Welcome to Australia – the lucky country, where white people live happily ever after.
A story in today’s Daily Telegraph, titled “Asylum seekers made to feel at home, thanks to a $10,000 welcome pack” really sums up the inherent racism that lurks beneath the façade of our so called multicultural society.
The article, written by Gemma Jones, is nothing more than a simplistic list of goods that are given to asylum seekers whilst they wait for their refugee claims to be processed. The overall tone of the article acts as a device that stirs up blatantly racist sentiments within the Australian public.
It is accompanied by an image that looks like it is straight out of an interior designer magazine to really rub in the fact that these no good asylum seekers must be living the high life, whilst the rest of us struggle.
“A family of five in community detention is eligible for goods valued at $7100… Families of more than nine can receive up to $9850 in furnishings… Asylum seeker families in Sydney arrive to a hamper of bread, butter, milk, eggs, other essentials, and cleaning products. Families with a baby can access a $750 pack of basic supplies, while phone and electricity connections are also paid for,” Writes Jones.
“The assistance is on top of free doctors’ visits, dental care, pharmaceuticals, and education, and payments of up to $433.25 a fortnight,” she continues.
One doesn’t have to look too far in the comments section to see the desired reaction to such an article unfold.
Now if that isn’t enough to get racist tempers flying, the article is supported by another, which cannot really be called an article, as it is merely a tedious list of over 60 items which these “starter packs” include.
“Colander… Oven mits… Salad bowl… Dish cloth…” The list goes on – Oh the extravagance!
But wait, there’s more, another supporting article titled “Boat arrivals sink taxpayer” waits in the shadows to catch all those who may be wavering in their decision as the whether or not these asylum seekers deserve anything at all.
“This is a shambles, not a policy, and it is costing taxpayers billions of dollars when reopening a detention centre on Nauru and reintroducing temporary protection visas would help to deter those prepared to pay and to risk a dangerous voyage on a leaky boat.” It states.
“Australian taxpayers are also paying in economic circumstances that are causing interest rate rises and job losses.” Continues the editorial rant.
The fact that some of these asylum seekers come from countries such as Afghanistan, which the Australian Government has helped to destroy by its unequivocal support of the American invasion and occupation, doesn’t even enter into the debate. No surprises there.
Perhaps the best summery of Gemma Jones’ article is Mike Stuchbery‘s translation of her appalling attempt at journalism.
“WASHING machines, microwave ovens, DVDs and plasma TVs are among a 60-item welcome gift pack for asylum seekers offered rent-free homes in the community.
Brown People get free stuff! They don’t have to pay for any of it! Doesn’t that make you mad? It should make you mad!”
One thing is certain in all this. The sale of white bed sheets will increase ten fold, as it is clear that the Australian government will be supplying asylum seekers with free beds et al and the rest of Australia will be lining up to join the KKK and become clansmen.
We live in a capitalist country, so why not indulge in some disaster capitalism?
