Imposing definitions of racism will not succeed

August 7, 2026

I discovered Pearls & Irritations about three years ago and I have been very impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of the articles therein. This article on racism definitions does not disappoint. As someone who is firmly against the Israeli policies of dispossession and genocide I am bitterly disappointed at our government’s failure to support the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israel oppression and aggression.

To be opposed to the Israeli Government actions and policies is not antisemitism, denying the right to the existence of a separate Israeli state is not antisemitism. The definitions the Australian Government want us to adopt is nothing less than an attack on free speech and an attempt to close down criticism of Israel and of some members of the Jewish community in Australia that lend their support and advocacy to further Israeli interests.

As noted in the article adoption of racism definitions will not dismantle racism. I experienced two seminal moments in my life that have shaped my attitudes towards racism the first was watching the Jane Elliot documentary ‘A class Divided - Brown Eyes, Blue Eyes Experiment’. The second was when I undertook Indigenous studies at University.