What is race? What is racism? Simple questions with complicated answers. In May, we’ll dive in deep, with a full day of frank and forthright talks on race in Australia today. Are we evolving in our understanding of racial issues? How do questions of race intersect with questions of culture, representation and justice?

Curated by Santilla Chingaipe, Not Racist, But … is a day to discuss race and racism in our culture, our history, our politics and our media.

Why Are We Afraid of Being Called Racist?

11.00am–12.00pm

How can we have constructive conversations about racism when everyone is so defensive? Are laws enough to tackle racism? And what’s the deal with identity politics? This panel will explore definitions of racism, looking not just at overt examples but also implicit bias and systemic racism, with examples from Australian history.

Indigenous Australia and Racism

12.30pm–1.30pm

What role does racism play in the entrenched disadvantage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia today? How does racism impact on the health of Indigenous Australians? How has racial oppression become institutionalised over the decades and how has this been rationalised since European settlement?

Racism, Identity and Labels

2.00pm–3.00pm

In this session, our panellists will unpack the complexities of racial identities and ask if race is skin deep. Who is ‘black’ in Australia today? Who is Asian-Australian?  Who is ‘white’? And where do race and religion overlap when it comes to identity? And is it really possible, or desirable, to be colour-blind?

The Media and Racism

3.30pm–4.30pm

How does a person’s race or religion frame how the way they’re portrayed in the media? How do news narratives perpetuate racism? In the final session, our panellists will discuss racial sensationalism and stereotype in the Australian news today.