Convenient Labels, Inaccurate Representations: Turning Southern Sudanese Refugees into 'African-Australians'

Australasian Review of African Studies, 2011

23 Pages Posted: 6 Nov 2016

See all articles by Melissa Phillips

Melissa Phillips

University of Melbourne - School of Social and Political Sciences; New York University (NYU) - Center on International Cooperation

Date Written: 2011

Abstract

This article critiques the label ‘African-Australian,’ which has been widely adopted in both popular and academic discourse without critical attention to its relevance and impact. The blanket application of the label ‘African-Australian’ to new entrants from Southern Sudan in particular, as well as refugees and migrants in general, homogenises their experiences and must be unpacked. Doing this requires consideration of two inter-linked aspects; the meaningfulness of Africa as a label and the impact of imposed bureaucratic labels.

Keywords: African-Australian, Labels, Refugees, South Sudan

Suggested Citation

Phillips, Melissa, Convenient Labels, Inaccurate Representations: Turning Southern Sudanese Refugees into 'African-Australians' (2011). Australasian Review of African Studies, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2862584

Melissa Phillips (Contact Author)

University of Melbourne - School of Social and Political Sciences ( email )

Level 4, John Medley Building
Melbourne, VIC 3010
Australia

New York University (NYU) - Center on International Cooperation ( email )

726 Broadway
Suite 543
New York, NY 10003
United States

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