Australia's Shame
By now everyone should have heard about the abuse of children uncovered by the ABC Four Corners program.
The short of it is that children held in detention centers in the Northern Territory of Australia are being abused and tortured for years with knowledge of the minister in charge.
The government responded to public pressure by announcing a royal commission into the matter, but many are not happy with the terms of reference that this RC has been given. As an example the fact that many of the children being tortured are Aboriginal was not mentioned as needing addressing, in addition to the commission being limited to only the Northern Territory institutions.
It should also be noted that the victims are suing the state institution and the Northern Territory has shamefully decided to counter sue, this is not how we should handle abuse victims.
We are disgusted in this abuse and have to wonder what is wrong with people to be able to do this kind of thing. Lets have a look at some of the possible influences that may have led us to this.
We know of the old saying that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, and of the scientific studies showing that this old adage is indeed true. So more oversight, regular and independent review of footage, regular mental health checks for both inmates and staff, both might help in reducing instances like this in the future.
These particular instances of abuse obviously have a racial element, and with the rise of racist groups in Australia we really do need to clip this in the bud. People need to know it is not OK to abuse others due to their race. There may not be much we can do about the rise of racism in Australia, but we can educate our children, and continue to point out the racism of white supremacist groups. We can perhaps employ Aboriginal staff in centers where there are a large number of Aboriginal inmates.
We need to stand up for the rights of children, when we have politicians attacking an anti-bulling program in out schools. When we have our Prime Minister bowing down to pressure from these politicians we cant be surprised when bullying of children is seen as acceptable in our society. You might think its just dandy for these people to fight for the bullying of LGBT children but what happens when its not just differences in sexuality, what happens when they turn their attention to race, gender, or class?
Both major political parties in Australia favor offshore imprisonment of refugees. Refugees have been falsely imprisoned, abused, and killed in these camps. The refugees in these prisons are men, women and children. Can we be so shocked that our treatment of non Australian children influences our treatment of Australian children?
This expose comes at the same time as George Pell, who has long been believed to have covered up pedophile priests within the church, faced more allegations of child abuse. We have chaplains in schools replacing skilled school counselors. We seriously need to keep church and government as separate as possible, when once respected institutions, that some still see as having the moral high ground, are complacent in abuse of children.
We have hate groups and government ministers arguing that all Australians shouldn't have equal rights. When it seems acceptable to vilify and discriminate against innocent Australians, is it any wonder that basic human rights are being violated?
Australia has a lot of work to do, we have a lot of damage to repair. This shame belongs to all of us, and you have an important role to play. Please stand up against racism, homophobia, sexism and the abuse of children, if we lose our humanity who knows where this could lead, it has already gone too far.
Choose empathy and respect, instead of ignorance and hate.
Why Power Corrupts
Cookie power trip
torture device
Do Something Good:
Demand that every case of juvenile detention be investigated. Demand any accusation of abuse is investigated and the perpetrator charged. Demand the victims receive counseling, legal representation and proper compensation.
Dismiss and charge the minister and all who knew of this abuse.
Stop Abuse Business
Implement Anti-Bullying Program
Save Aboriginal Community's
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