Rally against Violence & Racism
The rally was organised by a small group of Asian- Aussies who work in different industries such as healthcare, hospitality, trading etc. Recently many news reports of COVID-19 prompting racial abuse. Furthermore, the small group of Asian-Aussies have been receiving much feedback from the Adelaide society regarding the rapidly increased incidence of racially motivated attacks that include prejudice, implicit and explicit racial attitudes, and behaviours such as verbal assaults.
Just to name a few cases among those that were discussed in our community. Many Asian-Aussie children were verbally assaulted when their mothers brought them to playgrounds. It is heartbreaking to hear that these Asian-Aussie children were being called ‘You are virus, stay away from us!!’ by other Aussie children. Another case is an Asian-Aussie mother who works for Salvation Army organisation, and her boss sent her to KMART to purchase a full trolley of EASTER chocolates for those Aussie children who are under guardianships. She went into KMART with her work ID Badge during her working hours. However, she encountered racist-related verbal assaults from a white Aussie woman who thought she would buy these chocolates to send back elsewhere. Those mothers and children did nothing wrong, but they experienced verbal insult. In early July 2020, a young delivery rider experienced racial-related verbal abuse and encountered physical attacks and injuries. He also did nothing wrong but providing convenient services to the community, yet again, he was suffered and had traumatised experience from violence and racism. Many similar racially motivated attack cases have happened, making the people in our community increase anxiety, suffering from those negative stereotypes labelling and having full negative emotions. Some even have traumatic experiences from racially motivated verbal assaults and/ or physical assaults.
Adelaide was a safe place before, and it should always be a safe place for EVERYONE! But under this particular circumstance (Covid-19), the situation became worrying. Today we gathered here to stand up for the Asians, say NO to violence and racism, promoting Adelaide's safety.
If we turn our back to violence, prejudice and discrimination, Adelaide will not be a safe city for everyone to live. Our next generations will grow in an environment that is full of hatreds, racism, discrimination and violence, as well as inequality.
We Care about Australia, our community and our people TOO!
The Adelaide Chinese Community has donated more than 4250 pcs of face masks worth AUD$ 6700 to local healthcare facilities such as Royal Flying Doctor Service and AUD$ 6300 cash to Flinders Foundation and Foundation and Royal Melbourne Hospital.
