IEAA News
Social Incohesion: don't just spin, do something
Written by: IEAA, 02 Feb 2010
SOCIAL INCOHESION: DON'T JUST SPIN, DO SOMETHING
When it comes to leadership on social matters, even progressive governments sometimes falter.
The continuing media and diplomatic turbulence around violence against internationalstudents has gained traction largely because of an unwillingness of the Australian and some State governments to publicly acknowledge the reality that international students are increasingly part of the Australian social fabric and are more vulnerable to discrimination and violence than some other members of the community.Governments have failed to anticipate this and to institute the necessary program responses.
It’s not too late to do so. Despite repeated urging, governments are not showing sufficient leadership in tackling violence, discrimination and occasional racism against international students.
Governments fear the “R” word. But the longer our leaders refuse to raise a strong and clear voice against racism, the more emboldened the pathological fringe is becoming.
Read the rest of VISTA January editorial here (members only)
