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Class divides run deep in Adelaide. Opportunities whisked up by established money, colleges & upturned noses on one side of town; poverty & long-term unemployment on the other. Growing up in Adl forces razor-sharp focus on class wherever I go. THREAD (1/6)
I learnt east-siders would never go to working/underclass west or north. We never went to their parts. Once I was invited to a Yr12 formal on eastside- the first time I'd socialised with people on that side of town! (I'd only ever served them at their parties as a waitress).(2/6)
I answered a call on my old Nokia brick. The college kids tried to humiliate me yelling out “povo” & laughing. I sat frocked up, eating nice food, & still tried to engage in honest conversation: letting them redeem themselves. They circled back to the povo "joke" all night. (3/6)
Young adults with the best education money could buy, couldn't meet me half way. But only shit on me. Water off a ducks' back though. Plenty pride from my working class upbringing meant we pitied the sheltered & shallow. You grow up much quicker when you have to struggle. (4/6)
But transforming struggle into a better more clarified life depended on education. Getting into uni was hard enough! You're exhausted from boxing your whole life. But you go on. Tools you need to defend yourself against those who consider you in the "wrong place" are there. (5/6)
Thanks Danijel for your story about the power of university for the poor & first-in-family. For telling ppl about Adelaide & what its like on the other side of town. We urgently need a revitalised & fully funded public uni & TAFE system. END. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/jacqui-lambie-is-right-it-just-got-harder-for-working-class-kids-like-me-to-go-to-university
