From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 20 March

In 2013, following an historic public consultation on racial profiling practices within Victoria Police, a broad three-year plan to improve the treatment of diverse communities, and to better improve the force’s relationship with the black community, was announced.

A WORTHY venture, it was much commended in its concept and supported in its challenging application; however, and with the best will in the world, three years is too short a time to eradicate generations of entrenched racism. The notion that, like Saul on the road to Damascus, deep-rooted adult prejudice might miraculously be converted in days or months was unrealistic, totally.

Unpalatably, Australia, like most predominantly white countries, is inherently racist. However harsh, many whites consider people of colour to be inferior. So long as we remain obsessed with the tone of the skin and the shape of the eyes, nothing will change – no matter how many programs are implemented.

My late mother, Beria, was one of those remarkable women who failed to notice the colour of people’s skin – metaphorically speaking. I was one of the kids in the small goldmining town who did not dare tease – or worse – stone, the Aboriginal people as they wandered around the town. Beria was the first to spring to their defence if she saw it happening – and gave many a kid a smack around the ears, and a kick in the backside, to help them on their way. Any aggrieved parent, arriving at the front door of the house, misguidedly determined to castigate Beria for the corporal punishment administered to the smug child in tow, was summarily dismissed with a verbal reprimand and a blistering summation of their off-spring’s actions. If they tarried they were physically assisted to the front gate and threatened with similar a fate, “Now get on your way before I knock you down – both of you!”

Beria was much afeared by the young men and women in the town, but much liked by the local Wongi people with whom she shared her food and clothes. She was incredulous if an explanation was sought, “What are you talking about? We’ve got plenty of food, and how many dresses do I need?”

Beria’s simplistic approach, and the admirable determination of Victoria Police notwithstanding, nothing will change so long as we accept abusive, racist descriptors. Until we collectively condemn and begin to eliminate derogatory language, and children are chastised and punished for racist dialogue, the problem will continue to fester and intensify, exponentially. Words are important. They form our thoughts, and the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our thinking.

Bewilderingly, at the time of Barak Obama’s presidential election much was made about his colour.  It should have been of no interest, and certainly not cause for some comment which bordered on racist impertinence. First and foremost, President Obama is a man. His colour is totally irrelevant. What mattered was his vision for the United States and its people.

Parents of school-age children have a vital role to play. The power to swing the pendulum is within their grasp. Something as simple as inviting a child’s multicultural school pal for a meal, or a sleep-over, could be the catalyst – the beginning – for racial tolerance and greater understanding.

The number from the stage musical, South Pacific, says it all: “You’ve got to be taught, to hate and fear; You’ve got to be taught from year to year; It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear; You’ve got to be carefully taught.”

Roland can be contacted via [email protected].