Do citizens of first world countries just assume that...

[WowJustWow]

Do citizens of first world countries assume people from third world countries are poor?

 

I moved to Australia from Philippines 3 years ago. And while I came from a third world country, my family is well off. We are probably better off than most middle class family in Australia. All my siblings and cousins attend universities and do some travelling abroad for leisure at least once to twice a year. Both my grandparents from my mom and dad’s sides inherited a huge chunk of land from my great grandparents and we ran a wide plantation of fruit and vegetable for generations.

 

I was at a Christmas party last Saturday. And everyone was Australian. I don’t really look like someone from Philippines, I am so fair and look more like Korean Chinese, so I got asked a lot where I’m from. And when I said Philippines, everybody started talking about how bad it is over there, they all have their own nasty perceptions about Philippines and everyone has someone that was from there and most of them were from the bad part of my country. And one of them said my people steal anything even junks because we’re that poor. I’ll most likely be seeing these people in the next 10 to 15 years at Christmas parties and I don’t want to come off to them as boastful so I didn’t say anything about my background. Though if they knew expensive bags and clothes, they would have known I was wearing and carrying legit ones. Got most of them as gifts from my family. They do know I’m studying over here but they are probably thinking it is my Australian husband that spends for me. Oh and unlike most PH-AUS couple, my husband is just 4 years older than me.

 

I don’t socialise a lot with Australian people and I tend to keep to myself most of the time so I’m not sure if it’s only those people from the party that think like that or everybody thinks that way. Should I have said something? My cousin told me I should have, as it may have educated them... that not everyone in third world countries steal and are so poor, there are good and bad locations but not every corner of the Philippines screams poverty... but I’m not an argumentative one like most of my cousins so I always just shut up, though the more I think about they said, the more annoyed I feel inside.

[Mr.Me]

Ya gotta define poor first.

If you have no money but your needs are a met or no money and needs not met are two very different things.

[MsJayne]

Australians can be unspeakably rude, especially in a social setting where there's a bit of alcohol, and this is a great example. Believe it or not they were probably trying to make you feel welcome by talking about your country and showing an interest. This is where the term "Aussie Bogan" comes from - they're so ignorant it's cringe-worthy. There is definitely a wide-spread perception of the Philipines as a poor nation, and much of this comes from the "package bride" image. There is widespread perception that Australian men who marry Asian women do so out of desperation because no Australian woman would put up with them, and that it's only poor women from village backgrounds who will marry them because they have no choice. I think you should have spoken up and perhaps asked why they thought you came from a background of poverty, and then enlightened them. They may have been embarrassed enough to think before they open their mouths and pigeon-hole people next time.

[basil67]

I'm also Australian. I think there is nothing wrong with politely educating people who are ignorant about your country.

 

Something along the lines of "Like most countries, we have pockets of poor people, but we also have X Y and Z". Then lead the conversation with some of the positive things you've seen. However, I would avoid discussing expensive handbags and inheritances (crass in any social situation) and stick to education, housing and job opportunities for the middle and upper classes.

[Scarlett.O'hara]

I'm going to try and be tactful here because your question deals with ethnicity and race, which is a somewhat problematic issue in many countries, including Australia.

 

Some of the perspectives held about immigrants from other nationalities, such as the Philippines, are based on limited experience or second hand information. Australia, like many other colonised countries, has a very Westernised perspective of the world, which historically has marginalised and limited the importance of understanding of other cultures, especially in Asia and Africa. Some may not even be able to tell the difference between different Asian cultures, which is sad, but an unfortunate reality of this lack of understanding and experience.

 

Another thing to consider, Australia has inherited an unfortunate legacy of racial tensions. Refer to the "White Australia Policy" if you want to gain some idea about the history of some of these negative perspectives. Yes, there has been great progress, but it was also not that long either. Some times these prejudices take a long time to extinguish.

 

It is a complex history, but it is heading in a better direction. The more educated people become, the better. If you feel comfortable and have a receptive audience, sharing your perspective and experience of your culture could be a really positive way to change people's attitudes and perspectives. It doesn't have to be in a boastful or negative manner.

 

I would encourage you to try to socialise with more Australian people and become part of your local community. There are so many amazing and wonderful people worth getting to know.

[PegNosePete]

Do citizens of first world countries assume people from third world countries are poor?

You're asking us to make a sweeping generalisation about whether people make sweeping generalisations...?

