CLANCY TUCKER & HUMAN RIGHTS
G'day folks,
Most of you probably know that I've been involved in human rights for decades. Well, today I thought I'd answer the questions I usually put to those involved in human rights. Some of my responses may enlighten you, though I doubt anything I say here will shock anyone I know.
WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT JOB?
Author, photographer, daily blogger,
sometime poet, human rights campaigner and social justice activist.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HUMAN RIGHTS?
I did not choose human rights, it
virtually chose me. I guess I’ve been involved in human rights and social
justice issues since primary school. Yep,
never had any time for bullies – in the schoolyard, in the corporate world, or
those in government. Travelling the world, being a photographer and having
lived in four countries has had a big impact on me. The world is full of
travellers, but some of us go to out of the way places and seek out that which
interests us. Often, I have visited very poor countries, and the greatest
influence on my life has been the poorest people I’ve ever met.
The right to a fair go for all is my
mantra. Also, I firmly believe that every child on this planet deserves to
reach his or her potential. Although
I’ve seen and experienced some awful stuff around the world, my biggest
disappointment was / is what is happening today in my country – Australia. The
current government’s attitude to refugees and asylum seekers is deplorable.
A majority
of Australians, and others in the world, are conformists who stroll
through life, not giving much thought to others outside their social circle. That is an observation; not
a criticism. However, as I often say when people ask about my involvement in
human rights, “Look back in history at all the bad things that have happened –
Pol Pot, Idi Amin, Nazi Germany etc. The major reason those situations came to
a halt was because good-minded people stood up. And, many of them were killed
or damaged in the process.’ Sadly, we lack gutsy and courageous people in this
world.
Don’t forget. Bad things
only happen because good people allow them to happen. Amen.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN HUMAN RIGHTS? WAS IT ONE
PARTICULAR INCIDENT?
A rugged childhood sowed the seeds,
and I gained strength and confidence as the years passed. Not only, my late
stepfather told me many times, ‘There is a right way and a wrong way, an easy way and a hard
way, but the easy way is the right way.’ We all know the difference
between right and wrong. However, it takes extra courage to stand up and bark,
whilst others around you are expecting someone to do it for them.
ANY PERSONAL INVOLVEMENTS?
Many – here and overseas. How long
have we got? As an author writing young adult fiction, I’ve often included human
rights issues in my stories; some subtle, and some very unsubtle.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS?
Simple - The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. Most people have never read it.
Do it. You might find it enlightening. Trust me. It is simply written,
and will take you maybe five minutes to read.
DO YOU DO ‘PRO-BONO’ WORK IN HUMAN RIGHTS CASES?
Everything I do is ‘Pro-bono’.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN THE WORLD AS
YOU SEE THEM?
Where do we begin? Education of kids
is a big passion of mine. As someone once said, ‘Teach someone to read and they
can educate themselves.’ Yep, kids are our greatest resource. However, they are
also silent witnesses to all sorts of pain and mayhem, even in my country.
The current Australian government and
its opposition are both in a dive to the bottom when it comes to the treatment
of refugees and asylum seekers. Their attitude is disgraceful, and one can only
hope that they are taken to the International Court of Justice. Amen.
HOW CAN ORDINARY PEOPLE HELP, OR BECOME INVOLVED?
Lift your game and look outside the
square. Start reading about issues, do what you can, turn up, march, write to
newspapers, get on talkback radio and make a stand. Don’t be a wimp. I have
probably paid a heavy price for my activism within the publishing industry,
trying to change rules that will allow independent authors to enter major book
awards. I’ve had a few victories, but there is plenty to do. As I often say, ‘Life’s short. Use it. There is plenty to do.’
HOW CAN WRITERS AND AUTHORS HELP?
Stand up. Include major issues in your
literary works. Take a stand. Don’t be a floppy shirt dangling in the breeze.
