Question

1. racism is when a person or group of people is discriminated against based on their physical characteristics such as hair type or skin colour or common stereotypes and beliefs.

it is used to demean, isolate and exclude people from participating positively in daily life.

racism can be obvious through physical attacks or verbal abuse.

however, it is often experienced through microaggressions which are small and consistent verbal and physical actions such as jokes, opinions or harmless observations or ignoring, which are often denied by the person as being intentionally racist.

read the following scenario:

ezekiel is 16 years old. he works in a mechanical workshop as part of his aboriginal school-based traineeship one day a week. one day he was slightly late for work due to the bus being late and since then, one of the mechanics has made comments and slurs about aboriginal people being lazy or unreliable. although the other mechanics do not join in, they do not stand up for him, saying its not worth getting upset about and that its just his opinion.

circle the correct answers.

is ezekiel experiencing racism?
yes no

is the advice ezekiel is given by the mechanics correct?
yes no

is what is happening to ezekiel illegal?
yes no

should ezekiel report this behaviour to his supervisor and workplace learning coordinator?
yes no

Explanation:

Analyze the definition of racism

The text defines racism as discrimination based on physical characteristics, skin colour, or common stereotypes and beliefs. In the scenario, a mechanic makes comments and slurs about Aboriginal people being "unreliable" because Ezekiel was late. This is a stereotype applied to his racial group, which constitutes racism. Therefore, Ezekiel is experiencing racism.

Evaluate the advice given by other mechanics

The other mechanics tell Ezekiel that "it's not worth getting upset about" and that "it's just 'his opinion'". This advice minimizes racial harassment and discourages addressing discriminatory behavior in the workplace. Under standard workplace safety and anti-discrimination guidelines, this advice is incorrect and harmful.

Determine the legality of the behavior

Racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination in a workplace environment are illegal under anti-discrimination laws (such as the Racial Discrimination Act in Australia or equivalent civil rights legislation in other jurisdictions). Therefore, what is happening to Ezekiel is illegal.

Assess the appropriate action to take

Workplace policies and legal frameworks require that racial harassment and discrimination be reported to ensure a safe working environment. Reporting the behavior to his Supervisor and Workplace Learning Coordinator is the correct and necessary step to address the issue.

Answer:

Question 1

Is Ezekiel experiencing racism?

• YES (Correct answer)
• NO

Question 2

Is the advice Ezekiel is given by the mechanics correct?

• YES
• NO (Correct answer)

Question 3

Is what is happening to Ezekiel illegal?

• YES (Correct answer)
• NO

Question 4

Should Ezekiel report this behaviour to his Supervisor and Workplace Learning Coordinator?

• YES (Correct answer)
• NO