Privilege and the Activist Space

My privilege means I can protest more freely - so I must protest for those who cannot.

My white privilege enables me to receive advantages, benefits, and rights that are unearned and simply given to me because of the colour of my skin. Society at the same time ascribes negative attributes to people without white skin, which leads to unfair advantages for white people because we are perceived to be superior to others who are not white. The same sort of privileges are offered to men over women, educated over non-educated people, able-bodied over disabled bodies and rich over poor. While I hate that this is the case, I am aware that I am able to do things that other less advantaged people cannot do - like protesting. I believe that it is my responsibility to protest because I am able to do so, whereas others do not have the same opportunity.

I acknowledge the palawa people as the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of lutruwita/Tasmania. I pay my respects to their elders past and present. I recognise the palawa connection to country, and role in caring for and maintaining country over tens of thousands of years. Country encompasses the land, waterways and sea, and also cultural practices, knowledge, and the cultural environment. I acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.