They are more than just "Boat People"

I do not know if the term "Boat People" is officially considered a racial slur. Probably not, as I hear it spoken and written everywhere...

But I cringe every time I hear it..

Call them refugees if you feel generous... Or illegal immigrants if you do not want to accept them.. But they are more than just "Boat people".. They are human beings, men, women and children, who have been through immense stress..

I think they are brave to have risked all on such a journey.. They obviously think they are better off risking their lives and bearing the humiliation of being social rejects than to remain in their own country.. We do not know their circumstances... We have no clue what they have been through.. But we can be sure they are not here for a joy ride...

Anyway, this is not a debate about immigration policy.. Being a legal migrant myself I acknowledge the need for a system.. However, I do think we need to be more sympathetic... The least we can do is call them something decent.. Something better than "boat people".. Something that describes what they really are...

Luv

G.