Australia is no stranger to racially motivated attacks, as most Indians who pay attention to the news know. For many in India, Australia is that place where several Indian students were beaten up, although this reputation has subsided in the last few years. Still, it appears Australians themselves are aware of the reputation and the need to ensure the safety of those who look a little different.
On December 15, after a gunman displaying a black Islamic flag took a number of people hostage at a cafe in Sydney, social media networks were flooded with anger at Muslims and the spread of extremism in Australia. To ensure that this doesn’t turn into real violence, concerned Australians decided to do their bit at keeping people safe by accompanying Muslims who feel threatened when out on public transport.
@sirtessa started the initiative, which immediately spread through twitter through the #Illridewithyou hashtag.
As the hashtag took off, people from around Sydney began offering their company to anyone who travelled by public transport and was concerned about their personal safety. The hashtag was also accompanied by an outpouring of anti-Islamophobic rhetoric to counter the anti-Muslim comments that had become so widespread on social media.
On December 15, after a gunman displaying a black Islamic flag took a number of people hostage at a cafe in Sydney, social media networks were flooded with anger at Muslims and the spread of extremism in Australia. To ensure that this doesn’t turn into real violence, concerned Australians decided to do their bit at keeping people safe by accompanying Muslims who feel threatened when out on public transport.
@sirtessa started the initiative, which immediately spread through twitter through the #Illridewithyou hashtag.
If you reg take the #373 bus b/w Coogee/MartinPl, wear religious attire, & don’t feel safe alone: I’ll ride with you. @ me for schedule.
— Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014
As the hashtag took off, people from around Sydney began offering their company to anyone who travelled by public transport and was concerned about their personal safety. The hashtag was also accompanied by an outpouring of anti-Islamophobic rhetoric to counter the anti-Muslim comments that had become so widespread on social media.
A kind lady named Mica drove me home after a cab that we shared from Sydney'sCBD wasn't able to drop me off all the way home #illridewithyou
— Mariam Veiszadeh (@MariamVeiszadeh) December 15, 2014
I will be catching from Redfern to the city tomorrow morning at 8.45ish. I will do that most days this summer and #illridewithyou. Always. — Georgia Kriz (@georgiakriz) December 15, 2014
Also can do any of the 423 426 428 422 370 355 buses during the week work hours or weekends if you feel you need company #illridewithyou @me — ZuckerBaby (@ZuckerBaby) December 15, 2014
@sirtessa my bad attempt at a pic to help get the message out #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/kFld1eNVgv — Bhakthi (@bhakthi) December 15, 2014
I refuse to let my generation be defined by racist and bigots. I will protest, petition and march for you, whoever you are. #illridewithyou
Twitter, like humanity, can be cruel and inane but it can also be generous and inspiring. #illridewithyou — Sarfraz Manzoor (@sarfrazmanzoor) December 15, 2014
I don’t want #illridewithyou to be a moment of activism: I want it to be a way of life; everywhere, we ride with each other.
— Ben Pobjie (@benpobjie) December 15, 2014
I refuse to let my generation be defined by racist and bigots. I will protest, petition and march for you, whoever you are. #illridewithyou
— Brendan Maclean (@macleanbrendan) December 15, 2014
UPDATE: There has now been more than 90,000 mentions of #illridewithyou tonight http://t.co/Yg80kag6qz #amazing pic.twitter.com/SEliFNmOfF — Twitter Australia (@TwitterAU) December 15, 2014
Any Australian or any foreigner that matter who feels apprehensive in Delhi for any reason whatsoever . Just call #illridewithyou
— Rana رعنا राना (@iamrana) December 15, 2014
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