What Does Australia Mean to Our Multicultural Community? We Spoke to An African Teen in Brizzy

Tapie Masvaure discusses the ups and downs of being an African teen in Australia.

Australia is seen by both national and international media to be a diverse country with a strong multicultural identity. This is one of the most prominent areas of our society that we Australians take pride in on national days such as Australia Day, where our true patriotic colours come to light.

But is this confidence misplaced? Are we truly accepting of the other cultures and races we allow into the folds of our bountiful community?

Tapiwanashe Masvaure, who goes by Tapie, is a young African teenager who moved from Qatar to Brisbane in July of 2015. We spoke to Tapie about Australia Day and the degree to which she truly feels accepted.

Tapie remarks on her move from Qatar to Australia by stating that while “moving [countries] always brings problems… in the move to Australia there were not that many.”

Like most immigrants coming to Australia, the main motivation for the Masvaures’ move was job security. While people in Tapie’s situation are not considered asylum seekers or refugees, the circumstances are similar in a less life-threatening way.

Tapie said that in her experience, even with the obvious differences between herself and the Australian teens, she “feels like [she] belongs [here].”

The way in which teenagers within Australia interact with each other, despite being from different countries and cultures, demonstrates our community’s liberality. It isn’t until days such as Australia Day, when we are called to rethink our national ethics, that such a community bond can be truly appreciated.

Tapie felt that at her school in Qatar she “stood out from the crowd.”

“[I] was different from everyone else and [I] wanted to be like them,” she said.

And yet, Tapie said that in her Australian school she feels like “people were more accepting of my differences”. This evident show of community belonging, no matter the race or culture, is an Australian trait that can truly be celebrated on Australia Day.

Tapie said she does not feel oppressed due to her African culture. Rather, it is her more western Christian faith that often separates her from other Australian youth.

However, this does not prevent feelings of shame, as Tapie said that she often “wished” she could be “like the average [white person]”. While she feels that this self-consciousness was mostly the case in Qatar too, this does not mean that it does not occur within Australia.

We should feel morally obliged to act respectfully towards those moving from other countries, especially with similar situations to Tapie. It is our social responsibility as a fully developed country to offer aid to those seeking a better life in a new nation.

So, as we bask in the warm Australian sun and drink up the bounties this great southern land has to offer, may we not forget those who are new to this land. May we show them the true meaning behind the great Australian dream. May this country forever be a land of acceptance, belonging and compassion.

Georgia Clements is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. See more student contributions here.

Photo: iStock