 

If you're speaking about the average person then yes, the average person in a third world country is poorer than the average person in a first world country. That is not an assumption or opinion, it is a fact. The third world is not only poorer overall but there is a much bigger divide between rich and poor. For example in the Philippines, only 12% earn more than $10k whereas in Australia, 69.4% earn over $10k. So it is a fair assumption that the average person from the Philippines is poorer than the average person from Australia.

 

But when you're considering someone from a third world country who has moved to a first world country, it is different. The ones who have the means (financial, educational and logistical) to emigrate are likely to be from the top sector of society in their originating country. Therefore my assumption would be that someone from a third world country living in a first would country is actually more likely to be well off than someone from the country themselves.

 

one of them said my people steal anything even junks because we’re that poor

It sounds like most of these people are simply recounting their own experiences, you mention they all know someone from there etc. But this comment is simply a jerk. If I were you I'd have given them a disgusted scowl, said "really?", then turned my back and walked away immediately.

[alphamale]

you have to tell them about your socio-economic background as well as where you come from. people need to hear this.

[edgygirl]

I was born in a developing country in the Tropics and moved to the US. The fanciest company in my field brought me initially on a work visa because of my skills and background. It does confuse people as most from that country come here as low-skilled workers and even illegally.

 

Most people think my country of origin is mostly poor, has violent crimes, etc - which might be true to some extent (many come here as construction workers, nannies etc). BUT there is a sizeable middle class in that country, and also upper middle class, as well as mega rich people as in millionaires to billionaires who live lives that even rich American people do not. Most of us middle & upper class grew up having nannies and house cleaners. It's just a different reality that locals in first world countries don't get...

 

Use these opportunities to explain your country. I take it many think most Philipino immigrants come to clean houses, be nannies or caretakers, but here's your chance to illuminate them on how your society really works. It makes for great convo! I don't think the general biases people have about countries will change, so it's our job to be mini ambassadors and explain little by little.

[Els]

There are a lot of misconceptions from first-worlders (not just Australians) about developing nations. My pet peeve is when people find out where I'm from and then exclaim, "Wow, but you speak good English!". I mean, I get that they intend it as a compliment, but I usually feel tempted to respond with, "Thanks, so do you!".

 

In general it's considered acceptable to have a polite discussion with them about your country if you feel so inclined. I do sometimes. I can also fully admit the shortcomings of my home country (which certainly does have much worse poverty rates in general than any first world country - which is how the terms were coined to begin with).

 

I do wonder why you have never socialized with Australians beyond this party despite having lived in Australia for 3 years, though? I mean, your husband is Australian, have you never met his friends and family? What about your classmates where you are studying? I honestly don't see the point of living abroad if you're not interested in meeting the locals.

[WowJustWow]

I’ll take note of everyone’s opinions and suggestions.

 

@Elswyth, to answer your question, I’ve just started my course a few months ago and most of my classmates are from another countries too, there are only 4 locals and I haven’t had a chance to hang out with them. I am taking Pharmacy and everybody seems so busy. I didn’t really go out a lot these past 3 years aside from doing some sight-seeing with my husband. Been to many tourist spots around Australia but only went to snap photos.

 

Before starting uni, I stayed home reading books and taking care of my garden. Been to parties about 8 times but didn’t talk to many until last Saturday. Talked to a few girls during the previous parties but we discussed girly stuff. I’m not into socialising but I’m happy to talk if anybody approaches me. My husband and his family and friends know about how my family is doing back home so we never had to discuss topics like the one I had with his workmates at the party.

 

My husband said I shouldn’t believe everything they say as most of the time they don’t mean it. He told me they were probably joking and I misunderstood.

[Els]

I’ll take note of everyone’s opinions and suggestions.

 

@Elswyth, to answer your question, I’ve just started my course a few months ago and most of my classmates are from another countries too, there are only 4 locals and I haven’t had a chance to hang out with them. I am taking Pharmacy and everybody seems so busy. I didn’t really go out a lot these past 3 years aside from doing some sight-seeing with my husband. Been to many tourist spots around Australia but only went to snap photos.

 

Before starting uni, I stayed home reading books and taking care of my garden. Been to parties about 8 times but didn’t talk to many until last Saturday. Talked to a few girls during the previous parties but we discussed girly stuff. I’m not into socialising but I’m happy to talk if anybody approaches me. My husband and his family and friends know about how my family is doing back home so we never had to discuss topics like the one I had with his workmates at the party.

