Sunday, August 14, 2011
Beauty and Sadness
This morning I, like many other people in Adelaide, attended the Ban Live Export rally in Elder Park. Despite it being the most glorious, sunny day it was difficult to enjoy it as I looked around at the many placards and banners people were holding showing horrific scenes of animals as they lay helpless in the Indonesian slaughter houses. I don't know about you but I don't do well with images like that – I instantly teared up and was overwhelmed with such shame knowing that we allow this to happen. In a futile attempt to stop crying I took a little wander around and climbed the steps of the rotunda. What a beautiful structure. I am embarrassed to say I have never really taken notice of it before. In typical Victorian fashion, it is highly decorated and ornate. A little bit of beauty amidst a sea of sadness.
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What can I say, Jane? I followed the link you provided and, to say the least, am so distraught at those visions. However, while this is incredibly difficult imagery to take in it is so important to be aware of such circumstances. And, I applaud the efforts expressed by the site and by those at the rallies. So heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your feedback. You know, it would have been so easy not to go, to let the extremist social do-gooders to fight this battle but I don't think anything will change unless the average person like me lends support. Hopefully as more people become aware these awful practices will give way to more humane ones. Thanks again, Jane.
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ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog from a link on simplesong, and I'm so glad I followed the link! I read that you were Australian, but to see pictures of the rotunda on your blog made my heart smile! I moved to Melbourne 2 years ago and miss Adelaide every day. I find that there aren't too many people that really appreciate the beauty that the city of Adelaide has to offer, so it's so nice to see someone showing it off. Your blog is beautiful.
So nice to hear from you Melissa, and so nice to find a kindred spirit who appreciates Adelaide for the beautiful city it is. I've just got back from a week in Melbourne actually and it made me realise how small Adelaide is in comparison. But I don't mind that at all - I think we come unstuck when we try to compare ourselves to other bigger cities - we're not a big city and shouldn't pretend to be. We should just embrace all the good things that come along with a small space - like being able to park pretty much where-ever you want! Oh - and the airport is only a 15 minute drive away from the CBD, not minimum half an hour (or an hour like it took me on Friday) in Melbourne!
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