The Dangerous Spread of Misinformation and Racism

“Great.”

Just what the world needs – another excuse for racism.”

Education is my passion. I have devoted my life to it. I consider there are few, if any, problems in this world, upon which a good education system, does not have a significant impact. I admire the similar passion, numerous Chinese families, also have for education. Many families invest a large portion of their resources, into ensuring their children have the best education available. (I have travelled through China, but that story is for another day.)

Education is a pillar of the Australian economy. As I understand it, it is second only to our mining sector. (My son and I have just been debating whether it is ahead of tourism.) We need to get behind our Chinese students. It is great to see so many universities doing their bit to help. Many have extended holidays and made extensive resources available online.

Beauty Beyond Bones has just written a powerful post about the treatment of many Chinese people in connection with the coronavirus. https://beautybeyondbones.com/2020/03/05/coronavirus-or-apocalypse-now/

When I saw the graphic on her blog, my heart broke a little.

There are many lovely, hardworking students stranded overseas at the moment, unable to return because of the necessary and important quarantine measures which are in place.

It must be a very challenging time for them. I recognise the zeal these young people and their families have for their education. I strongly suspect they (the students) are doing everything in their power, to continue their studies online, as I write.

Australia has good reason to be proud of the quality of our university education system here. It attracts students from all over the world. We need to continue to nurture our student population from overseas.

If I may send you (our stranded students) all a virtual hug.

Racism It Stops With Me