Recently in Australian News a Liberal Party Senator Cory Bernardi has called for a ban on the Islamic dressing Burqa. The Senator (seemingly backed by (those with a computer and an outspoken view) the Austrlian public) has stated “The Burqa is no longer simply the symbol of female repression and Islamic culture, it is now emerging as the preferred disguise of bandits and n’er do wells.” This is an example of the lack of understanding Mr. Bernardi has of Islamic culture and those followers of such remarks. The Islamic community response is on mark stating the ‘Ban the Burqa’ debate as an ignorant attempt at political opportunism.
With an election coming up, it appears the Liberal Party has taken both sides of the debate as a deliberate attempt at a political sway for the anti-muslim population, whilst at the same time Tony Abbot has denied it as being part of the Coalition policy. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has accused (I believe rightly) the Liberal Party of “walking both sides of the street.”
Without delving too much into the political debate, I am here to focus on the general consensus of the Australian public. Whether it has become (or always have been) part of Australian social standards, to be either out-right or sub-consciously racist when it comes to Multiculturalism. Judging from the Poll results of most News forums and public response to the topic it is comfortable to say that Australia is a racist dominant nation. It is funny (the sad kind of funny) how quickly “Australians” forget about the White Australia Policy and Assimilation Act of European ‘controlled’ Australian history. Destroying or eliminating parts of peoples culture or religious outlook is taking a forward step towards a racist / fascist society. Fear filled nationalism has sparked some of the most horrific strains on Human Rights ever in global history. Australia’s pride as a cultural identity is disgusting and off-putting, then they ask in the media “How do we sell Australia?” Patriotism is another step towards the new Nazi regime in Australia, with our swastika being the Southern Cross.
The Senator is obviously working on multiple levels of typical Australian intellect. He states that the Burqa is a symbol of male dominance over female freedom and is repressive and anti-social, mentally attacking those who believe that it is a step towards feminism and personal freedom. He then clearly works on (real terrorism) the fear mechanism installed in Western world minds, bringing up it being used as an aide for robbery and criminal attacks. I might be as bold to ask “If you were going to rob a bank in a country where the Burqa was banned, wouldn’t you cover your face with something else (or a Burqa) anyway, as you are already planning on breaking the law?” Where are we to stop? We are told constantly we live in a free country but how much compromise are we willing to make to support racism?
My cry out to the public is to look more deeply into the comments made by Authority figures and Government figureheads. Are you being sold a story for political support? History will always repeat itself and prejudice will always exist, but you can make a difference by doing your own research and making an intellectual response on the real issue at hand, rather than giving in to your fear of the unknown and listening to government fueled political propaganda. Terrorism is the strongest tool of most governments and when it sparks racial segregation and attacks cultural differences, it becomes a dangerous step towards an Australian Social Nationalist Party.
Hi Chris, great post I was thinking about this debacle myself this morning and find myself appalled at the racism in Australia, although in the country areas it is not as evident. I have also noticed ironically it is not the 3rd or higher generation Aussies that are the racist ones, at the risk of sounding racist it seems to me that people are bringing their racist attitudes with them when they come from other countries and carry that on like a tradition. Maybe they should be looking at banning racism instead of burkas.
Unfortunately we live in a racist society and our politicians pander to that. I’ve heard a fellow teacher call ladies who wear burqas “letterboxes”. I was shocked at someone who is supposed to be ‘educated’ appearing so ignorant.
I dont think i’ve ever heard anything of substance said by a politician in the media, its always just fear mongering. In this case its a fear of something different. We’re a little country with a lack of cultural identity and your right its often manifested into racism, conscious or not. good rant christoph