Shana Tova

Xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa

I feel sick to my stomach. Not since the deepest, darkest days of Apartheid have I felt the churning I now feel in my belly. Foreigners from other African nations have been hacked to death and burnt by ordinary South Africans in a xenophobic frenzy. Thousands of people are fleeing for their lives. They are displaced, terrified, and like so many who watch, are horrified. Families are being torn apart. Even employers of foreigners (alleged or real) are not safe.

South Africa has boiled over. The seething difficulties fuelled by recent price hikes and the worsening situation in Zimbabwe and hence increased numbers of foreigners entering South Africa are the final blows to an already tense-to-breaking-point nation. Disappointed, frustrated and unheard, thousands of South Africans have sunk to new levels of venting and violence.

I can write no sense on this one. I expect few people can. The blame game is too easy, the sadness too immense. Instead I laud those who are assisting, those who migh be able to mediate, those who can assist with money, food, shelter. And most of all I laud those leaders in the community who can, and I am sure will, find a way of talking people down and restoring the balance. I hope that they are helped by measured intervention from the army, and I implore the government of the day to declare a state of emergency and to act, fast and decisively.

Harmony and Human Rights? The Olympic Torch

I write this as the Olympic flame, the symbol of harmony, makes it way through Canberra. The television is on in the other room. The place is swarming with police and most of the media is focusing on whether the torch is interrupted or not. Some careful, reserved commentators are speaking about the flame and the pro-Tibetan protesters.

It strikes me that the level of debate does not do justice to the Tibetan cause, nor does it show an understanding of protest methods. One commentator has recommended other forms of protest. Sure, people could boycott Chinese products (unlikely), or write to the CEO's of companies in China (also unlikely, and possibly not effective) or let their local member know their dissatisfaction. People could. But would they? I include myself in that. Would I?

Would anyone have even thought about the Tibet crisis if the protesters in Greece, Paris, San Francisco, London, Jakarta and other sites around the world hadn't focused the world media on the issue? What better opportunity could there be for a silenced people to finally have a voice?

If I were to write in the mood of the commentators here in Australia I would now down-play what I have just written. I would say something like: "of course people have the right to protest and to voice their opinions, as long as they don't disrupt the route of the Olympic torch, and as long as they are not violent". If I had a dollar for every time I have heard that comment in the last few days, I'd be able to retire. Violence is so often as a result of the police response to the protest (rather than a method in itself), and is so often due to the fear set up in the media. Being wary of "violent protesters" is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Expect violence, and the chance of violence is high.

And back to my original point. I don't think the media has done justice to the Tibet issues, or the human rights issues in China. I would like to see more information about China and Tibet, about the people of China and Tibet and about the protesters - hearing their voices rather than just seeing them being dragged away in so many corners of the earth. This is a peace torch. Let it bring peace.

I hope the powers that be in Canberra, Australia rise to the challenge: no police violence, and a commitment to explore the Tibetan issues objectively in our media. A focus, once again, on the symbolism of the torch. On harmony, and with that, on human rights.

And one more challenge for all of us: we can't let this be a start of anti-Chinese sentiment. It needs to be a time when we dis the policies of the Chinese government, not start fist fights with Chinese people (as happened in Paris). It's up to us.

Height Tax

Today I paid Height Tax.

Every time I buy a pair of pants I have to add $10 to the cost. I was not blessed with height, so I have to scoot down to the patient Chinese tailor on my route home from Ashfield station. I try on each pair, and he kneels next to my big feet squashed into the slip-on shoes kindly left out (one with high heels, one with low heels) for measurement. They are not intended for Caucasion feet, and I feel somewhat silly balanced on a size 5 shoe with this man at my feet. He deftly pins one leg with just one pin, and the next day the pants are magically ready. But I do resent Height tax each time I pay it!

Shema = Listen

Some in Sydney bridge the divide between Jews and Palestinians. Donna Jacobs Sife is one such person. Here she writes of a small peace march in Parramatta. If we were all to listen to others' stories there may, indeed, be more peace and understanding. All round.