Australia is not a nice place to visit if you're black.

My parents just returned from a week long trip to Australia and said that the experience was not one worth repeating. They didn't do their demographic research and didn't know that the continent was 92% white, like 6 or 7% Asian and the other little 1-2% is "other" (black, etc.) My mom said that the people tended to be rude and that my dad and her were given suspicious looks as they entered stores and were followed. When they went to stand in line, the other customers were like "after you" (didn't want them behind them). They later they went into a bar (and on St. Patrick's day of all days) and were treated to more dirty and odd looks from many of the people there. She said no one ever said anything derogatory and there were no signs about "no blacks" or anything like that, but got the stares and glances that people give when they don't want or appreciate your presence.

My first reaction to all this was "why did you go to Australia to begin with?" What in the hell is so interesting about that place that you decided to vacation THERE? But that's just my mom, she likes venturing out and sight seeing places she's heard about or seen on TV. My folks didn't bother to invite me because it was their own little getaway and because they know I'm not the "leave the US" type and would've declined, but in the end my mom said she was glad I didn't go because of what they experienced.

Jason, I'm sorry your parents had to travel that far and spend what had to have been a lot of money to be treated so shabbily.

Been hearing stories like that. What the hell has happened to this country I always heard was so wonderful, friendly & laid back?

I don't think the problem was because your folks are black. I find Australians hard to warm up to, they are generally rude to every one. I just don't care for them as a rule.

Canada is a real melting pot, so we have a lot of people who are immigrants. Most of the Germans I have met have been pretty nice (a few were arrogant), but pretty much all of the Australians were arrogant.

I'm sorry your parents experienced that Jason. With those kinds of demographics, unfortunately, it's not a surprise.

Hearing this isn't surprising in the least. Those Australians have history of being some racist motherfuckers. I still want to visit there just because I want to see the aesthetics of the country....I want to see the Great Barrier Reef and go to the Australia Open but I won't be looking to make friends there.

It is awful your parents experienced such treatment while on a holiday. It is very disappointing to hear of such treatment.

Not surprising. From what I can tell, the Australians don't seem especially open-minded or hospitable.

Sorry that happened. I thought aussies were friendlier than that. Kylie's so sweet!