 

My husband said I shouldn’t believe everything they say as most of the time they don’t mean it. He told me they were probably joking and I misunderstood.

 

It's hard to say for sure whether they were joking, as we can't see the context - it could be true but it could also not be. Generally social signals vary from culture to culture, so it would take a bit of time to understand signals from a different culture. The SO and I lived in a new country for several years and have only just begun to understand!

[todreaminblue]

Australia is a real melting pot of cultures and the best thing about this fact is you get to learn about other cultures and countries as well as share your own experiences of living down under or where you came from .....I don't feel these uninformed party goers would have set out to offend you....basing their opinions probably on the news on tv is what they did.......

 

3 years is a long time and you are talking one christmas party i am sure you have had more interactions than that?have you found every aussie to be the same way......do you feel like you don't want to socialize with australians because of this one party? ....deb

[road]

Wowjustwow, when all one hears is about the poverty

in the third world.

 

Hears about all the sweat shops that pay very little.

 

It is assumed that everyone is poor, yet we assume that

there will be a few excepts in every third world country.

 

So when we meet a person form the third world we assume

that the person is poor because these countries do not have

a large middle class.

 

Also when we google the countries with the most millionaires

third world countries never make the list.

 

Then here in the US third world is rarely covered in the news.

And if there is a mention it is never about how great the economy

is doing over there.

 

I am glad that you are the exception to the rule.

[CautiouslyOptimistic]

Do citizens of first world countries assume people from third world countries are poor?

 

 

My perceptions/assumptions of third world countries is that there is extreme income disparity. There is extreme wealth, and extreme poverty, with very little in between.

 

Just my perception.

[snowboy91]

Another Australian here (wow, I'm surprised how many there are here!). I grew up in a rural area and still have friends/family who live in the country. What I've noticed is that many of them are very isolated from meeting people from many other countries, especially "third world" countries. So the only knowledge they have of other parts of the world is through TV, movies and the media and thus the stereotypes are formed. It's easy to forget that a distribution of wealth exists in every country and people tend to see the average or even the poorer end of society a lot more.

 

Anyway when isolated people (such as my friends/family in the country) meet someone who fits a stereotype, they don't even realise it's rude to discuss it with that person. Unfortunately the only way to break stereotypes is to educate, and sadly that burden seems to fall on those who are victim of the stereotypes.

[Chilli]

Like most countries depends where you are and the mentality can vary greatly, l've never seen Sydney or Melbourne bat an eyelid at Asians in that way , they'd welcome you open arms mostly.

Where l am we get millions of cultures touring through and it's everyday sites to see many of any that are obviously very wealthy..

 

And many crossed marriages and couples of any combo you could think of, , no one bats an eyelid or thinks twice.

[Els]

My perceptions/assumptions of third world countries is that there is extreme income disparity. There is extreme wealth, and extreme poverty, with very little in between.

 

Just my perception.

 

As someone from a third world country, I somewhat agree with this. It's not that there isn't a middle class - there usually is, I'm from it - but that the poor are REALLY poor. Not just "can't afford Netflix" poor, I'm talking no electricity or running water or indoor toilets.

 

This is a terrible thing to have and usually leads to increased crime rates. People will risk their lives or severely hurt someone else for something like $50, because they need it THAT badly. Bad situation for everyone all around.

[elaine567]

I don’t socialise a lot with Australian people and I tend to keep to myself most of the time so I’m not sure if it’s only those people from the party that think like that or everybody thinks that way. Should I have said something? My cousin told me I should have, as it may have educated them... that not everyone in third world countries steal and are so poor, there are good and bad locations but not every corner of the Philippines screams poverty... but I’m not an argumentative one like most of my cousins so I always just shut up, though the more I think about they said, the more annoyed I feel inside.

 

If these were mere acquaintances it may be slightly entertaining to step back and see how ignorant they were of your country and culture.

But, as these are people you are going to be socialising with for the next 10-15 years you need to put them straight as to who you are, else you are going to be thought of as some untrustworthy gold digger from the Filipino gutter or some dirt poor village, who was probably a thief and/or a prostitute, who luckily bagged a "desperate" Australian guy and is now getting herself educated at his expense and is wearing the designer stuff he pays for - a bit like a Filipino version of Pretty Woman.