#45 Ochan | A Sudanese Immigrant in Melbourne... What Africans & Australians Can Teach Each Other

I came across Ochan in a viral video he posted on insta (@letstalkwithochan) discussing loneliness in Australian society.

It had almost a million views and a wild comment section with a full range of reactions from love to extreme hate.

Having grown up in Melbourne with the ever-present news stories of Sudanese youth, and more recently fallen in love with aspects of African culture, food, and especially music… I was keen as to have Ochan on the pod!

We discussed all kinds of things and I walked away having a far better understanding of both the African and Australian experience.

One idea that has been on my mind since this chat but I didn’t realise likely stemmed from it until watching this back, is the tension/balance between Individuality and Community.

Australia (and Western more broadly) culture is so fiercely individualistic while African lives are led inextricably tangled amongst countless other souls. Both extremes have their pros and cons but it was great to toy with the idea through this lens.

Anyways, thanks again Ochan for taking the time and bringing me briefly into your world…

Enjoy:)

Chapters

• 0:00 Social Media
• 5:44 Life in Africa vs Australia
• 14:39 South Sudanese Immigrants
• 19:18 African History
• 30:21 Racism in Australia
• 34:05 African Linguistics & Perspectives
• 38:17 Racism vs Prejudice
• 50:05 Nature of Assimilation
• 56:48 Indigenous Parallels between Africa & Australia
• 1:03:32 Highlights of Life