Oh Asqy we're delving into the loftly realms of psychology here. Yes, I definitely know what you mean. It's only natural to band with those with similar physical and cultural characteristics. Most (some? don't hold me to it, I'm just being general) of the Asians at USYD etc are internationals who may not come from an English speaking environment. Everything is just very foreign and strange to them, and spotting a familiar face - anything that reminds them of home - is reassuring. And there are some Aussie ways of living and thinking that they cannot perhaps fully accept.
I agree with you on that, kids should be allowed to be kids...however...you can understand why they think like that. Especially if the parents themselves never got to pursue the education they wanted...obviously the hope is on the children. They want the best lives for their kids (and the bragging rights are good too) and they equate education with good life. That's just the way they think and there is no bloody way you can tell them not to think like that.
My parents are unusual, they don't give a shit except my mum sort of does. They're like, do the best you can, but if you muck up that's alright....and they've never told me which degree to apply for. I myself want to do law/acturial, and I'm the one pushing myself. So...yeah, it's good in a way because there is no parental pressure but I think sometimes when you're the one wanting it, and nobody around you is not particularly motivated to get a high mark it's more difficult than say being in a selective high school where everyone wants to do med or law. I've also heard the argument that Asians are monopolising those two professions and that's wrong, but I think that's bullshit because they've obviously worked for it.
hmm I don't think it's hate, specifically. More just...an inability to understand some of the cultural disparities - and I have experienced this first hand, some really close friends of mine who are white...but you try to explain a situation to them...and they just don't get it. And yes racism is present, ever present, and noticeable particularly in rural areas. I'm sorry, that's just the truth, sorry to disappoint you all.
Yeppers, a lot of the Asians know English better than native speakers.
Of course there are the recent migrants...and you can't blame them, I mean I doubt I could find an Aussie able to communicate in the same standard of Chinese/Thai or whatever in a similar situation. They're doing the best they can, some of them anyway. And I'm talking about grammar and things like that as well. ESL in other countries is taught amazingly...with amazing intensity, I should say. Some Australians speak atrocious English. It sounds like a bandicoot howling crossed with...*ahem.
Oh, long post, must go now.
