Comments on: Better culture, better people, better economy

By: Natalie Ferguson

Natalie Ferguson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:10:08 +0000

I have only anecdotal evidence – whenever Ive been in Melbourne, I get into great discussions with awesome people then have a high percentage chance of them dropping some awful racial slur. The ease in which they are dropped and the continuity of the conversation post slurring did leave me shocked.

In my experience, New Zealander’s do the same, but you are far more likely to hear someone speak up on the spot.

Oh how we make our lives so much worse for no reason.

By: Seth Wagoner

Seth Wagoner — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:50:10 +0000

Having spent a couple years in Australia, and a small amount of time in other parts of the world, I would tend to agree that on average, Kiwis are far ahead of Aussies on this, that we are one of the most racially tolerant ethnic groups, and this is to our credit. However, that’s just my impression. YMMV.

By: Jason Kemp

Jason Kemp — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:22:14 +0000

Oops got my own email address wrong iPod keyboard:)

By: Jason Kemp

Jason Kemp — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:19:34 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to articulate these ideas Lance. I’ve been working & living travelling to AU since 1985. I love both countries but NZ has gone ahead much more in cultural understanding in last 20 years. Well spotted.

By: Hrmmmm

Hrmmmm — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:10:19 +0000

I hate to say it, but there would be a fair few immigrants who disagree with you on just how tolerant the average Kiwi is of “those bloody asians” or other “foreign types”. As a proud kiwi myself, I’d have to say that there is a pretty appalling level of racism here.

I do agree that the Australian brand of racism is a different, somewhat harsher animal, but I think to say “our well-raised people are scattered throughout the world demonstrating every day what it is we stand for” is well off the mark.

I wish that wasn’t the case…