Don't worry kochy, we'll be right

I find it amusing when self righteous white people express their indignation at the racism directed at those around them. A case in point is an article written by that most fair minded of liberal commentators David Koch (ahem), that appeared in the punch (http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/what-i-hate-about-australia-day/) on the 25th of january. In the article, kochy unleashes a hateful diatribe against "blond haired, blue eyed, yobbos" who bring shame to this country with their uneducated, racist views and who live in denial about australia's proud multi cultural history. The article was triggered by an incident between kochy and his son in law (who is of sri lankan heritage) and one of these so called yobbos in which the son in law was racially vilified. The article interested me for two reasons. One, kochy's indignation and remorse he felt for not standing up to the yobbo and two, his son in law's indifference.

It may seem quite noble to kochy to take up the fight on behalf of the oppressed, the wronged. But there is an inherent condescension in that attitude. The assumption that we of migrant stock need to be defended, but somehow are incapable of doing it ourselves smells of the exact superiority complex that kochy purports to despise. The over exuberant sunrise host should consider his son in law's reaction to the racist taunts before formulating his response.

In the article kochy writes that his son in law did not seem too bothered by the incident. Why would that be, when the comments themselves were so offensive? It is a reaction I fully understand. You see, I to am of sub-continental heritage and as such, have been subjected to various levels of racism through my life. And like kochy's son in law, it's never really bothered me too much, particularly the older I get. I've seen the contribution my parents have made and continue to make to this country. I am proud of the contribution I am making, and I'll do everything I can to ensure that my kids do their fair share as well. Because I understand that these contributions are in return for something very special...being australian.

Australia has made me who I am, and I'm proud of who I am. Most migrants understand that being australian is a privilege, not a right. That freedom is not to be taken lightly. But we also understand something else. Freedom is not elastic. Being australian is not elastic. You don't have to take it off someone to give it to someone else. People who've come here haven't undermined anyone else's ability or capacity to "be australian". So, when the so called yobbo says something to me that is less than complimentary, I understand that his or her comments have their origins in ignorance. That to react would be to show intolerance. And that I should be glad to have the perspective I have.

So kochy, thanks for your concern, but I don't need you to fight any battles for me. There are people far more deserving than me you can take up the cause on behalf of. I am australian, and no one can take that away from me...

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