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I heard on the ABC Friday that at a particular takeaway outlet in Maryborough there has been “quite a rash”, in recent months, of racism experiences including bullying on social media. Racism, unkindness, slurs, bullying to anyone is a sign of one’s weakness and/or insecurity, an illusory feeling of being threatened or a mindset formed when young.

Life can be very hard for many – physically, financially, and mentally particularly in the current times we are now facing notwithstanding the effects of the recent pandemic. As a result, due to anxiety and fears, this can at times stir up an inner beast, however, we must always be mindful of how that inner beast lashes out. Consider how you would feel at the wrath someone’s inner beast.

One can ask why people are racist?

A lot of our attitudes are shaped when we’re young. When our family members or friends express racist opinions, it’s common that we will take on those views ourselves. The problem is that, unless we do something about it, they can stay with us for a lifetime.

We often put labels on people. He dresses like this so he must be into this music. She goes to that school so she must be rich. We can stereotype people from different racial backgrounds as “lazy”, “brainy”, “aggro” … you get where I am coming from, I am sure. The way to beat the stereotypes, don’t judge a whole group. Get to know people from different racial backgrounds and find out how much you have in common. Nine times out of ten it is common decency and common core values.

Be kind to self and others, yours sincerely Mayor Grace La Vella