Standing up for love and unity is the countermove the Right isn’t ready for

But the fight for an inclusive, fair, and thriving Australia enriched by multiculturalism is far from over. In fact, in many ways, it’s the reality we already live in. Multiculturalism and its wonderful impacts are everywhere – in our small businesses, healthcare system, legal support, social workers, construction workers and tradies, our world-famous restaurants and cafes, and of course, at the World Cup happening right now and causing raucous cheers and joy in living rooms and pubs nationwide.

The answer to what we do now to quash the divisive rhetoric and behaviours of the far-right is not related to how we join the ‘battle’ by adding aggression or further negativity. Rather, it comes from holding each other close, working day-by-day towards keeping our loving and united community feeling safe and welcomed.

Love is already conquering, you just need to look for it

The media recently went into a frenzy covering the $1.5 million raised by Pauline Hanson in a recent fundraising campaign. One Nation’s social media was full of boasting posts, but what was overlooked in the coverage is the incredible support and good will being channelled towards inclusive campaigns that support multiculturalism.

On June 20, just a few days ago, the World Refugee Day Telethon powered by the ASRC raised over $1.5 million in one day, to enable the ASRC’s ongoing critical work in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We saw first time volunteers, families reunited after being separated for years, children calling to donate a few dollars, and people from over 30 nationalities coming together to show love and unity.

People cooked, sang, drew, took calls, and in doing so, took a stand against hate and division. This isn’t the kind of event or outcome that will take up the same volume of mainstream media headlines as the likes of the One Nation campaign, but the impact is just as, if not more, powerful.

We’re not backing down, we’re challenging hate with solidarity

Refusing to repeat the right’s hateful words, divisive commentary or discriminatory policy does not mean that we need to be silenced. Far from it, now is the time to speak up and call out these behaviours for what they are – hateful and un-Australian. Australia is a multicultural society, and I love it. As do millions of Australians right across the country.

So, for those who don’t value our multiculturalism the way I do, it’s time to take off the mask. The right can only hide behind misinformation, scapegoating, and misleading campaigning for so long. Sooner or later, the truth will reveal that, despite Hanson’s claims, Australia has been home to First Nations communities speaking more than 250 different languages for over 65,000 years, climate change is real, and diversity is a good thing.

But these truths won’t make headlines on their own. We need to keep saying them. There is no doubt people are doing it tough out there, but punching down on migrants and refugees is not the answer. We do not lift people up by bringing others down, and that is what Pauline Hanson is trying to do. Let’s celebrate the good that is happening each and every day thanks to our multicultural and united communities. Let’s recognise the incredible depth and breadth of our diversity and how much better we are as a society when everyone is supported and welcomed. Let’s keep showing how love can win when we come together.

About the author

Jana Favero is the deputy chief executive officer of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. She has worked at the centre for 15 years, previously as Head of Systemic Change, and has worked towards social change in international communities, from Mongolia to India.