Читать книгу A Big Circle of Friends - Erica Bentel - Страница 25

THE NEXT DAY. MR JONES’ CLASSROOM

The boys are sitting down and keen to get going.

“Right. Any questions before we start?”

Jasbir puts up his hand, hesitates, and drops it quickly.

“Okay, then back to the Big Circle of Friends. The interesting thing is, this is not just an academic discussion. We are living at what could be the start of World War III.

And maybe the only way we’ll be able to stop it escalating is if all people around the world decided now to stand up for the rights of others. Anyone heard of the very famous poem written after WWII:

First they came … When the Nazis came for the Communists I remained silent. I was not a Communist … When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I was not a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out. Go look it up tonight. It’s worth reading the whole poem. What’s it saying? Jasbir?”

“Is it that if you stand up for your own rights only, then by the time you’re attacked, it’s too late?”

“Exactly. Yes, Christopher?”

“If you stay silent to protect yourself, they’ll come for you next, because you’re the next weak link.”

“Interesting observation.

Now, in Australia we live in a democracy with freedom of speech. Something we have fought to protect for generations.

Women have finally achieved equality in our society (he smiles warningly) … although I’m not sure you’d want to say that in front of my wife and daughters.

Democracy. Freedom of the press. Equal rights for women. Are you boys prepared to give that up or are you willing to make your stand right from the start. If you believe our society is doing things right … Yes, Tyler?”

“Aren’t you assuming democracy is the only right system? Isn’t that just brainwashing?”

“Interesting point.” Mr Jones pauses. “Look, I know nothing’s perfect, but … you know what … I’m going to take you through the various forms of government. If after this, you feel that we live in an essentially good society, one that you are prepared to stand up for, then you should consider joining the Big Circle of Friends. Now, go for lunch.”

The bell hasn’t rung yet and the boys look around confused.

“Get out of here. Go for lunch.”

They don’t need another prompt.