Australia Actually

DISCLAIMER- The city where I last lived in (Calgary) is my point of reference regarding this topic. My impression of Melbourne is influenced by my experience of living in another multicultural city in Canada. 

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I remember approaching one of the managers at a supermarket here to ask for a job. He was a tall, burly guy. He immediately sized me up and judging by the look on his face; didn’t like what he saw. The same supermarket encourages young australians to apply and start a career there (also advertised on tv).

I remember getting stared and cursed at (under his breath) by a “bogan” (in canadian terms: redneck), which I now recognize because of the many normal australians that i’ve met hahaha. But back then, I didn’t know better.

Our host during our first week ever in Melbourne (mind you, he was probably 80 years old) said that he didn’t feel too bad for the indian hate crimes that happened a few years ago because [I paraphrase] “they had it coming” and apparently they have attitude problems. I know that he is entitled to his own opinion, but damn… just because someone acts and talks in a way that irritates the sh*t out of you does NOT grant you permission to beat the sh*t out of them.

One time, Jesse and I were walking home at night. A car passed by and someone belted out his favourite chinese slur for us to hear.

Just the other day someone in a limo yelled out to a running asian guy: “Run, b*tch!”.

I’ve been approached probably three times by complete strangers asking:

First of all, that’s inappropriate. Second of all, are you seriously giving me a good dose of “all asians look alike”? Third of all, is this some sick trend on picking up asian girls?

As the months passed, my impression of australia drastically changed. My attitude also changed. I started accepting and embracing my insecurity of being a “minority”. I forced myself to speak up and be friendly to people at work, and especially to strangers. What I discovered, after pushing myself to go out there and drop the prejudices that i’ve formed through my horrible first impression of Australia, was a good one. 

Australians are among the coolest, most outspoken, strong-minded, creative, disciplined, AND good-looking people that i’ve ever met. Obviously, if left unchecked, that could easily turn into a recipe for arrogance and/or a dismal attitude. I’ve met the good and the bad, and it’s safe to say that the good outweigh the bad.

Like how we attended a fully-packed concert venue and people consciously respected other’s personal space and paid attention to the artist playing in front of them. 95% of the time, my view was perfect because no one took their phone out to take pictures or a video. These people appreciated what was right in front of them more than what went through the camera lens. 

Customer service here is AMAZING. Most efficient service i’ve ever experienced. Waiting times— slayed.  

Majority of the people are friendly and chatty. I’ve honestly had good conversations on a few of my 5-10 minute tram rides, while waiting for the train, during a train ride, with customers at work, and even the bank where I get change from. 

My favourite conversation was with a cute old Kiwi lady. We probably chatted on the train for a good 30 minutes. I even remember her name: Velda. I told her that I was on my way to a job interview. Bless her heart, she offered me some words of encouragement and advice— and tips on where to hang out in Melbourne. LOL!

If I had a dollar each time I saw an Asian-Australian couple, I would have enough to buy an iphone 6. hahaha.

I LOVE melbourne. Humorous, stylish, slightly racist melbourne. As they say, “Love is not a one way street”. That’s the lesson I learned, being a little fish in a big pond. You gotta love the challenge and embrace the change. Step out of your world and venture into another. You might just call it a second home.