Growing as a Global Citizen

This article I came across provided the best example of the continuing changes in what is viewed as ‘normal’ in our world today. The typical expectation of being a parent and having children is that it occurs between two individuals in a relationship. However this article proved the change to this typical standard. Not only is the moral and ethical topic of using sperm donors and IVF included but also includes the backward story of finding love with the sperm donor of her child.

Focusing on my personal beliefs on sperm donors and IVF, I find that I completely support this method of having children, simply because it provides individuals with a way of creating a family when there are no other options. This article further highlights one of many reasons why people have chosen these methods; which exemplifies that whilst one might have conflicted views due to religious, or other personal beliefs, it is necessary to be aware of the external factors which may influence a persons’ decision to do this.

This article gave me the opportunity to further explore how through acceptance to the difference in beliefs and values can contribute to our growth as a global citizen. And furthermore, highlights the moves towards a different form of ‘modern family’ and the many other stereotypes we have grown up with in our society.

 

 

 

 

Bibliography:

Taylor, K., 2014. How I met your father: Love blossoms after woman seeks out anonymous sperm donor father of her daughter. [Online]
Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-03/ivf-adds-modern-twist-to-love-story/5861190
[Accessed 5 October 2014].

 

 

Ebola Virus

The fast spreading news of the latest fatal disease, Ebola which is increasing its fatality rates throughout Sierra Leone, has produced a hot topic of conversation “do we help them or not?”.

This question has plagued many moral and ethical debates amongst other countries, the recent decision by the Federal government to help Australian medical stuff assist those whom have been infected by the Ebola virus has sparked an interesting result. Up til now, cases of Ebola both suspected and confirmed; have led to public fear which in turn contributed to the debate of the above question.

Despite aid workers voluntarily travelling to infected areas of Africa to lend a hand, many individuals back home and voiced their outcry in the possibility that these individuals could become the vessels in which this virus could travel in to other countries. This calls into question the most fundamental concept of humanity, how does an individual stand by and witness this horrific disease claim the lives of innocent children, mothers, fathers and then refuse to assist those whom are brave enough to face this disease.

"There is no reason stopping the Australian Government from resourcing those volunteers to go, it's only a matter of the willingness of the Australian Government to act," Dr Owler said. (Green, 2014)

This recent decision by the Australian government is a positive step towards combating and preventing an Ebola outbreak. The article also displays diagrams of the mask and suit that will be used by medical professionals whilst in Africa. This is most definitely a step forward, through discussion the government has acknowledged the implications of taking action and remaining silent. By believing that it is our moral obligation to send help, our government has shown true growth in becoming a global citizen.
 
Bibliography:



Green, A., 2014. Ebola crisis: Government to announce plans to help Australian medical staff fight virus in Africa. [Online]
Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-04/ebola-crisis-government-to-assist-australia-medical-staff/5866456
[Accessed 4 October 2014].

Freedom of speech

The recent news stories concerning the protests that occurred in Hong Kong have sparked world-wide discussions. The methods enforced by the police in Mong Kok is viewed as extremely violent against pro-democracy protestors. From cases of head injuries to individuals being carried out on stretchers, it is difficult to believe that the issue simply boils down to ‘freedom of speech’.

This article presents itself as the perfect example into the challenges faced by individuals all around the world, from oppressed groups such as women, minorities, to religious factions. The brutality that is enforced to stop a protest focused on the public’s support for a democratic nation is difficult to face or even understand.

Freedom of speech is something that every global citizen aims for, the ability for each individual to be viewed equally as they work towards effecting change throughout the world.

“One witness said she had seen four people with head injuries with "serious bleeding", and another with a fractured back.” (Unknown, 2014)

How are people meant to speak up with their opinions when they are being met with such violence? How do we as individuals witnessing such violent behaviour enacted by the government, then contribute towards making this situation better?

I find that it is important to acknowledge the importance of the freedom of speech, and work more closely towards bringing voices to those whose voices are being quashed. And to constantly work towards creating a more liberal environment where each individual has the right to voice their views.

Bibliography:

Unknown, 2014. Protestors injured as Hong Kong police charge. [Online]
Available at: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/10/19/protesters-injured-hong-kong-police-charge
[Accessed 29 october 2014].

 

   

Global Citizen

Lately, it seems there has been a surge in interest of all the major issues present in the world today. Having addressed the topics of marriage equality + refugees, the recent online discussion forums have piqued my interest in how individuals can look outside of their career in order to work towards becoming a global citizen.

The speech given by Emma Watson at the launch of the HeForShe campaign, became the most talked about topic following the release of the video recording her speech. After viewing the video myself it became apparent that like many others I hadn’t considered how men are also a part of the label ‘feminism’. As she mentioned, the definition of feminism states it is about having equal rights of both men and women.

