Challenges Facing Australia

Another challenge facing Australia during the Asian century is the stigma and prejudice of Asia. As stated above Australia has had a dark history in relation to racial acceptance and diversity. It was less than 50 years ago where if you were not of European decent you could not gain citizenship in the country. It was only after the Vietnam War that Australia abolished such legislation, but still today there is still major prejudice against Asia. Islamophobia and a condescending view of Asia as a whole does restrict Australia fully benefiting from the Asian century. In relation to Islamophobia, post 9/11 hate has severally affected Australia’s engagement with Central and Middle-Eastern Asia. The attack on the twin towers in 2001 changed the
world. However, the attack was attributed to a religion and race of people as oppose to a radical group. Since then Arab, Middle-Eastern and Muslim people have been subjected to hate, prejudice and stigma all over the world. Australia is not exception, with the Cronulla Riots (2005) being a prime example of Australia’s prejudice against central Asia.