When people say, "If you don't like this country, get out," what do you think?

[Deactivated] on 16/11/2017 - 07:29

Hi.

So a discussion turned into something else yesterday at my workplace. Where a colleague come up with his observations on Australia immigration system though he also came here few years ago on a student visa, said govt still inviting skilled workers from overseas in hundreds of professions when there is hardly any shortage. He gave an example by quoting an accounting body's statement that says there is no shortage of accountanta but immigration dept. Thinks australia still need 2000-4000 accountants every year where as locals are loosing interest in this field and pverseas grads are not getting any work. So the other person, replied that it was your choice to come here if you dont like the things you can always move back.

Is it not ok to discuss or share your views about something you think is not right and needs change?

Education & Work

Comments

  • belongsinforums on 17/11/2017 - 16:22
    +1

    It's ignorant

  • DonWilson on 17/11/2017 - 19:49
    +2

    Someone has probably said it already but: I think it's a stupid statement.

    Not because I disagree with the sentiment - I do, but that's not why it's stupid - but because I've never seen someone express it who isn't being a huge hypocrite. They dislike a bunch of stuff about the country but they wouldn't even consider that they should leave the country because of that.

  • ely on 17/11/2017 - 20:28
    +1

    If the response of everyone to any problem was just to pack up and leave nothing would ever get better. Of course people should be allowed to voice their opinions about what's wrong with the country they're in, and of course others should be allowed to disagree with that.

  • xiabonan on 17/11/2017 - 20:37
    +10

    With a few hundreds of comments above I doubt anyone will still see mine but I'll just give it anyway.

    To be clear, I'm an international student from China so that might give some perspective on where I'm coming from.

    To be honest I think it is only natural for people to have the "you chose to come here if you don't like it go back" mentality. I've studied in another first world country for 7~ years prior to coming to Oz for uni, and I can confidently vouch that people of that country say such things too.

    Even in China, such comments are far from rare. In fact you hear it more often than you do here in Au. Nationalism is on the rise, and traditionally Chinese people dislike criticizing others directly, and many Chinese still hold grudges against foreigners (doesn't really matter where you're from) for the invasion and humiliation in recent centuries, these all combined to produce a large number of people with that "leave if you're so unhappy" mentality.

    The point I'm trying to drive at is, people from anywhere do this, some countries have more of such people, some countries less. It's not even about whether the country in question is a first world developed country, and it's not really about ignorance or racism (though it may involve elements of both), it's just about human nature. People feel good when they say such things, they feel empowered, a sense of entitlement and/or superiority.

    For me personally I don't make such remarks, as tolerance to criticism is about as important as it gets. I try not to discuss sensitive issues, i.e. criticism with intolerant people, and in the case of seeing one I guess the wisest way to respond is just to not respond. Don't bite the bait, there's just no point. Say sorry and turn away, and never bring up that topic again.

    • PJC on 17/11/2017 - 22:34

      Some excellent realistic points.

  • The Almighty Dollar on 17/11/2017 - 20:41

    “Go back to where ye come from! Huh? We’d be paying more tax to cover the costs of what would be a hyper-aging population if we didn’t have all them accountants? Shiii, you can stay then”.

  • The Almighty Dollar on 17/11/2017 - 20:43

    Go back to where you come from? Now where’s the bargain in that?

  • Iru on 17/11/2017 - 21:33

    Its an unhelpful and stupid comment made a weak person who cannot handle critique; I wouldn't begrudge them for saying it but rather learn that the person is somewhat intolerant and incapacitated.

    If they are open to a discussion then you could have a private conversation. Ask them what they would think of a person:
    1. witnessing a stabbing and walking away without calling emergency services
    2. witnessing violence against women
    3. police brutality
    4. Dirty public toilets - can that be discussed with a buildings or mall's management? or get out to a different mall? what if you work in the mall, is going elsewhere a realistic option?

    At some point there is a line when it's better to suck it up (get out) and when its better to speak up, scream and yell. That line varies from person to person … for example, I see the odd piece of litter on the street. IF I am walking with my toddler and there is no bin nearby, I will totally ignore it - no action required, i.e. get out. But if I am alone, I don't mind getting my hands dirty and picking up a candy wrapping to chuck in a bin later. If its something more messy or large like a plastic bottle, I would throw it in a nearby bin ; but if there is no bin nearby, again I would "get out" and walk away.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2017 - 23:12

      I think I'll decline that advice to take a weak person aside and talk privately about dirty public toilets. It might make fascinating trainwreck viewing though.

