Resistance holds Rage Against Racism
By Wendy Robertson and Cassandra Pomroy
SYDNEY — Around 500 young people from across Sydney attended the Resistance "Rage Against Racism" held in Parramatta Park on October 25.
Resistance organised the event to provide an opportunity for young people and bands to come together for a day of music and politics. The event gave expression to the widespread opposition to racism amongst young people.
This was the second of two "Rock Against Racism" gigs that Resistance has organised as part of its Youth Against Racism campaign. The first, on August 28 at the Harbourside Brasserie, featured bands like the chart-topping Leonardo's Bride. The second, last weekend's Rage against Racism, brought together young alternative bands.
The Rage was a daytime all ages gig, the line-up including Gilgamesh, Meneither, Skulker, Flyspeak, Cult 45, Pleasure Ground, Meanderthal, Lalotola and Lentil Soup.
Speakers highlighted many issues and how they relate to the campaigns against racism. Tracy Snoeck, from the Democratic Socialist Party, spoke about the campaign against the proposed uranium mine in Jabiluka.
Becky Ellis, a member of the International Women's Day collective, described the connection between the struggle against racism and the struggle for women's rights, while Lucy Watchirs Smith, a Resistance high school member, spoke about the importance of Resistance in organising around all of the issues that affect youth.
Seventeen people joined Resistance on the day, which was a great start for the new Penrith-Blue Mountains branch of Resistance that will be set up at the beginning of next year.