Comments on: Go away Ching Chong Girl…

By: lactatingbookworm

lactatingbookworm — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:59:39 +0000

Can’t believe this still happens.
There’s a really interesting personal account by a Korean adoptee about growing up Asian in Australia in a book that’s out called Growing up Asian in Australia. It’s in the last chapter somewhere, I think you will find it interesting.

You probably already know of Emily Prager’s book “Wuhu Diary”.

Bullying cannot be undermined as character building. I think for a long time the word “racism” was a dirty word in Australia as the politically incorrect was celebrated.

As someone who has been a victim of racist bullying as a child, I can tell you that it can be very damaging especially when all you want to do is fit in. I don’t know what it’s like for adopted kids, but as someone who grew up thinking I was Australia in multicultural Oz it was very frightening, alienating and confusing being bullied because of my race.

As a younger kid I just did all I could to fit in and denied my heritage.

I’m a teacher now and I teach some kids who are not “white” Australians and they go through the same thing. I teach them to embrace who they are and that racist taunts are an example of bullying and bullying of ANY kind is not to be tolerated.

By: Fiona

Fiona — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:45:41 +0000

oh dear! unfortunately rachel, kids are so damn mean… trust me on that one! but you know what? Lily (and you and albert) have such love and support from all of us and it will hurt but you need to put those comments to the side. Dwelling on what ignorant people say because they dont understand will eat away at you!!! easier said I know, but you learn to ignore a lot when your a bit different from everyone
I remember when BJ was a little baby – mum had to take her to my school one day and all the kids were having a go as to why my mum had a “black’ baby – I said, thats BJ and she is my cousin. Just like i would say – this is Lily, she is my niece.
Its hard to believe in this day and age that there are people who do not accept. But on the other hand, you mustnt blame the kids for what they said – they simply learn and mimic their parents/family and friends. SO (im blabbing i know) i think im done now! love you all

By: Mum / Nai Nai

Mum / Nai Nai — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:43:08 +0000

Now,now Alb,back in your corner! But seriously your attitude about such things most surely have come from your mum. You know the old lady up north with the broken arm!!
Now the big question is,”How did she really break her arm?”
I’m sure there will be many more such taunts during Lily’s childhood, but as previous comment stated,her friends won’t participate in such cruelty.
Lily is growing up knowing that she is loved by her family and friends,that’s what matters most.

By: debtdieter

debtdieter — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:02:39 +0000

It’s a tough call that one.

I’m not sure making a big fuss of it if she wasn’t fussed would be the right thing to do.

I think as ‘white Aussies’ we can sometimes get a bit too precious/PC, and not let kids deal with things (or not) themselves, in their own way.

You guys both would have copped some teasing about being redheads as kids I dare say? Do you remember how you dealt with that or if it’s had any real long term impact on who you both are? Other than both being delightful human beings of course!

The main thing is, Lily’s friends won’t speak to her like that, and neither will her family, and that’s where she’ll learn her identity, and develop her sense of self from.