DO YOU BECOME FRUSTRATED BY THE LACK OF POLITICAL WILL
REGARDING HUMAN RIGHTS?
I am constantly frustrated by the lack
of political will, especially in Australia. Sadly, there are few great and
inspiring names that come to mind in the world. However, there are many who do
great work, but few gain recognition. Actors, celebrities and sports people
gain massive publicity, money and recognition. For what? Doing what they love.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST VICTORY?
Not easy to answer. Where do I begin?
However, backing my gut feeling, I pursued a case when I was a full time national
union official. A beautiful, shy young Greek secretary was sexually harassed by
a senior manager. Well, putting my career on the line, I managed to ‘encourage’
that senior manager to admit his guilt. Result: he was sacked on the spot.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE SADDEST MOMENT IN YOUR WORK?
No particular single moment, but
frustration is fairly constant.
WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST FRUSTRATIONS?
The conformists, useless self-serving
politicians and those who don’t give a rat’s. Leaders with a lack of vision. Oh ... I
have a very low bullshit-factor.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
Now I spend a fair amount of time
supporting those in charge of a variety of organisations: orphanages in various
countries, human rights lawyers, social justice activists and people on the
same page as me, around the world. Many are battling to change legislation,
some are fighting injustices, and some are working at the coalface to make life
bearable for those born on the tough side of the track. My closest colleagues
are sensational humans who deserve my support.
WHAT ORGANISATIONS ARE YOU A PART OF? WHY?
I am a member of many organisations.
However, my main involvement is in my support of them – writing to politicians,
editors of newspapers, talking on talkback radio etc. I also post regular
articles on my daily blog that relate to those organisations.
DO YOU WORK ON OTHER CASES, BESIDES HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?
Interesting question. I guess once a
human rights activist, always one. I’m a great lover of the underdog. Everyone deserves to achieve their full potential - especially kids.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT SOME GOOD THINGS ARE BEING ACHIEVED IN
HUMAN RIGHTS?
Yes. There are many around the world that
do extraordinary things, but sadly they do not receive the airplay they deserve
– or recognition. However, they do it for the right reasons – because it’s
right.
WHO OR WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES?
Apathy, lack of education, selfish
people and politicians and leaders who lack vision.
ARE WESTERN GOVERNMENTS PROACTIVE OR REACTIVE?
I don’t have much time for politicians
in general. Most that I see probably enter politics for the right reasons but
get caught up in the party machine. They appear to be more concerned about
their re-election than they are for their constituents. However, we put them
there and we can just as quickly remove them. The great secret to a successful
campaign is numbers – committed followers.
ANY ADVICE FOR A LAWYER CONSIDERING HUMAN RIGHTS LAW?
Make sure you have the passion. It’s a
tough gig. However, any victory, no matter how small, is a wonderful moment to
savour.
IF YOU HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS ALL WORLD LEADERS,
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Wake up! It’s not about you.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST DREAM?
Well, having had an interesting life,
I would like to think that I’ve touched a few people along the way.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY?
Wake up in a warm climate, with the
sea within sight and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Coffee, breakfast and
work. I looooove what I do.
WHAT ARE YOUR FIVE MOST FAVOURITE BOOKS?
Dibs In Search of Self
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
The complete works of Henry Lawson
Anything written by Andrew Barton
‘Banjo’ Paterson
Anything written by Lord Jeffrey
Archer or John Grisham
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE?
Very bleak, but I always live in hope
that someone will walk out of the mist and lead us to the promised land.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR VERY LAST SENTENCE?
Life’s short, use it, there is plenty
to do.
ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
How long have you got? I’m just
starting to fire up …
Clancy's comment: I can only encourage you to get involved in something bigger than yourself. The rewards are immense. Oh, by the way, I've just been invited to be the guest speaker on Australia Day. Now, that could be a very interesting speech. If I can, I will post it on this blog ... If I haven't been run out of town. Stay tuned ...
I'm ...
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