Benjamin de Roodenbeke, Repentance Creek
When Tom Switzer told Doug Cameron, a Scottish-born Labor politician to go back to his country on Q&A last Monday, it was not okay.
This is not a joke, this is a hurtful comment that ignited many bad memories. Many migrants in Australia have had to endure such stupid comments. It makes you feel that you’re not welcome, that you’re not equal and that you’re not as respected as the people who were born here.
Doug Cameron stated: ‘I’m a white guy. Can you imagine what happens to other migrants… if that’s the sort of attitude?’
This is exactly what happened to me when I moved here. At work a lady reduced me to tears by degrading me and telling me to go back to my country. It left indelible marks for the rest of my life.
Some people will say grow up and don’t be a fragile little flower. The world is sadly split between the ignorant, the ones with empathy, and the bullies.
Education is not the only solution; basic empathy is also vital. Tom Switzer, I doubt you’re ignorant but you certainly did not display any empathy. You were simply vindictive and you should apologise.
