It's true these day I am more Spud than Stud. As I have finally conceded that my lifestyle is more one of a couch potato than an international man of action I'll at least try to find some useful cause for my true occupation. (We now have a portable TV/DVD player in our air conditioned bedroom)
Last night I watched a great program called 'LIVING WITH ILLEGALS'. (8:30pm Wednesday)
Sorious Samura, the journalist who produced the documentary gave more of himself for this story than most people would even consider. It was quite a briliant perspective on illegal immigrants and one that we who have the luxury of living in a safe country would rather not consider!
Mr Samura travels with and when possible 'as' an illegal immigrant. Taking many of the risks and suffering some of the hardship that the subjects of his documentary are forced to endure in order to escape what would be a worse fate in their original countries.
The documentary makes the obvious point that, on the whole, these are people whose circumstances in life have forced them into the almost hopeless position of fleeing their own country and risking everything for a chance to live under conditions that we take for granted.
Finally a story that is told in a way that allows any viewers capable of empathy the opportunity to put ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors.
The desperation of these people is real. Although we often look at struggling nations and say if only they would do this or did that, in most peoples cases the circumstances of their lives are well beyond their control.
It amazes me to see the heartlessness of Australians and particularly our government when it comes to dealing with refugees or illegal immigrants. I don't know how often I have heard the words 'Queue-jumper' or "illegal" used to denigrate people who seek refuge in our country! I don't know who started using them but they became common in the media very quickly and even used by our politicians! It wasn't long before I was hearing the words several times a day by people who had never seen the 'queue' and I doubt, like me, most of them wouldn't know what constitutes the difference between a 'legal' or an 'illegal' immigrant.
Why is it that when the xenophobic, paranoia button is pressed in this country we all respond with astounding diligence! It seems we will forgive any lie or deception played upon us by our governments, bureaucrats and truth makers when it comes to keeping 'them out'!
I am so glad that these peoples stories are being told in this way, from a man who has sacrificed part of his comfortable, safe life to share the suffering of his brothers and sisters.
We can justify our neglect and go on living in our fools paradise believing that the troubles of the world are nothing to do with us. Or we can practice some compassion and understanding for people who's dilemma we should be grateful we don't share.
I can't help thinking of the Samaritan from that parable in the bible?
Thank you Sorious Somara!
Interesting timing with the current situation in Tamworth where the council refused to allow 5 families from Sudan to settle in their town. It appears that the decision has been over turned after some heated public debate. I can't help thinking that the debate taking place within the Tamworth community might actually be a good thing. It is not easy to accept changes that appear to have been thrust upon you and it must be better to address peoples fear through discussion and debate than to ignore the way they feel about the future of their community. Who knows Tamworth may end up embracing their new citizens.
The series will continue next week at the same time.Sorious Samura, the journalist who produced the documentary gave more of himself for this story than most people would even consider. It was quite a briliant perspective on illegal immigrants and one that we who have the luxury of living in a safe country would rather not consider!
Mr Samura travels with and when possible 'as' an illegal immigrant. Taking many of the risks and suffering some of the hardship that the subjects of his documentary are forced to endure in order to escape what would be a worse fate in their original countries.
The documentary makes the obvious point that, on the whole, these are people whose circumstances in life have forced them into the almost hopeless position of fleeing their own country and risking everything for a chance to live under conditions that we take for granted.
Finally a story that is told in a way that allows any viewers capable of empathy the opportunity to put ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors.
The desperation of these people is real. Although we often look at struggling nations and say if only they would do this or did that, in most peoples cases the circumstances of their lives are well beyond their control.
It amazes me to see the heartlessness of Australians and particularly our government when it comes to dealing with refugees or illegal immigrants. I don't know how often I have heard the words 'Queue-jumper' or "illegal" used to denigrate people who seek refuge in our country! I don't know who started using them but they became common in the media very quickly and even used by our politicians! It wasn't long before I was hearing the words several times a day by people who had never seen the 'queue' and I doubt, like me, most of them wouldn't know what constitutes the difference between a 'legal' or an 'illegal' immigrant.
Why is it that when the xenophobic, paranoia button is pressed in this country we all respond with astounding diligence! It seems we will forgive any lie or deception played upon us by our governments, bureaucrats and truth makers when it comes to keeping 'them out'!
I am so glad that these peoples stories are being told in this way, from a man who has sacrificed part of his comfortable, safe life to share the suffering of his brothers and sisters.
We can justify our neglect and go on living in our fools paradise believing that the troubles of the world are nothing to do with us. Or we can practice some compassion and understanding for people who's dilemma we should be grateful we don't share.
I can't help thinking of the Samaritan from that parable in the bible?
Thank you Sorious Somara!
Interesting timing with the current situation in Tamworth where the council refused to allow 5 families from Sudan to settle in their town. It appears that the decision has been over turned after some heated public debate. I can't help thinking that the debate taking place within the Tamworth community might actually be a good thing. It is not easy to accept changes that appear to have been thrust upon you and it must be better to address peoples fear through discussion and debate than to ignore the way they feel about the future of their community. Who knows Tamworth may end up embracing their new citizens.
Tonight at 8:30 SBS will be screening a rerun of 'Making 10 Canoes'. an excellent documentary.
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