Have you ever started a sentence with the words “I’m not racist – But…”?
Each year Professor Andrew Markus of Monash University conducts a survey of the nation’s acceptance of, and tolerance towards others. In last year’s findings, he reported “the Department of Immigration surveys around 2000 were asking migrants what they most liked about Australia and the number one factor was ‘Australians being kind and friendly people’. Now that’s at the bottom of the list”.
From racial attacks on public transport, to homophobic rants on social media – it seems we’re becoming less compassionate and empathetic as a society. Defined as a ‘Deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with a wish to relieve it’ Aussies have always been known to stand up for the underdog… so why the recent about-turn?
In this heartfelt discussion between Adam Boland and Suzanne Mostyn, Suzanne opens up about shunning social media for that very reason and also why Adam puts forward the argument “As a society I think we’re losing touch with empathy and compassion” – as he explains what it was like for him when he ‘came out’.
Credits:
Adam and Suzanne caught up for their conversation at QT Hotel in Canberra.
Have you been touched by someone’s act of compassion recently? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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