Greek Bajan Koko shares her thoughts on racism in Australia

·

ABC Everyday reporter Yasmin Jeffrey asked five people from different cultural backgrounds, who all grew up in Australia, to entertain the idea of an anti-racist Australia.

Koko, 29, says she has experienced racism as a Greek-Bajan woman in Australia.

She hopes that Australia will one day accept people of all cultures and backgrounds.

“We’re already so multicultural here, but we won’t be anti-racist until we embrace all cultures and backgrounds and end assimilation,” Koko tells ABC Everyday.

”An anti-racist future would mean not feeling like you have to choose, like you can be everything.”

She wonders what life would be like in an anti-racist world. 

“If I lived in an anti-racist world, I think I’d know myself more. I wouldn’t feel like I have to strive to live along the lines of the society that’s been embedded since we started school. I’d be able to embrace everything that makes me, me,” Koko says.

“And what would grow in the absence of [racism]? Would there be less homophobia and sexism and ableism too? What impact would it have on the environment if we listened to the people whose land we’re living on?”

Source: ABC Everyday

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Leadership strain and workplace issues surface at GOCSA ahead of AGM

The Greek Orthodox Community of SA is heading toward its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, November 30 amid growing internal instability.

Rhythm and rising talent: Inside the artistry of drummer Damascus Economou

Damascus Economou shares how rhythm, heritage and lifelong musical influences shaped his rise as an emerging Greek Australian musician.

Sydney Olympic FC appoints new President Chris Charalambous

Sydney Olympic FC has announced the appointment of Chris Charalambous as its new President, effective immediately.

Hellenic Art Theatre to premiere new comedy ‘Uncle Costa and Parthena’

Hellenic Art Theatre is preparing to bring laughter and classic Greek family humour with its latest production, ‘Uncle Costa and Parthena’.

Greek judge Catherine Koutsopoulou elected to UN Dispute Tribunal

Greek judge Catherine (Aikaterini) Koutsopoulou has been elected as a part-time judge of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal.

You May Also Like

Melbourne Greeks honour 84th anniversary of Battle of Crete with pride and tradition

Melbourne’s Greek community gathered over the weekend to mark the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

Prominent poet Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke dies, aged 81

Acclaimed Greek poet and translator Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke died on Tuesday, aged 81. Anghelaki-Rooke was born in Athens in 1939 and studied in Athens, France and...

Food for Thought Network closes year with landmark AGM and global engagement

The Food for Thought Network (FFTN) concluded a remarkable year with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), drawing a significant global audience.