My long-service leave in Boston coincided with the most divisive US presidential election in living memory.
My thoughts remain with friends at Boston College, Cambridge, Brighton and Brookline, as they support one another in resisting an ominous and extreme nationalism. These are turbulent times, and not solely for the US. Lessons we might draw for ourselves, and for the SSH in particular, include the following.
First, the importance of social and political engagement. Compulsory voting in Australia ensures a certain level of involvement, but a healthy democracy requires informed and conscientious voters. Local newspapers have a vital role to play in this regard.
Second, the obligation to citizens beyond one’s own neighbourhood. What are people experiencing or suffering in suburbs to our south, north and west? Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in regional and remote parts of the country? Our Pacific neighbours? Local newspapers ought not be parochial.
The opportunities we have in South Sydney to welcome visitors from many cultural backgrounds, and to accompany strangers in many ways vulnerable, are plentiful. The third lesson we might draw, then, pertains to hospitality – the inestimable value of kindness. Local newspapers can help to humanise current affairs, social issues and community debate.
On behalf of the SSH team, thank you for reading, and every blessing for 2017.