Aside from raising important issues that we as individuals working towards becoming globally aware should be more conscious of, she proved to be the perfect example to correlate with my online discussion posts. From her career in acting to becoming a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, she has proven that we can work towards becoming a global citizen but pursuing matters that we hold a strong passion for.

“You might think: who is this Harry Potter girl?” she asked.

“What is she doing at the UN? I’ve been asking myself at the same thing. All I know is that I care about this problem and I want to make this better.” (Anderson, 2014)

By including her career in her speech, I became even more certain that we can also become globally aware outside of our careers. By choosing to be involved in matters and causes we care most about, we unwittingly grow and learn more about the world around us. And by doing so, we travel further down the road of becoming a global citizen.



Bibliography:

Anderson, S., 2014. Actress Emma Watson has called on men to join the feminist conversation during a passionate address to the United Nations, saying everyone's help is needed to end gender inequality.. [Online]
Available at: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/09/22/accio-gender-equality-emma-watson-calls-feminists-unite
[Accessed 19 October 2014].

Refugees in Australia

When decided upon my next topic to discuss I came across an issue which seemed create an ever-present debate amongst Australian citizens; refugees. Personally, I’ve never had an issue with refugees coming to Australia nor do I concern myself with their ethnicity. I have even volunteered some of my time during high school to mentor and help out with Sudanese refugee children whom were being assimilated into the local primary schools.

However, due to the media and the general discussion on this topic it is certainly obvious that racial discrimination is still present within society today. Initially I planned to discuss the current discrimination aimed at refugees that is present all over the world, however upon further research I found another aspect which interested me more.

An aspect in which I have never considered til today was despite the adversities and challenges that refugees face when assimilating into Australia, there are actual success stories out there.

An article I found on the abc website; “Calling Australia home: refugees share their stories” by Monique Ross really opened my eyes to how opening our country to refugees has created a positive change in their lives.

Isaiah Lahai’s story really drew me in, in particular reference to the food insecurity issues;

“Insecurity was one of the biggest concerns. Famine and lack of shelter was another concern. A little bit of a similarity is... Black Saturday. The way you saw those people after the fires – homeless, helpless – refugees are more miserable than that” (Ross, 2012)

Reading a story like this, I found that it mirrored the topics we had covered about the status of food insecurity, corruption, terrorism etc., in countries around the world. Seeing Isaiah’s journey from Sierra Leone to Guinea to Tasmania, I’ve recognised the level of appreciation I have for the country I live in, and am grateful that despite there being a mass amount of individuals still living in refugee camps there are those families whom have successfully found a home here in Australia.

Conclusively, I am even more confident that Australia should welcome refugees without hesitation, I am aware that there are many more factors and considerations that contribute to this issue, however I feel that growing in a multicultural society it is our obligation to welcome these individuals instead of making their lives more difficult.

Marriage Equality

 

So I’ve finally understood what we were meant to be posting about, and have found a topic that may seem cliché to most people but it speaks a great deal to me. Equality is something that individuals have fought for, for over a millennia; from equality amongst races to gender and now same sex couples.

The ABC network page had several articles that centred on this topic, one article in particular caught my eye. “A Family’s Wish for Marriage Equality” by Louise Saunders & Carol Raabus provided the perspectives of the family members of a same sex couple. Rose Marton the mother of one of the individuals stated:

“I think the frustration for me is that I know it’s going to happen anyway and there’s more important issues in the world today that we need to address rather than something’s that inevitable” (Saunders & Raabus, 2013)

I found I mirrored the same frustration as this mother, there are so many more important issues going on in this world that we could devote our attention to such as the chaos of war that currently occupies Gaza. And if the past is any given, a trivial matter such as this will eventually no longer be such a significant issue. Furthermore, it remains a mystery to me why a situation like this that affects no one but the individuals involved has produced more controversy than poverty rates in third world countries.

Concluding point, although there have been positive movements in certain states in the US and other countries, moving towards establishing laws allowing same sex couples the right to be married in a civil ceremony, I still feel as though this situation in its entirety has received more speculation than necessary and in 50 years from now, future generations will look back and ask; ‘Why were we so against this?’

Bibliography

Saunders, L. & Raabus, C., 2013. A Family's Wish for Marriage Equality. [Online]
Available at: www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2013/08/16/3827515.htm
[Accessed 31 August 2014].

 

So this would be my very first post, so I best start with a simple introduction: Hello, my name is Melanie Alfred, I was born and raised in Australia. This blog will be where I post my experiences and reflections from the Global Citizen course.

Despite Australia being a very multicultural society, I am very eager to start travelling and fully immerse myself in other cultures in order to truly appreciate the significance of living in a multicultural world.

I named my blog; the Great Big World, because I hope by the end of this course I will have a greater understanding of what is out there, and the URL name I chose was to signify that despite my reluctance to blog, I feel this will be an opportunity for me to grow and develop my views and opinions.