Sexist language?
I am writing in response to Lisa Macdonald's comments on gender-specific terminology in "What's in a name?" (GLW #268). She was correct in pointing out that "language reflects rather than shapes reality". I also agree that it shapes how people think about gender. PM Howard's insistence on the exclusion of females in gender-specific terminology should not be tolerated, as Macdonald ably pointed out.
However, I feel that her criticism of the terms used by younger feminists to describe themselves was misguided. There is an enormous difference between being called a "hot chick" by a hormonal building-site worker, and a young woman proudly declaring herself a "net chick". As there is a difference between being called a "girly" by a condescending male, and calling oneself a "riot girl". Macdonald has failed to realise that these names are, for the younger generation of feminists, a way of turning around the labels traditionally used to degrade us and transforming them into terms implying power and strength, thus giving the metaphorical finger to those who seek to denigrate our achievements.
The names we call ourselves must be considered in the context of our actions and lifestyles. The two aspects — terminology and action — are inexorably linked. If I am a "net chick", making my presence known in cyber-space and breaking into a traditionally male-dominated arena, then my title complements my actions rather than undermines them.
Humour, and in-your-face humour at that, is one of the most effective means of getting a message across. It is not the only way, but it is our way.
Castlecrag NSW
Nude protest
An estimated 500 protesters gathered at Belongil Beach, Byron Bay, on April 12 for the Nude-In protest and celebration, organised in response to local council proposals to ban nude bathing.
The majority of protesters stripped down to their bare essentials and were treated to a variety of nude surfing, nude bicycling, nude reggae and nude comedy. Local organiser, Dean Jeffries, spoke of the right of beach users to make a personal decision about nudity, reminding the crowd that wearing no clothes is not abnormal but a natural state.
He also stated that he would be willing to be arrested to take the issue through the court system and overturn common law precedent. Currently, anyone choosing nudity can be arrested if their behaviour is reported as being "offensive". $100 on-the-spot fines can also be issued.
The Byron Shire council has called for submissions from residents on possible locations for a designated nude bathing beach. It has also announced a decision to erect signs at Belongil Beach prohibiting nude bathing.
Pro-nudists at the rally stated they did not wish to be forced into exile at an out-of-the-way location. One participant, Francesca Virgem, has been involved in nude protesting for many years. She has been arrested for appearing bare-breasted before the Queen in 1988 and for appearing nude at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Virgem said "being forced to cover our genitals is a suppression of our sexuality and personal empowerment. It is related to our alienation from each other and the earth. Nudity is a way of releasing guilt and shame and becoming comfortable with our bodies."
The rally attracted a multitude of media, with photographers and reporters milling with the crowd and ensuring national coverage of the day. The BBC in London also covered the event. If you want to get lots of media coverage for future rallies, go naked! I've never seen so many press at a protest in my life.
Byron Bay NSW
[Abridged.]
Population
Lisa Macdonald's article (GLW #261) on Australia's population is disappointing in its failure to comprehend that Australia has a low carrying capacity, is overpopulated and can no longer afford to be type-cast perpetually as a migrant destination. The writer agrees that "there is an urgent need to prevent perpetual population growth". In light of a recent report, Australia: State of the Nation, this arid, fragile continent must take action on this score immediately. No time to wait for the unlikely technological fix, lower consumption rates or social revolution, as success could be very slow and uncertain. It is time right now to halt population growth and direct funds into repairing the environment.
Australia's current population is around 18 million. 23 million is considered by the major parties to be a suitable carrying capacity for this country. However, many scientists believe Australia's optimum population should be far lower than this.
As the birthrate and immigration contribute over 100,000 annually, Australia's population increases by more than two million every decade. At this rate, a population of 23 million will be reached in about 20 years. Macdonald may care to explain what options future generations in Australia will then face. There is no room for complacency on this issue.
Land degradation, species extinction at the fastest rate in the world, water and air pollution, unpredictable climatic changes and increasing urban problems are only some of the environmental problems that result from Australia's growing population and consumption levels. Already, the cost of repairing the environmental damage from current population numbers is enormous.
To service a bigger population more marginal land must be cleared for food, clothing and housing, more forests must be chopped down and more mines opened. With every efficiency and increased conservation, consumption levels of energy and all other needs will still continue to rise. Australia provides for millions of others around the world as well as our own population, taking a heavy toll on our dwindling resources.
Since Australia is the driest inhabited country on earth, with an unpredictable climate, we simply cannot afford the huge risk and cost of our present rapid population growth, unless we actually choose to experience a very much diminished quality of life. It should be noted that 90% of WA has less rain than Ethiopia, making the western section of this country particularly vulnerable. Rainfall in the south west has been steadily declining, so that we may not be able to count on this fertile region in the future.
Capitalism actually benefits from large populations, in that wages and working conditions can be reduced, so why support increased population? Capitalism also promotes globalism and the removal of borders and rules that impede investment and exploitation of the workforce. To accuse those who are concerned about the environmental state of the nation as racist or capitalist is ludicrous.
A large proportion of Australia's leading scientists and a group of world-renowned science laureates have all identified population growth as the leading problem in the world today. Surely they — David Bellamy, David Suzuki and Paul Ehrlich — would all be considered racists, if we believed Macdonald's rhetoric.
Andross WA
[Abridged.]
Native title
How easily flows the word "extinguishment" — extinguish native title, land rights, language, culture, religion, art, kinship ties, extinguish people.
Has it ever occurred to you that your rights to study, to work, to have medical care, to have the right to a decent wage, to have assistance if you're sick, injured or old, are all being extinguished on the altar of the golden calf — economic rationalism.
The farmers, graziers and mining conglomerates are calling "nay", blackmailing everyone so that native title be extinguished in the national interest; otherwise the country will face chaos and divisions. Mabo was wrong; native title was wrong; Wik was wrong; the judges were wrong; but terra nullius was right. They really think that their interests are the national interest. Why not extinguish them?
Vanstone says that the economy cannot afford the training of all these students and their allowances and fees are a burden to the national interest. Why not extinguish Vanstone? Reith says the economy cannot afford awards and conditions. Why not extinguish Reith? Costello says we must become competitive, otherwise transnationals will not invest in Australia or Australian companies will go offshore and your jobs will be extinguished. Why not extinguish Costello?
Honest Johnny Howard says that he will govern for all Australians, and yet while the privileges of the rich are increasing, the rights of the vulnerable are being extinguished. Why not extinguish Howard?
In the Labor years, Hawke and Keating prepared the way for Johnny's mob. Why not extinguish them? Sorry, you have, but can you trust them again?
Wilston Qld
[Abridged.]
Renaming rats
The Sydney Tele-Mirror ran a story recently about Taronga Park Zoo's greater stick-nest rat. Dr Steve Morton (WA CSIRO) asked who is going to try and save animals which have "dreadful names like the plain rat, the false water rat, and the greater stick-nest rat?"
So scientists in the WA Division of wildlife and ecology have given Nyoongah names back to endangered Australian rodents. In WA these non-verminous rodents are now called the parroo, the rakali, the looloong and the djidjiparra.
Thanks to Gary Fry's Taronga Park Zoo breeding program, there may now be three djidjiparra at the Sydney zoo. The beautiful and ancient name makes for better listening, as well as better viewing.
Wentworth Falls NSW