90 per cent of Indigenous people have seen racism online, new report reveals

7.4.18

By Bronwyn Carlson, Ryan Frazer

Source: The Conversation

'Many said social media allowed them to feel more connected to their Indigenous identity
— particularly those affected by historical disconnections from community and culture.

'More than 80 per cent of participants said they openly identify as
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander on social media.

'"My Aboriginality is the focal point of my identity both in society and online.
Specifically, on Facebook, my photos and page, groups and friends all highlight my Aboriginality," one said.

'However, more than half of respondents said they were “selective” about what they had posted online,
for fear of attracting racist or violent responses.

'Over 50 per cent said that sometimes they chose not to identify as Indigenous online ... '

www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2018/04/05/indigenous-voices-are-speaking-loudly-social-media-racism-endures-1

theconversation.com/indigenous-voices-are-speaking-loudly-on-social-media-but-racism-endures-94287

90 per cent of Indigenous people
have seen racism online,
new report reveals

'More than a third of Indigenous people have been the victim of direct racism online
while the majority have seen perils of sharing their culture on social media,
a new national report reveals.

'The majority of Indigenous people using social media were selective about
what they posted for fear others would hit back with racism or violence,
the Social Media Mob: Being Indigenous Online report has found. ...

'Key report findings:

    71 per cent of Indigenous Australians said social media was a good platform for learning about and engaging in cultural practices
    64 per cent expressed concern about sharing Indigenous culture on social media
    88 per cent had seen racism towards Indigenous people on social media
    21 per cent had received threats of violence from other social media users
    48 per cent indicated social media made them feel more likely to be able to identify someone at risk of self-harm or suicide
    79 per cent were politically active online.'

www.sbs.com.au/news/90-per-cent-of-indigenous-people-have-seen-racism-online-new-report-reveals

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Ft. Thirrili
Support&Advocacy for IndigenousPeople
affected by Suicide or Trauma
groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/wgar-news/rqUKry4zu-c

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'Thirrili Ltd is a not for profit organisation
which aims to contribute to the broader social wellbeing of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by:
* 'reducing the high rates of suicide through the delivery of a critical response service
to support individuals and families affected by a suicide or other traumatic incidents
 
* 'providing social support, practical assistance and advocacy support
to affected individuals and families

* 'building the capacity of local communities and service providers
to care for and respond to social disadvantage,
including suicides and traumatic incidents in their community

* 'strengthening individual, family and community resilience and social wellbeing, and

* 'contribute to addressing the social disadvantage needs of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities'