When a tv show changes the way you think

I watched a series over a few nights called ‘Go back to where you came from’.

The series was shown over three episodes and followed the journey of 6 Australians back to where many refugees came from.

At the beginning of the show the 6 people that had volunteered, all had varying degrees of views on Refugees and ‘Boat People’. Some were openly racist (ok, most were) and a couple were of the opinion that the Refugee’s were within their rights to seek Asylum in Australia.

Before I watched this show, I had very little knowledge of why people were seeking asylum in Australia. I didn’t know why there were so many boats that headed for our shores even though the journey to get here was so dangerous. I didn’t know why people didn’t choose to take a plane rather than put their life at further risk, by taking a boat.

The show took the six Australians from families that had been granted Asylum in Australia, to Malaysia, Indonesia and finally to the original source of the problem – the Refugee’s war torn, home countries.

It was incredibly eye opening and I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear while watching the series. I had a vague idea of why people would flee their home but the reality of the situation is much, much worse than I could ever have imagined.

People who are killed, raped and tortured for no reason. People who have such little access to food, water and the basic necessities to survive.

I am incredibly lucky to have been born in a first world country where this sort of thing doesn’t happen. To live in a country that can offer Asylum to the people that need it most.

It makes me wonder why I am sitting here at my desk job, rather than out helping people. Why am I sitting here crunching numbers when people are fighting a battle they may not win. My heart goes out to the people that have to go through seeking Asylum in order to live somewhat of a good life. To be able to be safe and have food and water.

If you have the chance to watch this series, I absolutely recommend it.