  • cockneylondoner on 17/11/2017 - 21:38
    +1

    The worst, or perhaps, the silliest question I'm ever asked by an Australian is what I think of Australia. This normally prompts me to answer with 'do you want me to tell you what I THINK you want to hear or would you like to hear what I really think of the place?'
    Unfortunately, the average Aussie, especially those who have never traveled beyond Australian shores, think that Australia is the greatest place on Earth - It's not. There is no such place in the world!
    Personally, I could give one a list as long as my arm for not living in Australia but I realise that anyone could say the same thing to me about living in the UK, or any part of the world for that matter.
    The bottom line, and what the OP is asking for comments upon I think, is that if one doesn't like living in Australia then get out of the place and go and live somewhere that one thinks would be better. Whinging about any place is likely to prompt a comment along those lines.
    Regrettably, some comments I've heard in Australia could be taken as being racist, which is unfortunate given that people who migrate to Australia are there solely at the Australian Government's invitation, and it should be to them (the government) one should make their comments too, not the individual.

    • tranter on 17/11/2017 - 22:11

      I think discussion in a proud democracy like Australia should be encouraged, not shut down. Otherwise Australia will become more like some of the countries where the migrants come from.

  • mrdesi123 on 17/11/2017 - 22:43

    Looks like the person did raise a valid point and was needlessly shut down. Department of employment who is responsible for identifying skill shortage in Australia and releasing and amending skill lists have found there is no shortage of accountants in Australia in their June 2017 report, yet ceiling for Accountant visas was doubled by immigration.

    Being a former migrant doesn't mean that you can't raise concerns about current migration system. Everyone has a right of opinion.

  • Dreamcast on 17/11/2017 - 23:31

    1st gen Aussie here. Ethnic background. I have no issue with it being said, based on the reason. For example, I know plenty of people that have been here for years and think it's their right to be bums and get $$ from centrelink. I say it all the time to them. Heck, if my parents were the same, I'd tell them to get out.

  • NeoBeum on 18/11/2017 - 02:36

    I have an ASM awarded to me, and I was originally from the Philippines.(I've actually never worn taken any medals ut of their boxes, and they all still have the tissue paper inner wrapping inside the case) It wasn't even a week after I qualified for one, where I was abruptly screamed at while using the ATM by a group of convict descendant skin heads in some bang up car yelling "White Power, get the fk out of Australia".
    I couldn't give two shits if Muslims or the Chinese take over the place now. Jews … Arabs… Yanks… I'm actually backing Lil Kim. I think he's just misunderstood and wants to play with fireworks. His dad probably never nurtured him as a child. Who can blame him?
    Hello to my friends at ASIO. You know where to find me. We can tango again of you want me to open up a can of whoop as on the current Ministerial board of Australia.
    Sometimes I use my ethnicity as an excuse not to hand out loose change or cigarettes to randoms..
    I even use this:
    "no English"

    What sort of time frame can I start using Jew puns? Vlad the Impaler time span or Genghis Khan? Maybe I can use some slur against prostitutes, because Jesus clearly loved Mary Magdalene, and if it's good enough for JC. It's good enough for me.

  • djmm on 18/11/2017 - 07:45

    OP why not test the water and report the person to HR? Does he have a job you want?

  • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2017 - 08:23
    +1

    They should make IELTS mandatory for every citizen even the ones that are born here otherwise annual penalty to ensure there is no discrimination.. I know people who don't speak IELTS level 4 English but pay more taxes and contribute to Australian economy than ones who were born in English speaking countries.. Many PRs who come here already gave IELTS is they are skilled immigrants or came in as students..

    Without accusing anyone just think who is in the news most of the time for exploiting Centrelink payouts.. Immigrant's come here and work hard as they are afraid they just want to stay in a better country and have a better life.

    I feel government should look for other characteristics to check if Individual is contributing to the society and country and not get held up with language as criteria if they want to make competent English language compulsory it should be made for each and everyone living here not just immigrants..

    Changing a house is not an easy task forget changing country.. Most of the people who make such comments are the ones who are already citizens and nothing to loose due to these changes.. Make rule mandatory for everyone and see how soon the tone changes.. I won't be surprised if the person in front also starts criticising the government for such laws..

