Opinion: We can have harmony if all of us open our minds
THE rift between Aussies and some refugees can be closed if both sides are prepared to make concessions, writes Fiori Giovanni.
Opinion
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WHEN I wrote an opinion piece in these pages questioning the worth of a government “values test” on migrants and the racial profiling around youth crime, I was unprepared for the response.
My inbox was flooded with messages of support for my stance against the proposed values test as a waste of taxpayers’ money. I believe the test fails to consider the drivers of crime and seeks to further demonise migrants and refugees as scapegoats for the problems that exist in society.
But I also received many impassioned emails from Australians who have experienced criminal acts by African youths and expressed rage about the emergence of so-called African gangs.
MORE: REFUGEE VALUES: SAFETY, FREEDOM AND A CHANCE
I couldn’t help but think that many refugees have an equal story to tell about the racism they face while trying hard to integrate into the community.
They would no doubt talk about how difficult it is to get a job, to make friends and to feel a sense of belonging.
Also, they would likely tell you that negative incidents that are unrelated to them, like the recent Collingwood brawl and problems around Airbnb parties, become something they’re unfairly associated with or even blamed for.
So I found myself feeling sympathy for both sides. It seems to me that we don’t see things as they are, but through the fog of our own experiences, beliefs and prejudices.
One comment written to the Herald Sun by Paiter read: “If I invite a family to my home and one family member disrespects my hospitality by smashing windows, breaking furniture and ruining my home, do you expect me to invite them back again?”
I agree with you Paiter, except that the person who smashed your house represents himself, not his entire family, nor his entire nation.
Personally, I have encountered a small number of people who have discriminated against me, but I don’t believe all Australians are racist. I know many kind, generous people who love and honour Australia and its people and who have inspired me to assimilate and contribute.
So, to the politicians who objected to my last article, I say dividing people for political gain is bad leadership.
Instead, I hope that the new Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, promotes unity not division and point out that the Victorian Police’s work with community leaders has already tremendously reduced crime in migrant communities.
Of course, we are all entitled to our own perspectives and beliefs. I believe that we must let go of the judgments of the past and truly hear each other. We must to tell our own stories but also listen to the experiences of others with open hearts and minds.
That is much easier said than done. In my work as a business coach, I have found that much of what holds us back is buried in our subconscious mind, creating habits and behaviour that separate us, instead of uniting us.
When I left Eritrea, I wanted to escape the terrors of war and poverty and find a new home where I could live in peace without the fear of assault, rape, murder and persecution.
I had much healing to do and faced racism, judgment and difficulty securing employment in my new home, just as many refugees do.
All of us — refugees and born-and-bred Aussies — face challenges and at these times we need support and understanding from those around us. Otherwise, it’s easy to get lost in depression and hatred.
To be the loving and supporting individuals, we must first let go of corrosive beliefs and habits and open our minds to achieve harmony.
If we can hear each other’s concerns and understand each other’s perceptions and fears, I believe we can move forward together — beyond the judgment and prejudice that clouds both sides of the refugee debate.
The work to achieve change doesn’t end at the offices of police or government.
All of us can be leaders and what we decide to do in public and private can influence policies today and tomorrow.
So let’s celebrate differences, find common ground and give a voice to the voiceless. Let’s support all people, not only a few; let’s treat others the way we want to be treated.
We all have a role in change, starting with ourselves; if we can do that we’ll live up to the values of inclusion and mateship we hold so dear.
Fiori Giovanni is a keynote speaker, author and business coach.
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