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Racism is something many of us have experienced at least once in our lifetimes. Sometimes, we can't help but feel hurt because we are not accepted
because of our race. Perhaps you yourself have even called someone names because
of their background....
At school, I read an excerpt of Ella Simon's autobiography, Through My Eyes. Ella is half-aboriginal and half-European. Her father was white and his family was furious
that he married an Aborigine. He had a very close relationship with his daughter.
During her life, she was labeled as a "black" person by Australians of
the time. People of "her own kind" were
restricted from entering Anti-Black zones unless they had a pass.
At one point, Ella applied for a pass because she worked in an Anti-Black area. She even had to
apply for Australian citizenship, even though she was born there.
One unfortunate day, Ella's beloved
father died. No doubt was she deeply upset. The only way she could pay tribute
to him was to attend his funeral. However, she wasn't allowed, because the father's
side of the family
said she wasn't one of them. She was so
desperate she even wanted to stand on the other side of the road, but they
didn't care.
"No Abo is attending my son's funeral," the grandmother exclaimed.
I can't imagine not being able to attend my own parent's funeral, can you?
In Sharpeville, South Africa, 1960, a large group of blacks refused to carry
their "pass books." In response, the government declared a state of emergency.
This lasted 156 days and the violence that resulted left 69 people dead and 187 wounded.
And have you ever wondered why you can't say the letter K three times in a row
in Whyville?
That's because KKK stands for Ku Klux Klan. They are a 'secret' terrorist
organization. They sometimes wear distinct clothing -- white robes, white shoes and white
fabric pieces that cover their heads. The Ku Klux Klan used violence and
intimidation to keep black people from voting and holding office, because they
despised anyone with dark skin.
In my Australian state, Victoria, we have a diverse population made up of people
from more than 208 countries, speaking over 150 languages and celebrating more
than 100 faiths.
In case you weren't aware of it, March 21 is the United Nations International Day for the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Many of us continue to experience racism
daily. Racism leads to the destruction of the values we prize; the basic right
to live and work in safety, and to participate equally in the community.
It is time to move beyond tolerance to respect.
By Juzzy.
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