PEOPLE POWER WILL END THE RACISM SCOURGE
Recent troubling reports exposing racism in
Victoria show that it’s time to focus on a solution. Every racist
incident is serious, no matter how insignificant it seems.
Our research shows the more racism someone experiences, the more
likely they are to suffer from psychological distress, which can lead to
other, preventable health problems.
VicHealth and the University of Melbourne have released important
research that may hold the key to ending these ugly racist incidents. We
need to unlock the potential of people power. Of the 600 Victorians in
regional, rural and metropolitan Victoria we surveyed, the majority (83
per cent) wanted more to be done about racism.
One in three pledged to take action if they saw racism, be it
abuse on a train, a hurtful sledge on the footy field or a joke at a
barbecue. But one in four people upset by racism wouldn’t act because
they didn’t feel confident enough to step in and say or do something.
It is important that we all act if someone is being racist. Even
small actions matter. You can support the victim, film the incident,
report it to police, challenge attitudes, or simply reassure the target
that most Victorians do not stand for this behaviour.
Racism hurts more than feelings and it’s up to every one of us to play our part and make this ugliness a thing of the past.
JERRI RECHTER CEO, VICTORIAN, HEALTH PROMOTION FOUNDATION
SEEKING MEMORABILIA
I am a collector of GMH and Peter Brock
memorabilia. I was hoping some of your readers, who may have worked at
the Holden assembly plant in Dandenong, could have photos or historical
items and would contact me about them.
I can be contacted by phone on 0488 421976 or by email at bazlyncoota@yahoo.com.au.
BARRY GALVIN ONLINE
RE: DANDENONG WEST CLEAN-UP PLEA
If there was a greater variety of shops, people who work in the area are likely to shop here, too.
PIPPA VIA WEB
We would like further consultation
about the appropriate speed limit around the shopping area and about
increased lighting around the pedestrian crossing, to improve safety for
all.
ANGELA VIA WEB
RE: ASYLUM SEEKERS SWAMP AID CENTRE
It was interesting reading the letter re asylum seekers swamping an aid centre (Journal,
May 27). The discussion re the arrival of these individuals won’t be
solved unless Australia withdraws from the international treaty that is a
millstone around our necks and certainly is not in the interests of
this country.
The UN is quick to criticise Australia for not opening our doors
with the welcome mat, yet does absolutely nothing to solve the problems
in the countries where these people come from.
Those countries can say – tongue in cheek – that it is not our
responsibility and the UN accepts that without a whimper; Australia says
it and we are acting illegally under this millstone treaty.
Refugees and boats can be stopped. We just need politicians with guts to say “enough is enough”.
RICHARD RYAN VIA WEB
