Surely we want our students to be challenged and, yes, even confronted, by the texts they study. We want them to see the world from new perspectives, to identify with the trials and tribulations of others, to encounter experiences beyond their ken. And by losing themselves in a story, stepping into the shoes of another, we want to help them come to a complex view of the issues that face us as human beings. Each of the fine texts mentioned in the article "Call for VCE trigger warnings over 'depressing' texts" (The Age, 28/4) gives voice to those often marginalised in storytelling – women, Indigenous people, gays and the persecuted. In each, there are shining example of resilience and fortitude, of courageous spirit in the face of adversity. In the morning news on the same day, however, every main story but one centred around violence of some kind, enacted by one person or group against another – depressing material that gets us all down.
Prue Gill, North Carlton
Sheltering teens akin to teaching abstinence
Sheltering teenagers from "sustained realistic depictions of violence or physical, psychological, or sexual abuse" ("Stricter rules for VCE texts", 29/4) is akin to teaching abstinence. It is absurd. These things occur in real life and avoiding them does nothing to prepare our young people for adulthood. Rather than hiding the realities of life, we should be using such examples in literature, theatre and film to guide our youth toward good choices and character-building alternatives.
Eric Black, Northcote
Such things would never happen in real life
As an English teacher, I don't want to upset my students so I have been checking my list of classics. Oh well, there goes Othello (jealous husband murders wife then commits suicide), Medea (scorned wife murders children to punish husband), Great Expectations (greedy young man rejects friends on way to top), Secret River (ex-convict massacres Aborigines to get land), Macbeth (tyrant murders everyone in his way to achieve power). Of course, we'd never read about such things happening in real life.
Susan Tuckerman, Kew
Positive emotions enhance learning
When a Chinese delegation visited the US to research creativity, it found Google, Apple and Microsoft employees had read science fiction as youngsters. Stimulation of imagination and exposure to new ideas are important functions of reading. Reading can also provide a deeper understanding of culture, history and the human condition, giving a person bearings in a complex world. Another function is language appreciation. All reading increases empathy by enabling the reader to stand in another's shoes.
Further, the emotions elicited matter in education. Positive emotions enhance learning receptivity. US researchers found that a ratio of at least 3:1 positive to negative emotions coincides with higher resilience and productivity, and more expansive learning. Lower ratios corresponded with under-achievement and poorer mental health. Nobody would suggest a Pollyanna list but balance, breadth and variety are vital.
Barbara Chapman, Hawthorn
Plenty of fodder for essay writing
I completed year 12 last year and had to study my fair share of depressing texts. However, because of them, I could write so much in my exam. Take Medea, a play about how far one woman would go for revenge on her husband. Medea took it to filicide in the end, creating devastation for the audience and readers. Sure, it is depressing, but these stories make you into a better writer, as it forces you to think and justify your arguments. They are books for you to read and write about, not get a warm and fuzzy feeling. VCE shouldn't be sheltering students, as they don't get sheltered in the real world.
Oscar Robertson, Mornington
THE FORUM
Metadata not esoteric
The access by the federal police of a journalist's metadata heralds another instance where the public is being misinformed by the characterisation of metadata as esoteric, and not in the same league as wiretapping. "What was accessed was the records of calls, not the content. Just the fact of the existence of the calls in the first place," said the AFP.
This is extremely misleading. For instance, your metadata would confirm you called an HIV testing service, followed by your health insurance provider, followed by your GP. Theoretically, though, nobody knows what was discussed because the content of the calls remains secret.
Metadata will confirm that you called a phone sex service at 2am while in a motel room. But what was said in the call theoretically remains a secret.
Metadata would also confirm that you called Lifeline from the side of the West Gate Bridge. But theoretically the nature of the conversation remains private.
This incident should cause considerable disquiet. Regardless of where you sit on the axis between privacy rights and latitude afforded to law enforcement, the intrinsic value of metadata needs to be explained accurately.
