'Why we are protesting against Hanson'

'Why we are protesting against Hanson'

@box text intro = Green Left Weekly spoke to people at the anti-Hanson rally about why they were publicly protesting.

Sarah, 15, high school student: "I just think racism is wrong, and we need to do something to stop these ideas spreading."

Mark, student: "I came because I oppose the things that Hanson is talking about. She is trying to take us back to the 1920s and the white Australia policy. It divides people."

Daniel, nurse: "I've never been to a protest before, but I thought it was time to speak out and show that people in Adelaide don't support racism. Pauline Hanson has been making so many comments that can't be backed up by evidence and it is dangerous. I hope we can also send a message to people watching on TV that they need to question what this is about."

Palmina: "I came from Italy many years ago and I live in this area. We have many migrants here. I have seen Australia become much more tolerant, and so I am here to show that many different people are against her views."

Jenny, sole parent: "We need to speak out against racism and talk about social justice issues. I came because we can only change this by joining together and supporting each other. I am not personally directly affected by racism, but no-one can afford to be complacent. Just like the story about the Jews. If you only speak out when it affects you, then there might be no-one left to hear you."

Connie, a Findon resident in her 70s: "I felt safer at the rally than when I am usually walking along Findon Road. It had an impact on the residents too. The next morning everyone was much more friendly. It's interesting that the only mess left behind was the manure from the police horses."

From GLW issue 278