Plenty to be gained from ‘brave’, ‘selfless’ protest

R AND M BATHGATE wrote about the coal train protesters that ‘‘protesting and being ‘anti’ everything does not solve problems,’’ (Letters, 11.12.20). Yet in the same day’s paper on the business page is an article about coal miner Bathurst Resources being dumped by the ANZ bank.

A couple of years ago, a similar group of protesters were subjected to similar objections, harassment and even assault, for attempting to close an ANZ branch for one day to highlight their support of the fossil fuel industry. In order for positive change to come about, issues need to enter the public consciousness somehow and percolate through until we get change in the direction required. The environmental movement has written letters, submitted and asked politely for change for years and with time running out, have to find quicker, more direct methods to gain attention.

The Bathgates are correct in wondering if protesters effect positive change. We wonder ourselves, and it takes far too long to arrive. But protesters make a hugely positive contribution to society and I hope the Bathgate grandchildren, at least, will enjoy the benefits of their brave and selfless endeavours.

Hate speech

Deb Robb

Clyde

I HAVE to endorse Chris Trotter’s opinion on hate speech (Opinion, 11.12.20).

His is a poignant warning as to the relentless drive for an ‘‘us v them’’ society away from our historical heritage of having a Kiwi standard of free speech, which, while sometimes being on the edge and at someone’s expense, was never at a level of ‘‘hate’’ in the context of what that word really implies.

One recalls some of the songs of Howard Morrison and his quartet, or the brilliant Billy T. James, comedian extraordinaire. They communicated an awareness of many societal issues to their New Zealand audiences.

Chris is absolutely correct when he states that the ‘‘Royal Commission has served New Zealanders — especially Muslim New Zealanders — so badly’’. They should have reaffirmed unity and solidarity but chose division and rancour.

This whole issue of free speech v hate speech needs to be revisited. Everyone knows when comments are hateful — they know the shades of grey between spiteful, teasing, belittling, bullying, demeaning, ragging, ostracising, gender bias, religious bias.

Children, adults, people in positions of power, at all levels in our New Zealand society, who choose to deliberately and maliciously treat other members of society in these ways do so for a reason. They use these abusive strategies on weaker or minority targets because they gain some kind of benefit for themselves.

It is addressing the reasons that people choose to abuse people in this way, rather than choosing to support them, that offers the best chance to have a fair and unified nation and still retain the Kiwi view of what free speech is all about.

Stan Randle

Alexandra .....................................

BIBLE READING: He who does not love abides in death. — 1 John 3.14.