Chris Jervis, Parkville
Why should we care?
It is a ludicrous notion that any significant increase in the tax on existing petroleum projects may substantially increase perceptions of the fiscal risk associated with investing in Australia. If the nation and its taxpayers receive no benefit from this investment, then why should we care? There is still a huge amount of after-tax profit to be made from extracting and exporting oil and gas, so the multinationals will still come running. Let's ignore the lobby groups and do what's right for Australia.
Jack Wajntraub, South Melbourne
Narrow vision of elites
The most important part of a nation's infrastructure is the people. People who are sick are less productive. Parents, children and partners of sick people are less productive as they take time to care for loved ones.
But this government has systematically attacked investment in the health of that infrastructure (the people) by freezing the Medicare rebate, and cutting promised dental care and funding to multiple community-based care organisations and so on. The aim of making Australia more productive reflects the narrow vision of the elites who run our country. Instead the government will continue to subsidise the private health and hospitals industries and pay $445 million above world market prices to the pharmaceutical industry for prescription drugs.
Tim Woodruff, vice-president, Doctors Reform Society
Piling on the trauma
The parliamentary inquiry into detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island was scathing, for good reason, of the health care offered to asylum seekers and refugees. Now, more than 40people in the centre on Nauru have been diagnosed with dengue fever, which can leave a life-long legacy; another insult added to the trauma of indefinite mandatory detention imposed by successive federal governments.
Timothy Johnson, Fremantle, WA
Discouraging citizenship
A young friend who has studied and worked full-time in Australia for six years recently applied for citizenship. Having completed all the requirements, he had an interview at the Immigration Department. He was subjected to six hours of aggressive grilling, confusing questions, nasty comments and continual accusations of lying with no evidence. His efforts to excel in the English language were used against him, with the claim that he could not have come from a non-English-speaking background and therefore must be lying. Is this treatment designed to discourage skilled, law-abiding people from becoming citizens. If so, why?
Anne Rowley, Montmorency
Inexplicable decision
Since 1951, AMES Australia has provided language and settlement services to newly arrived migrants to Victoria. Two weeks ago it was announced that from July 1, Melbourne Polytechnic would provide these services.
A voluntary tutor, I have worked with the newly arrived at AMES (Flagstaff). Without exception I've observed highly experienced teachers provide interesting, challenging and practical lessons, teaching English and an understanding of the Australian way of life. The students vary from the highly educated to some cultural groups who may have had limited schooling. The lessons have been conducted with respect, empathy and good humour.
What criteria were used in assessing the tenders? How can the newly appointed providers be ready to take up their responsibilities in barely nine weeks? Who will take responsibility for this outcome?
Murray Mehmet, Elsternwick
Flattering to deceive
I see the situation differently from Duncan Fine (Comment, 27/4). George Brandis and his buddies on the right have just been limbering up for the main game. That being to rip shreds off anyone who dares challenge their views and ideologies. Given that the act hasn't been changed and yet the views and very presence of Yassmin Abdel-Magied have been so enthusiastically attacked, imagine the barrage of hatred if the legal constraints of 18C had been loosened?
What were we expecting in the brave new world of "free speech"? A polite discourse between respectful equals? I believe that assumption flatters both sides of the debate. This episode has been a reality check for anyone who thought that freedom of speech necessarily produces civility, respect and understanding. If only.
David Palmer, Wangaratta
Look at our behaviour
If we are going to criticise media personalities for disrespecting Anzac Day and ceremonies, how about having a look at some of our behaviour. Anyone in the members section at the MCG on Monday night would have heard all the laughing, talking and other noise coming from the downstairs bar where people kept drinking while the ceremonies took place, including the playing of the Last Post. My family and I were not impressed.
