In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, people have been calling out the overt and covert racist incidents they encounter on a regular basis.
MasterChef Australia contestant Sarah Tiong has joined that chorus after a particularly unsettling experience with a Triple M radio station.
The chef was recently voted off the show and was asked for an interview to talk about her experiences.
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Sarah alleges one of the presenters said 'ni hao ma' to her, which is the Mandarin way of saying 'how are you'.
Speaking on Instagram, Ms Tiong wrote: "I do not believe this went to air. However, I felt uncomfortable and shocked. The call was ended immediately. This is racism. What an insensitive, tone deaf thing to say. Please, check yourself and do better."
While the chef received praise for speaking out against an injustice, people, presumably wanting to be better educated about the topic, asked how this particular incident was racist.
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Elaborating, Sarah said: "It is racist to assume I identify as Chinese and speak the Chinese language.
"Even if I have referenced such heritage or knowledge in the past, it is privileged and ignorant to assume anything about me based on the colour of my skin.
"It is rude and privileged to assume that I understand that Asian language, just because I appear of that descent.
"The mere presumption that I speak or want to speak Mandarin or Cantonese with you, followed by the flippant dismissal of distinguishing the two different languages is racist. It is dehumanising. And no...'My partner is Asian' is not an excuse for your racism."
The post was shared by MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong, who said this represented the casual racism that people of colour experience every day in Australia.
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She also told news.com.au in a separate discussion about ethnic diversity on Australian television and how there's a lot of work to be done.
"While I am proud to play a small part in the changing face of diversity and inclusivity in Australian media, let me be clear in saying that we are so very far from where we need to be," she said.
"Whether it's our ancient indigenous heritage or more recent multicultural contribution, representation of the different abled, or those who are fighting to be accepted for how they identify, or loving who they love, it is clear that we all need and deserve to feel seen and be heard. It is my hope in these difficult times that we can and will bring about lasting and positive change in this regard."
A spokesperson for Triple M told News Corp: "Triple M Sunraysia unreservedly apologises for the offence caused by comments made to Sarah Tiong off-air this morning."
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