A man with a gravelly hard Australian accent asked Mike on Monday. We were standing in his store. He might have been about 60 years old. “Is that YOUR Bird?” He asked whilst I was standing 5 feet away. I cringed when I heard the word. I thought to myself (What century is this guy living in?) The man was now looking at me for confirmation.
Here are some photos from the past few days before we move onward with the story.
I think it’s a “Bunny Orchid” (can someone help?). Not yet in full bloom.
It was crazy small. I almost didn’t see it!
Another specimen of the very stunning orchid. 
Here’s one with three flowers in full bloom.
I love the colour and pattern on it’s abdomen.
“Partner“. I said firmly.
“Oh yes! Right, Is your hair naturally blonde?” We’ve just met…really? I guess it’s important to know if someone is “real” or not.
“Yes it is.”
It was almost as if he couldn’t fathom it. He continued to humour us with aggressive macho lingo by dropping the F-bomb into conversation, saying Kiwi’s were idiots and insinuated that I being blonde would also be a bit of a hopeless moron. I couldn’t believe this guy owned a store.
When we left Mike and I laughed and then had a lengthy discussion on how grossly offensive this sort of talk is.
I cannot stand that sort of talk. Bird, Sheila, Misses… Chauvinism really irks me. However it’s “part of the culture” here in Australia.
It is their way. As is racism.
I’ll note right now, that not every Australian is sexist, nor are all Australians racist. But there’s a large number who are, or whom participate in the banter.
I spoke with someone recently who defended the talk as harmless joking. I disagreed. I believe it is hurtful to anyone to joke on their appearance, skin colour, orientation, or their sex. I said these jokes were in bad taste, and as we couldnt see eye to eye we dropped the discussion.
Many times now I’ve stopped someone in mid joke (with a look of – shock/confusion/frustration). They soon understand I won’t be laughing at the punch line. I know some could say I need to lighten up and that this is all harmless, but this intolerance toward women, people of different skin colour or sexual orientation; is something I wish would disappear.
It’s a bit like confronting a bully in the playground. You can either call them out on their gross misconduct, or let it slide.
I lived in the most multicultural city in the world (that would be Toronto) for three years, it is a place where people easily work together without even thinking about differences. I think many Canadians (but not all!) would be greatly offended if they encountered the slurs here as I have.
Have you been in this sort of situation?
Please feel free to share this:
Like this:
Like Loading...
Redterrain 