08-10-2021, 11:27 PM
We need to stop all forms of bigotry both positive and negative and practise true equality.
Else we simply create the next batch of racists and bigots because we give them a reason to exist.
Stop referring to yourself as black fella. Stop referring to others as white fella. Stop referring to your groups as Asians, Indians, africans, wogs (growing up badge of honour), wasps.
Start identifying people instead. This isn't as bad as everyone makes out. You can make a racist comment and not be racist and likewise let's stop hanging people for their comments.
Society doesn't function by making everyone walk on eggshells in case they hurt someone's feelings. It functions by people doing what they do and when someone steps out of line (rightly or wrongly) they acknowledge their stuff up, figure out what's wrong about it, and then apologise for it.
We can't undo what has been done but we can be better to learn from it rather than continually shame ourselves for it.
I can honestly state that I have been made to feel shame for my heritage by some of the kids I grew up with and around. Two things occurred as a consequence. I dont truly feel accepted by Australia and therefore embrace my Greek heritage more. I have actually felt as though I will never really fit in because when I practise greek culture I've heard comments that have made me wonder why my parents came here to begin with.
Generally I'm a misfit. I am neither here nor there when it comes to culture and irrespective of what people say I dont really belong.
Else we simply create the next batch of racists and bigots because we give them a reason to exist.
Stop referring to yourself as black fella. Stop referring to others as white fella. Stop referring to your groups as Asians, Indians, africans, wogs (growing up badge of honour), wasps.
Start identifying people instead. This isn't as bad as everyone makes out. You can make a racist comment and not be racist and likewise let's stop hanging people for their comments.
Society doesn't function by making everyone walk on eggshells in case they hurt someone's feelings. It functions by people doing what they do and when someone steps out of line (rightly or wrongly) they acknowledge their stuff up, figure out what's wrong about it, and then apologise for it.
We can't undo what has been done but we can be better to learn from it rather than continually shame ourselves for it.
I can honestly state that I have been made to feel shame for my heritage by some of the kids I grew up with and around. Two things occurred as a consequence. I dont truly feel accepted by Australia and therefore embrace my Greek heritage more. I have actually felt as though I will never really fit in because when I practise greek culture I've heard comments that have made me wonder why my parents came here to begin with.
Generally I'm a misfit. I am neither here nor there when it comes to culture and irrespective of what people say I dont really belong.
"everything you know is wrong"
Paul Hewson
Paul Hewson