Keyboard warrior’s rant reveals ugly side of the Gold Coast

A keyboard warrior has come in for a torrent of criticism after an ugly online rant about a small business on the Gold Coast. Full details.

May you live in interesting times …

Never has a year seemed such an embodiment of that apocryphal ‘Chinese curse’ as 2025.

As ever more signs of the looming political apocalypse accumulate, whether in this country or overseas, I’ve acquired a lucky charm for protection …a plan to focus on the bright spots.

Ironically, I came to this realisation after stumbling upon a truly gross post on (where else?) social media. But this time it was not the vile ramblings of an unhinged billionaire, but the sincere – if bigoted – beliefs of a Gold Coast resident.

“I just want to make others aware of a grave mis justice (sic). I went to the (business name redacted) this morning, having already learnt that the ladies that were employed there were retrenched, as they are supposedly cutting back on staff,” wrote the resident on the Chevron Island community page.

“I understand all businesses must operate efficiently.... However I noticed they have been replaced by the same amount of staff … ONLY ASIAN!!!!

“Now I am not racist...However when Australians are just replaced because of their race I am furious that this can happen in our Australian society!!!!

“I will be reporting this to the local Ombudsman.

“Please do not reply saying l’m racist .... I am entitled to have my own opinion, and I don’t believe this is fair and just!!”

A keyboard warrior's fiery rant has exposed an ugly side of the Gold Coast. Picture generated by Gemini AI

Unsurprisingly, this post was full of errors – the business named had not actually retrenched former staff – but never let the facts get in the way of outrage.

Other facts to consider: Australians of Asian heritage exist.

Further, it is a high bar to buy a small business as a non-citizen or permanent resident, and this particular business actually requires citizenship or residency. So the business owner is paying all of the taxes that fund this resident’s roads, schools and hospitals – as well as employing locals.

Disturbingly, this was no anonymous keyboard warrior either, they happily posted with their real name and identity, no sense of shame detected. Thank you, I guess? Forewarned is forearmed etc.

Even worse, many others supported these statements, which had me ready to surrender all faith in humanity.

But then I forced myself to scroll on, and found a kind of redemption.

“I would like to respond to the appalling post earlier … it was an appalling and unnecessary attack on a new business owner trying to do his best to serve the Chevron Island Community. The business he has bought is not an easy one. There is lots to learn and there will be teething issues for sure. Everyone needs to get behind him and give him a chance. Shame on you.”

All of us have a role in ending incivility, harassment, violence and discrimination.

This was followed by far more comments of support than the previous post, with residents committing to support this new business owner.

Unfortunately, the original resident chipped in again, saying: “If you don’t like my post don’t read it!! Simple.. Australia is a free country, and it’s called Free Speech!!”

Which was kind of funny given she turned off comments on her own post.

After enduring this social media soap opera, I was left with the realisation that while I cannot control what people post, say or do, I can control what I do in response.

I cannot control the feelings of rage spawned by these racist sentiments, but I can choose to focus on the bright spot that was the reply post and the dozens of community members who refused to let this hatred go unchecked (even if the page admin did just that).

More than that, I will try to be the bright spot. Rather than bury my head in the sand – or social media – I will speak up.

Sometimes when it feels the tide of events are against you, it seems there is nothing you can do to change that course. But change is not made of one huge moment, but thousands of small ones.

It’s the ethos behind active bystander programs, based on the concept that all community members have a role in ending incivility, harassment, violence and discrimination.

Every bystander can play a part in ending these ‘interesting’ times.

Who knew boring could be so bright?

Originally published as Keyboard warrior’s rant reveals ugly side of the Gold Coast