Refugee Crisis Discussion Questions
- List two (2) reasons why Little Johnny didn’t want the other students in his school.
Little Johnny did not want other students in his school because they did not know where it would end if they let these kids in. Secondly, he refused because they did not know what “sort of types” they might be. He said they might be bullies, bashers, thieves or murders.
- Do you agree with Little Johnny? Why or why not?
I disagree with little Johnny because we are all human beings, and at one point in life, we need help. The same could have happened to Little Johnny’s school. From a broader perspective, it shows some discrimination in terms of race.
- Why did Philip tell everyone that the little girl’s brother pushed her into the water? Was this true?
Peter, who is described as Johnnie’s mate and a kid who was leaving school soon, said the girl who fell in, was pushed by her brother to make them sympathize with them. Philip added by saying, “clearly planned and pre-meditated.” This was not true. The narrator says that the kids’ video did not show anyone being pushed, and the photos were from a different day, probably a school picnic.
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- Do you think Australia’s strict border security measures are needed? Please explain your answer.
I do not think that Australia’s strict border security measures are necessary. To start with, Australia is a nation built by immigrants and having strict border security measures is some hypocrisy. The measures are severe, and they lead to abuse of human rights. Deterring the boat people has been described as brutal, inhumane and racist. The truth is that Australia, like any other nation, needs border protection, as this shows that the nation is in charge of its destiny. But these border protection acts should not go against human rights.
- Do you think Australian’s should be worried about refugees arriving illegally in boats? Why or Why not?
Australians should not be worried about refugees arriving illegally in boats. It is not wrong or crime to enter a nation, especially Australia, to seek asylum. The government was the one creating fear amongst Australian’s regarding illegal immigrants by portraying asylum-seekers as demons. These refugees are weak and mostly confined to difficult conditions.
- Do you think Australia handled the Children Overboard affair in a fair and honest manner? Please explain your answer.
The Australia government did not handle the children overboard issue fairly and in an honest way. The evidence showed that no children were at risk of being thrown overboard. According to ABC News, the government used SAS to such a small number of asylum-seekers. The government also misled the Australian public by releasing photos of children being thrown in the water, which was not true.
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- Do you think it’s important to humanize refugees and learn their side of the story as a part of our lesson this week? Why or why not?
Refugees are human beings and not animals, and they should be given a chance to tell their stories. By listening to them, we understand the refugee crisis and the sufferings that they go through. Also, learning about the refugee crisis will help us understand how to help them.
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- Is there a person or a family that touched your heart whilst watching ‘Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’? Tell us about that person/family and explain why their story touched you.
The story that touched my heart as I watched the documentary is for a young man called Chaman, 29-years-old, who was awaiting a UNHCR interview but seeking a smuggler since he had stayed for 40 days Jakarta. He lost his parents in Afghanistan and his brothers; he was left alone in the family. On the boat to Australia, 16 people drowned, and when they arrived in Australia, they were forced by Australian boats to return. They were taken back to Afghanistan after they were assured of a peaceful life, but he still suffered the same struggles.
- What can be done to improve or ease the refugee crisis? Explain in detail your feelings about the crisis, along with your ideas on how to improve the plight of refugees.
Some of the possible solutions to improving or easing the refugee crisis include opening safe routes for refugees to arrive at host countries without risking drowning in the sea. Resettling refugees is another solution, especially torture survivors and people with medical conditions. Also, countries should allow refugees to cross borders with or without necessary travel documents. Having strict border restrictions only forces them to opt for more dangerous routes.
I felt horrible reading about refugees suffering, especially in refugee jails. Many families with little children are forced to remain in those jails for months or even years awaiting UNHCR interview. Some have severe medical conditions, but they do not get any medical attention. States or nations should invest in the rescue operation to help these distressed people. Also, they should be listened to and not be taken as dangerous people. Pushing people back and stopping them from entering borders adds to their sufferings. Governments should stop blaming refugees for economic and social problems instead of understanding no one chooses to be refugees. Many refugees flee persecution or war in their home country.
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- In your own words, explain in detail what you have learnt during the self-directed learning this week? Did you feel this lesson is important? Why or why not?
I have gained a lot of knowledge about refugees and many problems they face as they flee from danger. Watching “between the Devil and the Sea” documentary gives me insights into what many refugees go through as they seek asylum in various countries. I also understand how the refugee crisis has been politicized, with many leaders not allowing them in their country. I feel the lesson is crucial. I have learnt what it means to humanize a cause and ways we can humanize the refugee crisis.