Opinion

Culturally significant days, such as Australia Day and ANZAC Day - intended to unite us as a nation - bring into sharp focus the growing divisions between us. For many, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay silent in the face of apparent hypocrisy, which remembers so vividly one part of our history, whilst attempting to completely erase another.

In the five minutes since we’d stumbled into one another’s company, Barbara had unloaded a torrent of offensive material without even trying. “I just love gay men” she gushed. “They dress impeccably, they are so witty and you can tell them just about anything because they will never judge you.” All at once I felt underdressed, dulled-witted and savagely judgmental.

We must recognise our social privilege for the simple reason that recognition is the prerequisite first step to personal responsibility and choice.