Professor Confronts Racist Remarks Overheard at Perth Hair Salon
A professor at Edith Cowan University publicly challenged racist comments he overheard while getting a haircut in perth, sparking a viral discussion about casual racism and the importance of confronting prejudice. The incident, which unfolded on Monday morning at a Phoenix Shopping Centre salon, was documented in a TikTok video that has already garnered over 160,000 views and 12,800 likes.
The professor, Braden Hill, who specializes in Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education, recounted the experience in the now-widely shared video. He explained that he overheard a man, described as an older individual from the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia and employed by an olive oil producer, making disparaging remarks about Aboriginal people.
According to Hill, the man lamented the “mixing” of cultures, stating, “The full bloods are lovely, but we’ve created a real aboriginal problem and I don’t know how we resolve it.” The man then questioned the contributions of Aboriginal Australians, asking, “What have they done? Sharpen the spear?”
As Hill’s chair was turned by his barber, he found himself face-to-face with the man making the offensive statements. He chose to directly address the situation. “I happened to be looking directly at him, and so I said to him, no, we’re just off becoming professors now. And I’m a professor. I’m also Aboriginal,” Hill stated in the video. “As educated as I am, my mother taught me that if you haven’t got anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. And so I suggest you stop saying these horrendous things in public… ’cause I’m trying to get a haircut.”
Hill concluded the video by directly addressing the man, urging him to “do some reading, act your age, grow up and just be a decent human being.” He also requested that anyone who recognized the individual share his online content so Hill could offer educational resources.”I’d be more than happy to teach him and not have to put up with f…ing racism when I’m just trying to get a haircut at my local shitty shopping centre,” he added.
Speaking with PerthNow, hill emphasized that while individual prejudice is a concern, the issue stems from broader societal problems. “I know these outdated views have become entrenched in the way some people think about Aboriginal people.It’s not their fault it’s a societal issue. But if we don’t correct people, things won’t change,” he explained.
The TikTok video has resonated widely, with many users expressing support for Hill’s response and condemning the racist remarks. One commenter wrote, “The casual racism is horrible 💔💔 I am so sorry that you had to hear his disrespect and thank you for calling him out 😳.” Another user stated, “please don’t think that we are all like that! I have so much respect for the oldest culture in the world 🖤💛❤️.”
Hill’s experience underscores the pervasive nature of casual racis
