By John Gauci
SYDNEY — As part of its campaign against racism, Resistance has organised a Rock Against Racism night at the Harbourside Brasserie on Thursday, August 28. Performers include Tim Finn, Leonardo's Bride, Cactus Child, Holly Go Lightly, Mark Snarski (the Jackson Code), Jack Housten (the Badloves), Charlie McMahon and Steve Balbi (Universe), with more performers likely.
The evening will be hosted by Jaslyn Hall from the Triple J World Music Program and DJ Cash.
Funds raised during the evening will go towards campaigns against racism, which includes the national youth and students anti-racism conference in September, an August national day of action against the extinguishment of native title, an anti-racist newsletter campaign through high schools, an anti-racist street poster campaign, actions against racist employers and employment agencies, actions to defend the Redfern Block and a donation to Green Left Weekly.
Resistance has also been promoting an anti-racist statement entitled "Just Because". The statement has been endorsed by many Australian bands and artists including Regurgitator, Nitocris, Tiddas and Archie Roach.
The statement will appear on a T-shirt designed by Resistance, along with the names of the bands and individuals endorsing it. The T-shirt will be sold at the "Rock Against Racism" and all anti-racism actions organised by Resistance.
All bands and individuals are encouraged to endorse the statement and can do so by faxing their signatures to the Resistance Centre on (02) 9699 4679.
JUST BECAUSE ...
JUST BECAUSE Aboriginal people and migrants are misrepresented in historical accounts as "cannibals and yellow plagues", are underrepresented in higher education and overrepresented in jails, social welfare and on the streets,
JUST BECAUSE BHP sacks 3000 workers and migrants are blamed for taking jobs,
JUST BECAUSE Kooris are evicted from the Redfern block and then arrested for being homeless,
JUST BECAUSE the racists in our society get comfortable salaries while the victims are forced to subsist on Abstudy and welfare payments,
JUST BECAUSE lies parade around as "Truth",
JUST BECAUSE of these things,
We stand up and say "No to racism".