Influencer says Australia is waking up to ignored anti-Asian racism

An influencer says Australia is finally waking up to long-ignored issues of anti-Asian racism. It comes after a star was booted off U.S. TV when a derogatory social media post resurfaced.

Influencer Martina Liang at Iberica in Bondi. Photo: Tom Parrish

Influencer Martina Liang says Australia is finally waking up to long-ignored issues of anti-Asian racism.

The conversation reignited online after Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega was booted from the show when old social media posts resurfaced in which she described her appearance using racial slurs, calling her eyes “ch**ky.”

With 125,000 Instagram followers, Liang says the national conversation is long “overdue.”

“I do think there’s a bit of truth to the perception that Australia can be a bit racist, but it’s also important to understand the cultural context,” she told Confidential.

“Australians are known for having a very casual, laid-back sense of humour … people make jokes that push the boundaries, including using offensive language, without necessarily intending to cause harm. That doesn’t make it right, but it’s been normalised as ‘just having a laugh’ in the past.”

Martina Liang at Iberica in Bondi for the 'Hats off to JSHealth Vitamins!' event by Chemist Warehouse. Photo: Tom Parrish

However, Liang says times have changed and things are shifting, crediting social media for creating accountability.

“There’s definitely more awareness now about the impact of words and actions … people are starting to understand that intent doesn’t erase impact.”

The influencer praised the growing number of women of colour speaking out, saying younger generations aren’t willing to accept “that’s how it’s always been.”

“I hope that through continued awareness and honest conversations, we’ll keep moving towards a society where diversity is not just accepted but genuinely celebrated.”

Liang’s comments follow former Love Island Australia winner Tina Provis calling out racism are the Ortega drama.

Provis, who won in 2021, said she grew up feeling “very insecure” about her appearance and recalled being mocked at school. “A boy chased me around the playground pulling back his eyelids,” she said.

Influencer Martina Liang in Bondi. Photo: Tom Parrish

Liang also related to Provis’ experience, even if her own path looked different on the surface.

“It’s really important and powerful that Tina has spoken out about this. When people speak openly about their personal experiences, it helps others who might have stayed silent feel seen and heard.”

While her own upbringing had it’s differences, Liang said racism still shaped her social dynamics.

“I was surrounded by other Asians, so I didn’t feel isolated. But in high school, things were divided. There were the ‘quiet, nerdy Asian’ groups and the ‘popular’ white groups. It felt normal then but looking back it really highlights how segregated things could feel.”
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