This ongoing series of live events on the third Friday of each month combines a social opportunity to strengthen connections within our volunteer family with an ongoing learning approach to engaging with the Courage to Care mission and messages. Join a diverse group of interesting people in conversation and feel uplifted, more informed and better equipped to speak on our issues.
All volunteers are welcome! You can join an occasional Conversation or become a regular – there’s no pressure at this casual and enjoyable morning of discussion. Refreshments will be available.
COMING UP
- Friday 21 July: Hakenkreuz, Iron Cross, Eureka flag, Triskelion…do bans work?
In November 2022, the Victorian government brought into law the Summary Offences Amendment Act, banning the intentional public display of the Hakenkreuz. So, in March 2023, neo-Nazis used the Nazi salute at public rally. Can banning the salute solve the problem?
Reading: The power of symbols Nazi salute at anti-trans rally Tactics and counter-tactics
Bans in other countries What do they do in Europe?
You’ll get the most out of the Conversation if you do some background reading or viewing in advance, but that is optional – you can join the discussion without preparation.
- 18 August: Hate speech in Australia and the problem of social media
Reading: What is hate speech? Hate speech on social media The virtual stages of hate
Fanaticism, polarisation, anonymity and propaganda amplifying dangerous lies
Listening and viewing: hate speech in Australia Social media platform capitalism (language warning)
- 15 September: Topic to be confirmed
- 20 October: Topic to be confirmed
- 17 November: Topic to be confirmed
JOIN THE TEAM: If you would like to help coordinate and plan future Conversations, please contact Zoi (program manager).
Want to revisit previous Conversation topics?
- 16 June: “Race and how it played out in Black education in South Africa”
Our Conversation date coincided with the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, when students began the protest against the introduction of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in Black Schools. In commemoration of these events, 16 June is now named the Youth Day public holiday in South Africa.
Reading: Summary of the Soweto Uprising Essay: Racism in South Africa Essay: Soweto uprising
Listening and viewing: Perspective of Soweto residents Brief biography of Nelson Mandela Rise and fall of South Africa’s “apartness” - 12 May: “Microaggressions are not a storm in a teacup”
What are microaggressions? Do they cause real harm? How important is it to stand up against them?
Reading: What are microaggressions? The indigenous experience You’re the whitest Black person I know
Listening and viewing: Microaggressions in everyday life A trip to the grocery store Comments that sting What kind of Asian are you? Impact of microaggressions - 21 April: “Is Freedom of Speech Golden?”
Reading: free speech vs ‘cancel culture‘ Banning Nazi salute does not solve the problem Adelaide Writers Festival presents one-sided panel The Conversation: Adelaide Writers Week calls to cancel Nine.com.au: Israeli flags at footie games
Listening and viewing: Australians don’t have the right to free speech Free speech for all – or for some? The line between free speech and hate speech - 17 March: “Indigenous Voice to Parliament”
Background reading: Reconciliation Australia The case from the Heart Why should we have it, and how would it work?
Indigenous voice should be opposed Do we really need it?
Relevant listening: The major players in the Voice referendum (Guardian podcast) - 17 February 2023: “Race and Racism”
Reading material: White fragility Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race “Nice Racism” Lessons for ‘Nice’ Racists Critical Race Theory Caught between black and blue Race Ethnicity and the human experience The differences within whiteness
Video material: Structural Racism explained Excerpt from 1994 documentary “The Color of Fear” - 16 December: “Who are you? Memory and Identity”
Reading material: Who are you? Bi-directional nature of memory and self (Long article – you can skim or ignore)
Video material: Is Identity our physical self or our memories? Cultural memory and the relationship to the past Memory reconstruction and emotional memories Are all your memories real? Memory malleability - 18 November 2022: “Caste and social class in the country of the ‘fair go’ “
Reference material: South Asian caste system being imported; Diversity Council of Australia research; Personal experiences and impact; Social mobility has its down-side; Social segregation in Australian schools; Are Australians socially inclusive? Don’t judge a girl by her postcode - 21 October 2022: “Religious intolerance or conflict of interest”
Reference material: Linking faith and employment ‘a bad idea’; Why we must not tolerate intolerance; Conflicts were too great; It’s not black and white; Sacked for religious beliefs; Call for religious freedom bill; Cancelled over religion