In search of our tolerance

RACISM and discrimination are unfortunately at present universal globally.
It disempowers, excludes and is behaviour supported by inappropriate stereotyping and intolerance to difference. It is about power and control.
It is even more damaging to stereotype the behaviour of both the aggressors and victims to a particular nationality or ethnicity as it is at present in all communities globally, and is wrong.
In May 2009 then Telstra boss Sol Trujillo put this issue front and centre as a topic for our broader discussion.
As modern Australians from a myriad of origins, we must strive to better our non-discriminatory standards in education, legislation, policy, practice and crime prevention necessary to eliminate discriminatory and racist behaviour in Australia.
Australia cannot be broad-brushed as a racist nation as is evidenced by its high intake of refugees and migrants from across the globe.
But this is not to say that there is no prejudice. While we are a welcoming multicultural country to many millions of migrants and refugees, pockets of prejudice prevail and there are many naturalised Australians who can unfortunately identify with the unwelcoming experience of discrimination and bias.
As a community we must not dismiss it in guarded mateship nor should we jump hastily on to populist or propaganda bandwagons or feed particular frenzies because this could exacerbate and distort facts and result in greater harm.
Instead it is crucial that each and every one of us be non-discriminatory by example and practice tolerance and collectively nurture a culture of mutual respect.
Only then can we progress intelligently as a clever, modern, harmonious peaceful first world nation and advance Australia Fair. It is time our elected representatives and leaders stopped and took stock about the recent escalation of crime.
The tragic unfortunate recent spate of violence experienced by visiting Indian nationals has damaged international confidence and bilateral potential, projecting Australia as an intolerant extreme, racist, red-necked socially backward nation.
As this is not the case, there is great urgency and need for Australia to lift its act in game not just in name and improvise its current crime prevention and harm minimisation strategies and work towards a zero-tolerance to crime – particularly here in Victoria.
Education and legislation in respect of difference and tolerance is essential for a peaceful co-existence in a modern cosmopolitan Australia.
Together as a community let’s take greater care to nurture, support and educate each other and do our very best to stamp out discrimination, taking example from the indigenous elders – the first Australians of this beautiful country to accommodate difference and adapt to change in a peaceful and welcoming way, sharing their homeland with us and umpteen other strangers and newcomers of varying racial origins while still struggling patiently for decent recognition in their own homeland.
Unity midst Diversity paved the way to freedom and democracy in India.
This is absolutely crucial for a peaceful co-existence in a modern cosmopolitan Australia, hence it is in everyone’s benefit for us all to advance Australia Fair in a non-discriminatory way.
Geraldine Gonsalvez,
Dandenong.