Some groups of people in Australian society do not face racism or the harm that it causes. This can be described as a form of racial privilege.
Racial privilege does not necessarily mean somebody’s life is free from challenges. It means their opportunities will not be affected in the same way as someone from a racialised background. It is worth noting that many people still face racism and discrimination even with skin colour that is considered ‘white’.
For example, people with racial privilege can see people they identify with widely and positively represented in the media. They can assume they will not be denied a job opportunity or rental property, or be treated differently at school, at work, in health care or the justice system on the basis of race.
In Australia, beliefs in white superiority and the inferiority of other racial groups were reinforced through discriminatory policies. These policies privileged some and disadvantaged others and have lasting effects to this day. ‘Whiteness’ was cemented as the norm or default through policies that:
- colonised, dispossessed and assimilated First Peoples in settler-colonial Australia
- discriminated against non-white migrants, like the White Australia policy (1901 to 1975), which banned these groups from moving to Australia.
These policies have continued systemic and structural racism in Australian society. It will take ongoing commitment and action to make sure all Victorians are on equal ground and have the same opportunities to thrive.
Updated