong thing you can expect that you will be treated the same as anyone else and that is how it should be. If there are any Aussies with a tendency towards racism they would be in the minority. I know I was a very proud mum to watch my daughter make her debut and her partner looked very dashing. Mind you the photos had trouble picking him up as he was of African background originally from Zimbabwe. The photographer had to digitally lighten his skin so he would appear against the black curtains . The fact that the boys wore black didnt help either. He is a lovely boy and took it all in his stride.
So if you are thinking of coming to Oz I would not worry about what colour you are. Australia is a great place to be.

Liz G

I think you would have no problem at all. You will stick out but that can be a good thing as everyone will be interested in you and would want to get to know you.

We don't have many African Americans here but I am sure we wish we had more. Something different a different culture...nice and refreshing! :-)

kara s

I dont see why not.

TonyB

It's got nothing to do with your education.

Educated or non-educated Americans can live in Sydney without a colour problem.

alienaviator

You'll be sooooo popular! Your accent and the colour of your skin will make you totally unique and desirable.

You'll be the most popular boy/girl in school.

TONe

anyone can live here no problems or issues at all.expect a inquisitive look as you pass by,as its rare to see africans here,much the same as when i visit india,people stop and stare...and vica versa

Claire K

You would be fine. Some people will look, but that is because you are different. If you were white and had a mowkawk, green hair, facial piercings or an armful of tattoos people will still turn and look. Sydney is a very tolerant city as it has a huge range of people living there - asians, greek, italian, africans, arabs, etc. Yes we have have had race issues, but what major city hasn't?

As for Jimminy's comments about Aborigines (our native population) you have to know their history and what they are like before you can comment.

wetdreamdiver

You know, I have asked that question of friends of mine for a couple of years now. I have been to Cairns on vacation and have experienced Queenslanders first-hand, and to be perfectly honest with you, they are no different than the people of the USA. They assume, of course that you are Aboriginal or African and that you are like what they see on the television; or are in league with George Bush, after they find out that you are from America. Either way, you're a Black man and all that entails in a White dominated society; so get used to it being the case, wherever you go.

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