Some countries use a year of compulsory military service as a rite of passage for young adults. Looking at our 18 year olds today, some might say we need to bring in this kind of enforced ‘gap year’ for the good of the individual and of our whole society. And of course, it would strengthen the country militarily to have a national service corps. But at what cost? Would this be worth it?
Australia has had several significant waves of migration (eg. Greeks, Vietnamese, Africans). Each wave coincides with which group mainstream Australia directs it’s vitriol, fear mongering and racism. But the targeting of Islam has been particularly intense.
This matters to me as a daughter of migrant parents, and a mother of bi-racial kids, who simply wants them to grow up in a world free of racial and religious judgement.
When I “bags” the last Tim Tam who/what is keeping track? When I “pinch and punch for the first of the month” and then declare “full locks, no return” who/what is watching on? When I go to the toilet during the third quarter who/what is making sure Richmond gets a goal? When I pray for world peace is anyone listening?