Describe a contact you have had with some marginalised group (gypsies/ circus people etc). Has it shown you the deficiencies of your own world view?
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
The aforementioned Bible passage from Genesis 1:27 states that we are all made in the image and likeliness of God, implying that no human is above another. So why is it then, that marginalisation, hate and discrimination plague our planet?
Growing up in a culturally diverse suburb, I was often surrounded by people who were classified as marginalised. These were mainly people who came to Australia for a new beginning. They shared different cultures, beliefs, stories and food. However, they all shared one thing in common.
To create a better life for themselves and their families.
Who can blame them? No matter who you are or what your background is, most people would do whatever was necessary to create the best life for those they care about.
Yet many people have the audacity to turn to these people and say “Go back to where you came from” or “Not on my land”. A land that to begin with, most likely wasn’t even theirs.
As a small child, being surround but such a vast array of cultures was magical. I ate amazing food, listened to music from all over the world and soaked up knowledge about all different cultures and religions.
No one is born a racist. This was evident through all the children from different background that played and danced together. It is when you’re uneducated, afraid and narrow minded that your superiority of self begins to form.
As a young adult now, my world view remains fairly similar. All cultures should be accepted and celebrated. Imagine how boring the world would be if we all came from the same culture? We would eat the same food, share the same stories and wear the same thing.
What makes Australia so wonderful is that it is sprinkled with diversity. Once other people realise that this is a blessing and not a burden, the world will be a better place.
Lili Braidner 