    • smuggler on 18/11/2017 - 11:06
      -3

      I know people who don't speak IELTS level 4 English but pay more taxes and contribute to Australian economy than ones who were born in English speaking countries

      Yeah, let's measure people based on how much they earn. No one cares if your immigrant friend makes a killing/

  • OzBLover on 18/11/2017 - 14:30

    I did both my under and postgraduate here nearly 20 years ago and eventually decided to stay permanently as a skilled migrant. Having seen many of my friends (PR or Aus citizen) moving overseas, either back to their country or somewhere else, here is my 2c:
    1. It is the choice of each individual to stay or leave. Nowhere is perfect including Australia. For sure there are rooms to improve but overall this is a pretty awesome country, I lived in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and US - Australia tops the list. No one should be offended with "if you don't like this country, get out". We should all act as grownup and make the decision that best suits our circumstances
    2. Blindly following what the politicians said and make the move without any research of the job market is pretty naive. I do not believe there is a shortage in accounting, nor hairdressing, nor food industry as you name it. Simply looking at seek or having a quick call to any recruitment agency would give a pretty good picture of where the demands are at the moment
    3. Many of overseas graduates possess shiny accounting degrees as part of their quest to obtain PR, not because they wanted to become accountants (not saying Op's friend is in this group)

  • petry on 18/11/2017 - 15:06
    +6

    so many foreigners love this country - look at parliament - its full of them

  • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 18/11/2017 - 15:32
    +1

    Depends on the criticism. Most critique is fine, but if you're a recent arrival, and aren't keen on securarism/liberalism/paying taxes, Australians of any background have every right to tell you to eff off.

  • citybargainhunter on 18/11/2017 - 16:27
    +1

    So a migrant has to like absolute everything about Australia otherwise they should just leave? Whatever happened to freedom of speech?

    • tranter on 18/11/2017 - 23:20

      You pretty much summed it up right there.

    • Chubbsmcfatflabs on 21/11/2017 - 10:04
      +1

      IF you look carefully, it is slowly being eroded.

  • Bluberry on 18/11/2017 - 20:03
    +1

    Brillient troll post :)

  • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2017 - 23:14

    your official response should be: "gg, get gud nub!!!"

  • FatBlanket on 19/11/2017 - 07:41

    In the context of the OP that statement was out of order. The only time that statement is warranted is when those fleeing religious hell holes come here and then are pushy with their religious beliefs here. In those circumstances I do feel the "don't like it go back" is warranted cause Australia is a rare oasis from that garbage.

  • diceman99 on 19/11/2017 - 18:26

    Just because the government said there was a shortage of accounts, does'nt necessarily mean there is a shortage. The individual is responsible for checking all and any information that they recieve. Due diligence. If your stupid enough to make life decisions based on what one person says. (Even if its a government) then you will have to deal with it. The only one to blame is yourself.

  • aerom on 19/11/2017 - 21:50

    Tell them time travel is not possible yet or that you are too big to go back to where you came from :)

  • [Deactivated] on 13/05/2020 - 01:26

    Ceilings here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/s…

  • syousef on 13/05/2020 - 04:46
    +1

    I think they're complete morons.

    I especially like being told to go back to where I come from, since I was born here. I'm seeing a lot more racism being tolerated lately that I hadn't seen since I was a kid growing up in the 1980s. Especially online, by little dictators who believe themselves to be magnificent because they admin some board or social media group.

  • Speckled Jim on 13/05/2020 - 09:52

    OP, you've no doubt come to realise their response was a defensive one.
    Nobody wants to admit defeat, nor do they want to admit they're wrong, or could have made a better choice. Delusion.

    In the case of your colleague, they don't want to face the possibility that your points are valid, as it erodes their unimpeachable wisdom to migrate to Australia. Where everything is perfect.

    For Aussie-born people, it's purely a defense mechanism tinged with resentment and fear. Resentment that, even if migrants aren't stealing our jobs, a critical mass of such people will eventually weaken resistance to industrial relations reforms. We've seen this already.

    Fear that all those places they've seen on TV or traveled to, with much higher population densities, will be visited upon "their" home. We call it The Lucky Country and chant I Still Call Australia Home for these, and other tangible reasons.

    It's never quite this simple, as people are individuals with their own complexities. But that's the gist of it. Or vibe.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join