by Les Scammell

Created on: October 23, 2010   Last Updated: October 25, 2010

Australia has come under close scrutiny in recent years for alleged racists attacks on Indian students studying in Australia. These attacks have predominantly occurred in either Melbourne or Sydney. The question posed is whether or not these attacks are isolated incidents or a dangerous trend that bodes ill for visiting students from India or any other country. There is no doubt that media hype has not helped the situation - in fact, media hype may well have led to some attacks as Australia's youth is often keen to jump into any trend that brings some notoriety.

The issues actually go far beyond racism and, while Indian students have been the focus of media attention, many similar crimes go unreported by that same media. If you look at the facts of some of these attacks, race has little to do with the issue. In fact, one particular case that involved an Indian student being set on fire in their car turned out to be a self-inflicted injury caused by the student trying to set fire to their car to claim insurance money. However, the media hype at the time turned it into a national crime of shame leading the Prime Minister of Australia to publicly condemn the act and apologize to the people of India. The people of India publicized this crime claiming Australia was no longer a safe place to consider for tertiary education. These same groups are now very silent, given the true circumstances of the crime.

This does not diminish the attacks that have occurred over the past two years, particularly in Melbourne. However, a closer look at each attack makes for interesting reading. Attacks frequently occur late at night or in the early hours of the morning. The victims are generally traveling on public transport and alone. With no disrespect meant to the victims, they were well dressed and most carried expensive mobile phones, which they were prone to use on public transport. Some were Twittering, and others were playing games.

A situation like this is dangerous in almost every major city the world, including cities in India. A well-dressed young person appearing to have money and a fancy mobile phone, laptop computer or iPod - the only thing missing is the expensive camera - says crime waiting to happen, no matter what color the skin, the language spoken, or the gender.

Were these attacks racially motivated? No doubt, after a lot of media outcry, some were. However, the majority, as I have already pointed out, were walking victims waiting for the crime to occur. Where Australia is failing international students is in its marketing and student information processes. Australia is marketed as being super safe and a great place to study. It is absolutely a great place to study, but Australia suffers the same problems in its major cities that any other country does. The streets are not safe in the middle of night, particularly if you advertise expensive equipment such as mobile phones and laptop computers.

I remember years ago some friendly advice about traveling in New York. I was told to go and have fun, "but whatever you do, don't walk the streets with a camera around your neck - it screams tourist, and they are always the first victims." The same is true in Australia - don't advertise the fact you are an international student, and you will find life here in Australia a pleasure. Are Indian students a victim of racial attacks? No, they are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, advertising items that thieves can easily convert to cash.

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