OPINION

Freedom from fear

Re: "Trafficking horror", (PostBag, Nov 2) & "Smugglers nabbed after bodies found", (BP, Oct 19).

Namfah Pibulsonggram brought up a real situation, showing how bad manners can turn into human trafficking. It is real that with the help of individuals, the government and legal authorities, we can lift the veil that hides the victims from hope and dignity, all while exposing one of the most disturbing markets in history.

Not only Asian countries but also other countries need to follow suit by implementing broad legal improvements to safeguard sex workers in any country from exploitation.

Sex workers in any country need to ensure they can find help from the law without fear of harassment. By doing this, a safer and more equitable society can be created.

Such efforts have significantly improved the rights of sex workers in Asian countries. Additionally, in these countries, advocacy groups work with law enforcement to convince sex workers to tell of crimes without having any fear.

Comedy of racism

Re: "Repugnant racism", (PostBag Nov, 2).

Dennis Fitzgerald writes, "Since when has racism been funny -- never!" I agree that the comedian at Trump's 100,000-strong Madison Square Garden rally was not very funny. However, a more appropriate question might be, since when has racism not been funny?

In the early 1950s, there was a very successful radio and television series called Amos 'n' Andy, which was chock full of exaggerated racial stereotypes. It was hilarious, and very few people took offence because of the good-natured and humorous quality of the show. Racial tensions were present at that time as they are now in the United States. The difference is that for the last three decades we have had a less tolerant view being taught in schools and universities and simultaneously propagandised through politics and the media.

Society now demands us to take offence and be angry (as Mr Fitzgerald demonstrates) rather than be tolerant of one another's differences to the extent that we can make fun of them. One of the delightfully unique aspects of life as a human is the discovery that each of us is different.

Since no amount of woke "diversity, equity and inclusion" politics will change this mystery, we must relearn to be tolerant and not take offence, preferably sooner rather than later.

Price of reporting

Re: "Rivals race in frantic last push before poll", (World, Nov 4).

At a rally in Lititz in Pennsylvania, ex-president Trump said "...And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I don't mind that so much". This was followed by laughter instead of condemnation.

So often, there are reports of journalists being killed, some well-known, including Jamal Khashoggi, and some unknown, including well over 100, in the current Israel-Gaza war. They are not unknown to their families, friends and co-workers but to the public; there are too many to hear much of them.

Why are journalists killed? It is rarely accidental, even in wars, but it occurs because they tell the truth, and people don't want to hear that or allow others to.

Donald Trump must support free and independent journalism, but he doesn't.

CONTACT: