re "THIRTY-EIGHT well dressed asylum seekers"

The Editor,

The Australian,

Attention: Paul Maley and Debbie Guest re "THIRTY-EIGHT well dressed asylum seekers"April 09, 2009

Dear Paul and Debbie,

Thanks for accurately referring to recent "asylum seeker" arrivals at Christmas Island (rather than the wrong and demeaning term "Illegals" sometimes used).

It is intriguing that you have described them as "well-dressed" asylum seekers. From the photos with the web article they look to me pretty ordinarily, casually dressed which could be expected for those on a relatively short sea crossing, perhaps 2 or 3 days, from Indonesia to Christmas Island. Perhaps you could illustrate this with a photo of yourselves dressed typically for a days outing where you would expect variable weather of cool to warm. Would you describe yourselves as "well dressed" or casual?

Click to enlarge

I can't quite understand why you used that term and can't help thinking there is an implication to your readers that asylum seekers should look untidy and showing obvious signs of their trauma in order to be genuine.

The resurgence of (illegal) arrivals? Five boats have arrived this year!

Sincerely,

Allan Nield, 20 Charles Avenue, Whyalla Norrie SA 5608. 08 86465 4397.

ENDS

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