I sincerely hope that the Royal Commission will properly give consideration to the rise of far right groups of ALL denominations here in Australia as well as abroad which have created the kind of social instability that certain groups say they fear.
It is wrong to focus attention on one particular religious group when, for more than a decade, other groups have been subject to relentlessly insulting bigotry and suspicion.
If the RC is going to advance any positive good for the community it must be free from any and all pressure, political and otherwise, from any domestic or foreign powers.
Great article thank you Hannah. Find the whole thing appalling and quite
unbelievable but maybe it’s just bringing into the light what’s there. Devastating for the festival and organisers and volunteers and writers and the public.
I’ve also felt a lot of anger this week, and that’s a reflection of the time we’re in. I rarely feel compelled to add my voice publicly, as I’ve always felt that anything I already feel is better articulated by others (and it is). But right now I sense there needs to be a groundswell weight pushing back, that those of us usually in the wings need to walk onto the stage.
I felt that anger viscerally last night in response to the Cathy Wilcox cartoon editorial apology in the SMH, and couldn’t sleep until I’d sent a letter to the paper. Not because I thought it might be published, but because I wanted it on record that I disagreed.
And now, in the online version of the paper tonight, the letter is published, which I feel is representative that what I’m feeling is felt by many others.
So add your voice, where and if you’re able to. Because it matters.
Well said. A writer's festival is for the presentation of exceptional writers, subject not withstanding. It is for teaching, experiencing and sharing ideas and enjoyment of the written word. It is discussion and debate. Excluding the writer deemed by organizationers to be politically incorrect is never acceptable. This is a FESTIVAL, not a regime.
To me that has had to communicate to stakeholders board/management decisions which I vehemently disagreed with, that quote from the AWW email reads like the CEO saying “I opposed the decision & do this because I must, so please don’t shoot the messenger”.
Readings purchase notes:
I'd like to thank the Adelaide Festival board for raising awareness of author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah and their work.
I sincerely hope that the Royal Commission will properly give consideration to the rise of far right groups of ALL denominations here in Australia as well as abroad which have created the kind of social instability that certain groups say they fear.
It is wrong to focus attention on one particular religious group when, for more than a decade, other groups have been subject to relentlessly insulting bigotry and suspicion.
If the RC is going to advance any positive good for the community it must be free from any and all pressure, political and otherwise, from any domestic or foreign powers.
Yes, the far right wing is testing its power. Nazis breed like fire ants and burrow in like white ants.
Great article thank you Hannah. Find the whole thing appalling and quite
unbelievable but maybe it’s just bringing into the light what’s there. Devastating for the festival and organisers and volunteers and writers and the public.
I’ve also felt a lot of anger this week, and that’s a reflection of the time we’re in. I rarely feel compelled to add my voice publicly, as I’ve always felt that anything I already feel is better articulated by others (and it is). But right now I sense there needs to be a groundswell weight pushing back, that those of us usually in the wings need to walk onto the stage.
I felt that anger viscerally last night in response to the Cathy Wilcox cartoon editorial apology in the SMH, and couldn’t sleep until I’d sent a letter to the paper. Not because I thought it might be published, but because I wanted it on record that I disagreed.
And now, in the online version of the paper tonight, the letter is published, which I feel is representative that what I’m feeling is felt by many others.
So add your voice, where and if you’re able to. Because it matters.
How do I find the cartoon and your letter? I’m not an SMH subscriber 🤣
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/cartoons-of-the-week-20260102-p5nrao.html?isMobileApp=true - I’m not sure if the cartoons are paywalled, but have also included it here (hope no-one minds) - and a screenshot of my letter, and the others printed today.
Thanks for asking about them.
Just purchased her book, thanks Hannah
Well said. A writer's festival is for the presentation of exceptional writers, subject not withstanding. It is for teaching, experiencing and sharing ideas and enjoyment of the written word. It is discussion and debate. Excluding the writer deemed by organizationers to be politically incorrect is never acceptable. This is a FESTIVAL, not a regime.
A friend and I used to exchange lists of surnames that somewhat uncannily related to a person's destiny. Tracy's the newest addition.
Thank you for your stand.
To me that has had to communicate to stakeholders board/management decisions which I vehemently disagreed with, that quote from the AWW email reads like the CEO saying “I opposed the decision & do this because I must, so please don’t shoot the messenger”.
Thanks, Hannah. I don’t have anything insightful to say, I’m afraid! I agree with the above