Home

Opinion: Fear should not rule us

Raelene HallMidwest Times
A protester makes a statement in a supermarket.
Camera IconA protester makes a statement in a supermarket. Credit: Unknown/Supplied

If I’d been asleep for the entire month I had off from this column, I would have thought I’d woken in a different universe. It appears that the world, and many in it, have completely lost the plot.

Statues have been defaced and/or destroyed, companies are rushing to change names of items that might offend someone and getting down on one knee is going to solve all the problems of the world. Just how I’m not sure but what would I know?

If you watch TV, read the paper or engage in social media it would appear that everyone in this world has become part of this so called “woke” community, who are offended by everything and everyone. However I have been listening to a podcast by a great friend of mine, who is a broadcaster with more than 30 years experience, and she and the people she talks to on her podcast, make me feel reassured that it is actually a minority of our population who hold these nonsensical views.

They are loud, obnoxious, self-opinionated and have no interest in discussing or debating any issues. They are like spoilt toddlers — it has to be their way, or they throw an almighty tantrum. The temptation to whack them all on the backside and tell them to pull their heads in is, at times, overwhelming.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

It would seem I will be persecuted because I choose to buy Coon cheese, like to eat Chicos and Redskins lollies, buy any makeup that will “lighten or darken” my skin or enjoy a Colonial beer. Where will it end?

It is my belief it won’t end unless we, the so-called quiet Australians, stop putting up with this nonsense and start our own campaigns. It’s not necessary to abuse and accuse people on social media, to hold protests that will put other people’s health at risk or to tear down statues.

What we need to do is speak up, wherever and whenever we can. Speak up and stand up for our beliefs, our history, our right to make choices about what is acceptable and what isn’t. We mustn’t be afraid to put our view and opinions forward.

We are just as entitled to our view as are these loud minority, who resemble nothing more than a bunch of squawking cockatoos. However, these cockatoos are out of control, dangerous and need to be stopped.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails