For the past few months, a Facebook ad has repeatedly popped up in my feed, in Bengali. It is a picture of a boat on the ocean, and above it, a map of Australia with a red slash across it, saying ‘No way. Australia will never ever relax its border control laws.’
I came to Australia in 2005 on a student visa, and got married here in 2009. It was a terrible marriage, and after it ended, I was financially, emotionally, and legally crippled. However, the government of Australia and many Australian people, especially my mother in law, helped me survive and get back on my feet again, for which I am deeply grateful. This experience changed the course of my life, and as a result, I plan to go back to university and work towards policy making in the area of gender-based violence, so that I can give back to the Australian community.
I’m now a permanent resident in Australia, so to see that ad on Facebook, targeted at me in my language, really cut me where it hurts. I grew up speaking both English and Bengali. And although I think in English, Bengali is what connects me to my family, my food, my culture – and my grandparents, who were refugees from Bangladesh, and primarily spoke Bengali.
To me, the ad is implying, ‘People who speak this language are not welcome here.’
On the one hand, the Australian government has proven they will help me and that they are here for me, even though I wasn’t born here – so much so that I want to work for them. But on the other hand, I’ve got this message that nobody else can see unless they speak Bengali, saying, ‘No, you’re not meant to be here.’
I’m worried about what this is teaching people about Australia and immigration. If you’re teaching me to love this country, what are you teaching those who are targeted by the ads?
Rima
India
Arrived 2005
(If you would like to see this ad, it is posted in the comments below.)
#migrants #migration #Australia #India
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I apologise on behalf of my country. That is shocking to me and quite deplorable!
Please know that so so many of us don’t feel the way of those ads. Thank you for coming and adding to the richness of our country. I believe that goodness will shine out in the end.
I too disagree with how the government is going about this. We as a country are richer for you being here, a wonderful, strong intelligent woman. You are welcome and appreciated for all that you are and intend to do. Good luck with your studies and please, feel our love and support over a badly thought out media campaign.
What a shocking thing to have happen. The decent people of this country will continue to fight for the rights of others to be here.
Sorry you’ve had to go through such a tough time, and glad you are here. These ads make me so sad. That attitude is not what it means to be Australian to me ????
You can block the ad from appearing again in your Facebook feed by clicking on the arrow at the top left of the ad. I do that regularly. Doesn’t fix the policy and of course you will get a different ad instead but at least you won’t get reminded as frequently of the policy’s odiousness.
Rima you are valued…..never doubt it. I just wish that stories like yours would take centre stage instead of the scary scenario the media & government portrays. I work at an International Uni campus & the students we have work their tails off to make sure the contribution they will make to this country is paramount. I know it’s hard but please believe me when I say we are not all in agreement with the current governments stand on refugees, I for one have seen the good that can be achieved when they are given a fair go <3
Hi Rima ????
I hate this Ad and abhor the governments border control laws ????
Xxx
All we can do is teach our children that racism, bigotry and non- inclusion is the stuff of narrow minded fools, to not tolerate it and that every good being has a right to happiness and freedom.
One of our teacher telling us that Aussies are the most racist nation in the world but I don’t think so..Until now i have faced one Aussie and the experience was bad.:)
Thank you for sharing, Rima. Given the opportunity, I believe most Australians would be generous and welcoming. Unfortunately, our current Federal Government appear to be opportunist fearmongers.
Thank you for sharing your story Rima. I am disgusted by Australia’s border control policies. Please don’t believe that you are not welcome or that most Australians feel that way.
I’m so sorry, there are lots of us that are ashamed by these laws and heartless media campaigns. I’ll keep doing my best to change peoples views and you keep studying. ????
It looks to me like the campaign is targeted at people smugglers, not at people who come on student visas etc. but I understand how it would feel confronting if you are struggling with feeling accepted in Australia.
What would have happened is that the govt received stats on where the major people smuggling spots were and then they would have translated this document into whatever languages were spoken there. It is a hardline campaign and I agree it could appear to be rooted in the underlying message that brown immigrants are not welcome, but if you’re from the UK or some other English-speaking country then come on in.
I understand what you’re saying about perceptions – unfortunately all Govts and commercial media around the world benefit by perpetuating fear and division in society, so it’s not in their interests to stop the bigotry.
For example, most people think that just because something is being reported more often, it must be happening more often. They don’t have the analytical capacity to realise the manipulative power of the media and how much it influences society, or how it would benefit from doing so.
Please trust that while there are many forces working to divide society, there are many forces working just as hard to unite us with our common values.
Look for the helpers ????????
I’m saddened to read your story re the ad. It is not reflective of many Australians’ attitudes. It’s not of mine. I’m glad you were supported through a difficult time.
The Government and many politicians of Australia demonstrate on a daily basis that they most certainly DO NOT listen to, support or represent all Australians. Instead, their attitude, behaviour and policies make millions of us feel deeply ashamed.
That’s the sad part. Rima, you ARE welcome here. The majority of Australians welcome you and others who come from overseas to enrich our country. We’re currently being governed by a pack of xenophobes who seem to think that everyone who isn’t white is a terrorist. In my years working in public health, I had the great fortune to meet several refugees from many countries. All of them had been through hell and were now very grateful to live in a peaceful country that abounds in opportunity. One family I remember was from the Sudan and I remember the mother smiling and crying as she said how happy she was that her children could go to school, including her daughters, and that she herself was now learning how to read.
I think too many people forget that we have a second verse to our National Anthem.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands,
To make this Commonwealth of ours renowned through all the lands.
FOR THOSE WHO’VE COME ACROSS THE SEAS, WE’VE BOUNDLESS PLANS TO SHARE,
With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair.
I also get these ads in Vietnamese. Apart from the obvious horrors of our current immigration system, how much money is the government wasting showing facebook ads to Australian speakers of Bengali/ Vietnamese/ other languages? How many Australian Bengali speakers have tried to come to Australia – from Australia – in a boat? Are we supposed to be telling our overseas families? How many people are coming from Vietnam by boat in 2016? Zero?
I am so sorry for the ugly rascist Australians and I can understand how hurtful it is to people that come from the countries targeted in these hateful ignorant posts. It is rascist hurtful posts such as this that is a catalyst for a minority of people to become disenfranchised with Australia, identifying with radical groups because everyone wants to “belong”. I welcome all nationalities, we are one earth and humans all, the meld of cultures is exciting and a great thing, we all have so much to offer each other! I wish you all the best in your studies and in your life. You are a great Australian as are everyone that chooses this great land in which to live. I just wish we could silence the bigots.
Well said. Those who call us Leftards (and I hate that word because it’s roots are in describing those with intellectual disability) are hijacking pictures and using them fraudulently
I was also a legitimate migrant and sympathise. However, it is paramount that Australia protects its borders. There have to be rules though it is expected that some circumstances alter cases.
I am glad your personal experience with our government has been largely positive but you are right that this pervasive hate directed at genuine refugees makes more than just refugees nervous. Many migrant groups feel less safe and even I from the dominant culture feel less safe as I think if our government is willing to lock up innocent children, what are they willing to do to me? I accept you and think you will make a wonderful contribution to our society.
My beautiful, brave friend, Rima. I am so very glad you came to our country as you have also enrich my life with your friendship. Thank you for sharing your story and I am happy your future plans will encourage others. Xxx