I recently put two videos up featuring street interviews about racism in Australia. The goal was to try to see what people really thought about it. Does it exist, how is it experienced, does it get in the way of life? The video went really well, most people alluded to subtle racism and prejudice but nothing flagrant or dangerous. Below is a sampling of some of the comments the video produced:
"We indians are gonna kick all aussie asses residing in India! Fucking pussy fucks!"
"I'm American! Don't intigrate your country....you're NOT going to like it!
They're trying to get rid of the White people and take away your power.
Don't let them "Finagle" your country away from you!
Remember "ROMPER STOMPER!""
The YouTube comments have been interesting to say the least.They point to a bravado that comes with anonymous speech but also to the fact that social constraints are holding back people's true beliefs. Check out the comments below the videos at the links below to see what kind of comments a video about racism will produce.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk2500gTP2w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s8yK4d7xGw&feature=related
So, what do you think? Are people showing their internet muscles, or is there substance behind their words?