The tragedy that Australia refuses to remember

[Violet_Crumble]

It seems nations can develop amnesia about events that discomfort its citizens, writes Arnold Zable.

On October 19, 2001, a woman gave birth on a sinking boat en route from Indonesia to Christmas Island. She was one of 421 people who had boarded the 9.5-metre vessel, now known as SIEV X, the previous day, in a Sumatran fishing village, with hopes of reuniting with her family, and beginning life anew in Australia. Like many of our ancestors, she was in search of that precious gift called freedom. She was last seen drifting with her baby attached by the umbilical cord.

Amal Hassan Basry, an Iraqi survivor of the tragedy who now lives in Melbourne, says at least three women gave birth as the boat sank. The tragedy induced the births prematurely. Amal recalls the events of that day with great clarity. She knows the exact moment the boat capsized: 3.10pm. Many watches stopped at that time.

"Because I was waiting for my death, I saw everything," Amal has told me. "I was like a camera. I can still hear the shouting, the screaming. I see the people going under. The gates of hell opened up."

Today is the third anniversary of the tragedy, which claimed 353 lives. In the past three years I have given many talks in schools and various forums, and I have asked audiences how many know of the disaster. I have been staggered to learn how few recall it. How can such a tragedy be so readily forgotten? An entire nation, it seems, can quickly develop collective amnesia about events that make its citizens feel uncomfortable.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/18/1097951626184.html

[Matilda]

1. They're only Muslims, you see, not real people.

And that's what Howard has tapped into so successfully.

I never felt ashamed about being Australian until he came along.

[SweetLeftFoot]

3. If you are an English ballbag

who insists on sailing around the worlds fiercest oceans alone in a tin can and you get into trouble, we will send the Nazy out at a massive cost to save you.

[Djinn]

2. they remember

unfortunately most don't give a shit

[oscarmitre]

4. Yes and sadly

to our everlasting bloody shame that is exactly right.