The concept of the 'good refugee' in Cambodian and Hazara refugee narratives and self-representation

Much research has focused on the damaging impact of Australian asylum seeker policies, and numerous studies have analysed the hostile discourses that have accompanied them. However, there has been very limited research that has offered a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these asylum seeker discourses upon individual refugees and asylum seekers. This article draws on the narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with Cambodian and Hazara refugees to explore how these discourses influence their storytelling about the refugee experience. The concept of the 'good refugee' emerged as a prominent theme. The participants mostly tell stories that comply with this concept to overcome their demonization in asylum seeker discourses and to find acceptance and belonging in Australia. The concept of the 'good refugee' is evident in the participants' self-representation, their reluctance to use their political voice, and in the gaps and silences in their stories. Continued efforts are needed to challenge the concept of the 'good refugee' as it silences refugees and asylum seekers and undermines belonging.