Paul Mitchell, Belgrave
We have a lot to learn
My parents taught me to accept an apology, shake hands and move on. We grow in so many positive ways when we have the courage and grace to listen to each other, and try to walk in their shoes for a moment. God forbid that my perspective could be flawed! I am happy we have such people as Yassmin Abdel Magied, who are prepared to speak out, yes, and listen. We all have a lot to learn from each other.
Greg Woodruff, Mitcham
Many values displayed
It's great to use Anzac Day to reflect on what are Australian values. It is obviously not all right for a Muslim woman to borrow a sacred tag line to also remember people living in a dire position (caring for others), but it's OK for the white, male deputy PM to be photographed playing two-up (gambling) with a beer in hand (drinking alcohol). I know which value I prefer, but perhaps all are Australian.
John Massie, Middle Park
Time to be inclusive
With another Anzac Day observed and marked by much desultory singing of our national anthem Advance Australia Fair (written in 1878), perhaps it's time for another plebiscite to change our anthem; the last being in 1977 when it replaced God Save the Queen. Yesterday, our singing group presented an all-Australian program at our aged care centre. The stand-out was We Are Australian, by Bruce Woodley, a Seeker, and Dobe Newton, a Bushwacker. This song is truly inclusive and would be sung by all with fervour.
Pat Fraser, Toora
Animals still suffer
Tony Wright's story about Horrie the wartime terrier and his devoted soldier owner reminds us of the importance animals play in our lives ("The hero war dog", Insight, 29/3). It was pleasing that the Anzac Day service at Portland commemorated the men and women who served and died in wars as well as the animals who suffered alongside them. This is ironic given that Portland is the major live export port for Victoria, where nowadays thousands of sheep and cattle suffer terribly on sea voyages and subsequent unstunned slaughter in foreign lands. So many are blind to the suffering of farm animals.
Jan Kendall, Hawthorn
Limits to road safety
There have been calls to lower speed limits on country roads after 12 deaths over Easter. Speed limits have already been lowered on some Gippsland roads, usually poorly maintained ones. Putting up a few speed limit signs is much cheaper than maintaining the roads in good condition, which would contribute significantly to safety. Poor roads with low speed limits are still poor roads.
Owen Rye, Boolarra South
No jumping for me
I am becoming peeved at constantly being told to jump online or rush into a store. At the age of 88 I no longer jump nor rush anywhere. However, I can still go online or toddle into a store. I suspect the wonderful offers will still be there when I arrive.
John Scott, Hawthorn
AND ANOTHER THING ...
Debt
So easy; with a stroke of a pen and some creative accounting: No deficit.
Gary Bryfman, Brighton
"Good" debt builds renewable energy; "bad" debt builds a coal railway line for billionaires.
Jenny Smithers, Ashburton
Good debt: borrowings that make the rich richer. Bad debt: borrowings that keep the poor alive.
Chris Davis, Pascoe Vale
How do I tell my 98-year-old dad, a soldier wounded in Tobruk and El Alamein that he is a "bad debt"? Any help gratefully accepted.
Mel Green, Glen Waverley
Australians are not an asset worth investing in and are therefore a bad debt.
Tom Vanderzee, Coburg
ScoMo, "accounting changes" used to be called fiddling the books.
Jill Burn, Ivanhoe
Infrastructure good, education bad; two legs good, four legs bad.
Keith Hallett, Gisborne
Politics
What do parents and politicians have in common? No qualifications.
Christine Earle, Yarraville
Apparently even the big banks are greener than the Labor Party.
Andrea Bunting, Brunswick
Bit of old advice to the PM and Treasurer: when you're in a hole ...
Greg Lee, Red Hill
Elsewhere
Governance 101: Allowing a term of 27 years for an AOC president is already a fundamental failure.
Peter Wallace, Traralgon
Over Coates.
Jo Gill, Elwood
All are in favour of free speech except when it is directed at an Australian "sacred day". Storm in a teacup (or glass of chardonnay)?
Ian Baxter, Point Cook
VCE literature depressing? Alas, reality is not all bells and whistles.
Terry Malone, Warburton