On Tuesday 29 April Mr. Cotter’s 5th Year Religion Class travelled to the Aviva Stadium for the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ awards exhibition. The students had entered a short film in a nationwide competition. Schools had the option of entering art work, poetry, music or a film with an anti-racist message.
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, RTE Presenter Diana Bucini and former Dublin footballer Jason Sherlock spoke at the event. Mr Shatter told the audience that he has been racially abused because of his Jewish faith.Former Dublin footballer Jason Sherlock said he had been racially abused online by a young person recently and had confronted that young person and his mother. Diana Bucini was told by an adult that she would never make it in broadcasting because she had a foreign surname and was from somewhere else. The students were given the opportunity to ask the speakers questions and interact with students from other parts of the country.
After the awards were presented the students received a tour of the Aviva Stadium including the press conference room, changing rooms and stands. The whole day was a worthwhile experience for everyone involved. The event highlighted the damaging effects of racial abuse and encouraged young people to create a more inclusive society.
