Breaking news, 2013
article by AAP headlines, “NSW acts to boost anti-racism in schools”.
Well it’s about
time. Racism is definitely not a new issue; Australia has simply had enough of
it. Racism occurs in all areas of life, especially in schools, a place where
young, vulnerable, physically, mentally and emotionally evolving students
attend on an everyday basis. To be obligated to attend and keep up with school
until 17 years of age is difficult enough without having racist, hurtful
remarks made about your physical appearance, values and beliefs that cultural
upbringing and genetics gave you no control over.
“Dr Napthine says
he will support a boost to school programs to ensure all understand that abuse
based on racism is "totally and utterly unacceptable in modern
society". (AAP, 2013) This comment made in the 2013 article by the AAP reiterates that
as a modern society, we should take a modern stance against racism, and this
stance all begins with learning the fundamentals of respecting others at a
young age – which it done through school.
The time has come to
reinforce the school departments’ commitment to eliminate racial
discrimination.
In 2013, Houston’s
article in the Sydney Morning Herald reports about the act of racism which had
occurred in sports targeting Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes when the Collingwood president Eddie
McGuire's rudely suggested “Goodes be used to promote the musical King Kong”.
This was of course not the first time acts of racism have been displayed, and
the fact that a 13 year old girl also referred to Goodes as an ape proves more
emphasis should be placed around anti-racist schemes in schools. However, due
to these individuals’ public profiles, this disgraceful behavior from
individuals of all ages opened up the nations eyes as to how serious and
hurtful racism could be. This act is as “equally inexcusable as less
high-profile people saying it every day. Some racial comments are intentional.
Some are 'slips of the tongue', some as McGuire would say, are made out of
ignorance. All must stop” (Houston, 2013).
Shane Houston’s
article in the Sydney Morning Herald is very appropriately titled “Education is the
key to stamping out racism”. Christina Ho (2011) states “nurturing
respect for cultural diversity is a key goal of the Australian education
system”. An emphasis is placed on
teaching and disciplinary methods in schools in order to eradicate and prevent
acts of racism. This method according to Ho (2011) will ‘‘build a democratic,
equitable and just society, a society that is prosperous, cohesive and
culturally diverse”. Today, greater emphasis is being placed on Australian education
in relation to following basic human codes and morals of appreciating fellow
human beings and respecting others regardless of their social, cultural or
religious customs. After the upsetting events which occurred in Victoria
targeting Goodes, according to the article by the AAP written in 2013, “the premier has
asked the Education Department to recirculate the anti-racism support material
to schools and teachers."
Its about time
Australia, a nation with a wide cultural range, would attempt to strengthen
their respect to one another. It is a great inititiative to have anti-racist
teaching methods in schools to educate Australians about this disgusting behavior
whilst they’re still young. I believe we are all human, equally created in the
image of God and it’s never too late to stop and think hang on, maybe what I
said was a little hurtful or even racist! – even if we didn’t mean it.
References:
Ho, C. (2011). Respecting the
Presence of Others: School Micropublics and Everyday Multiculturalism,
Journal of Intercultural Studies, 32:6, 603-619
Houston, S. May 31, 2013, Education is the Key to
Stamping out Racism, http://www.smh.com.au/comment/education-is-the-key-to-stamping-out-racism-20130530-2nep5.html
AAP, May 27, 2013, NSW acts to boost anti-racism
in schools, http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/nsw-acts-to-boost-anti-racism-in-schools/story-e6frfku9-1226651200359
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ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer! I find this blog very interesting particularly because it is an ongoing, universal issue that everyone can relate to, including myself. Racism should be addressed not only in Australia, but also all over the world. Regardless of the form of racism, and whether it be intentional or "slips of the tongue", I agree that "all must stop" (Houston, 2013) so to encourage harmonious environments where people can live freely without being criticized due to their individual race.
ReplyDeleteIn you’re post above, you mention that Christina Ho (2011) states “nurturing respect for cultural diversity is a key goal of the Australian education system”. I strongly agree that the implementation of certain “teaching and disciplinary methods in schools” can help to achieve the respect of the different racial cultures that exist. It is important that these methods educate students on what “cultural racism” actually is, and it is also fundamental that they are implemented during early school years so we are able to “stamp it out early, rather than try to clean up the mess afterwards” (Houston, 2013).
References:
Houston, S. May 31, 2013, Education is the Key to Stamping out Racism, http://www.smh.com.au/comment/education-is-the-key-to-stamping-out-racism-20130530-2nep5.html.