From the Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10
Anti-Racism Presentation
The following speech was presented at the Assembly on 29th June 2020.
Over the last few weeks, there have been many important issues that have been raised and discussed around the world in relation to the racial discrimination that exists within our global community. These issues stem from the historic systemic racism that pervades many societies.
Systemic racism refers to public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations, and other norms that work in various ways to often reinforce and perpetuate racial group inequality. What this means is that systems and institutions within our society often give preferential treatment, privilege, power, access and opportunities for white people at the expense of people of colour.
Systemic racism is the foundation of individual racism and unconscious bias that exists within people. Individual racism refers to an individual’s racist assumptions, beliefs, or behaviours. Examples of individual racism include telling a racist joke, using racial language, believing in the superiority of your own race over other racial groups, or acting differently towards a person of colour because you consider them a threat. These are issues that the Black Lives Matter group and other organisations are standing against and trying to make a positive change to better our society. Although much of the attention in the media has been on America, in Australia this racism and discrimination is very much present and has a deep impact on black, Indigenous and people of colour.
While some of you might choose to ignore what is happening in our world or are just not aware of it, it is important to acknowledge that the effects of systemic and individual racism are experienced at St Andrews College and our community. It is not enough for students and staff to just say that they aren’t racist, we need to acknowledge the negative perceptions and behaviour that exists within our community and actively stand up against it. To become anti-racist. Being aware of our actions and educating ourselves is the key to making a positive change and moving forward. The aim of this presentation is not to attack or blame, but to share with you our reality and educate you on our experiences so that you can hear our pain and reflect. We would like to share with you some of our experiences and ways that you can be anti-racist and make a difference in the St Andrews College community.
How it feels to grow up in Australia as a minority and person of colour.
In public locations and at school young black individuals are described as thieves, threats, ignorant and more. It’s time we stand up and speak out about these serious issues. When are people going to realise that our skin colour shouldn’t define who we are? When are people going to hear us and know that we are sick of being treated like this? When are people going to appreciate and respect black lives? When are YOU going to think about your own actions and understand that we can not be silenced until things change?
Growing up in Australia as a black person is difficult and challenging. People do not acknowledge or witness our pain.
Individuals think that we are not hurt by your words or actions because we might laugh it off - that does not make it okay.
No one stands up or backs up black individuals when it matters most. It is devastating how black people can not be in groups without someone asking questions, often saying “You’re up to no good. spread out”. It hurts my heart when someone says “ go back to your country. You’re not wanted here”. It is sad to see other people pulling their children closer to them because they assume we will harm them. It’s distressing to see that we often face harsher consequences and that the media’s perspective of Black individuals affects how people see us. The media portrays us as things we are NOT.
The experiences black students may face is that they are treated differently to other students in the school and in society.
Because of the colour of their skin they are often wrongly accused, and have to face consequences for things they haven’t done. When people are racist towards black people and it is reported, it seems as if not enough is done to resolve the issue, and that people don’t understand the hurt their actions have caused. Black people have also been unfairly seen as targets and threats to others because of the bad rumors spread around by others. When black people just try to enjoy themselves in a group, others assume they are up to something due to stereotypes and the media.
Indigenous culture is often ignored or NOT taken seriously, and so as a result stereotypes and hurtful ignorant statements are made. This is not a topic for History class - this should be ingrained in all that we do. The impact of your words and actions are felt deeply by Indigenous students and individuals. It has been found that many Indigenous people won’t engage with mainstream health services because of experiences with systemic racism, which creates individual negative assumptions about Indigenous lifestyle and Heritage. “They’ll suffer rather than seek treatment or help”.
In Australia, people grow up with stories about how Indigenous people were treated inhumanely, left to last in the emergency departments - or not seen at all. As a society we need to not only acknowledge these past injustices but also make ourselves more informed and aware, and actively create change.
As black students we go through a lot due to the colour of our skin, even if you may not see it happening. We go through being called racist slurs and being judged because of our skin colour.
When we come forward to tell our problems, we are often told “we understand”... but there is no way to understand our problems or pain, and we are often not able to use our voice to express how we feel. We want to be heard and we are tired of being treated differently just because of the colour of our skin.
We are sick and tired of being seen as a threat, being followed, and not being listened to. People don’t understand how much we hurt until they listen to us and really hear what we say.
Language Choices
It is very important that people reflect on their language choices and the effect of what they are saying. It is not good enough to say “you didn’t mean it”, “you were only joking” or “that you didn’t know”. When speaking about this it is important to discuss it respectfully and avoid stereotypes. Take responsibility for your language choices, just because something was acceptable years ago does NOT mean it is acceptable today.
People need to understand the use of racial slurs and that it is not acceptable under any circumstances for a person who is not black to use these words. This is because of the long history of racism and derogative use of the words. Just because a person with African heritage uses a word, it doesn’t give the invitation for other races to use it too. Over time we have claimed back the use of the word and turned it into a positive term, where it is used amongst ourselves privately. It is never okay for somebody else to use these words. Even if your intention is to not directly call someone of black heritage a racial slur, it is still offensive.
Be careful of the words you use.
What can you do about it
When feeling helpless in situations like this there are many things you can do to help the problem, and be actively anti-racist, no matter who you are. Educating yourself can affect this issue dramatically, as it changes your mindset and perspective on things. Signing petitions, donating and attending events shows your support to the community.
By standing up and speaking out not only could you spread awareness and aid to the community but you’re also opening the minds of others who struggle to understand.
Education is the key, and if our entire community can reflect on what we have said and become aware of the impact of your words and actions, then we can move forward as a community and make our school a better place for all.
Authors:
Aboul Aguek, Semeina Ambolo, Dorothy Anzoa, Magdalene Batay, Chegutdit Deng, Nyanbout Deng, Mariam Ghannami, Deng Joseph, Venus Koko, Anna Logali, John Lukudu, Issa Massimino, Alexis Mitchell, Esther Peter