Anzac Day and the Yassmin Abdel-Magied controversy

 “Listen, don't mention the war! I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it…”

 

It’s a little over one year since, Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s controversial social media post sparked one of the ugliest social media back lashes I’ve ever seen, by which time she had already apologised and deleted the post.

What followed was nothing short of a national disgrace an aggressive and sustained media bombardment against one woman; and for what, a simple comment “Lest we forget (Manus)”. Ironically the loudest and most disproportionally aggressively of those vilifying Yassmin, were those repeatedly claiming that ‘free speech’ in Australia is under threat (whilst using media and social media to do so).

The incident, exposed the ugly truth about modern day Australia; laying bare a nation low on empathy, sympathy, tolerance and big on racial, religious and social hatred. The nation showed itself to be intolerant of asylum seekers, individuals on welfare and all the weakest and powerless in society - and then the mainstream media added their two bob’s worth.

The hysteria, which followed Yassmin’s Facebook post, cannot be separated from xenophobia, racism and misogyny. If Australians are to be truly honest with themselves then they must acknowledge that Anzac Day has been a source of controversy and protest for a very long time. Even in the 1960’s being used as an opportunity to protest the Vietnam War.

Yassmin did not criticise Australian Soldiers and she did not comment on the politics of war. Her post simply and succinctly asked us to remember, not only lives lost in previous wars, but also the lives of those currently in harms way; fighting in, living in and fleeing conflict zones. Instead she was faced with a lynch mob of conservative politicians and press, most of who claim to be ‘Christians’. Yet their conduct in this was anything but!

In this simple act one brown Muslim woman showed more Christian understanding of the suffering of her fellow (hu)man than all those attacking her combined.

One hopes that Yassmin and those like her will continue to maintain the courage and humanity she displayed and continues to display.

So tomorrow on Anzac day, one hopes all Australians of conscience will remember not only those Anzacs past and present, but also those: fighting, living, fleeing and dying in current conflicts.

This in no way detracts from the Anzac legend and sacrifice, rather acknowledges their sacrifice and reminds us how much Australian and New Zealand troops still contribute to the nation and the world.

Lest we forget.

Image: original drawing by VacuousNess

Intolerance, Bigotry and Religious Freedom

What are religious texts really? Well, essentially they are nothing more than guidebooks for life, of which religious leaders have always retained absolute control of the text in so doing making, religious leaders the influential, powerful force providing direction. However, what an individual does with that information is another matter. 

Religion must always teach kindness, respect and tolerance; it must never condone greed, violence and war. Those of faith should always be seeking common features amongst religions (and groups within their own faith), common features which, bring them together rather than pushing them apart.

Unfortunately in the current global political climate, it appears bigotry and intolerance are increasing and appears to making conservative, fundamentalist and radical Christians more vocal in their bigotry.

Bigotry pushes for the freedom to deny others the identical rights of everyone else – and be thanked, free of the consequences their actions bring.

In this environment, Progressives have a moral obligation and duty to stand up to this, to clearly and irrevocably state, ‘this is not OK’.

In refusing to accept their bigotry we are not rescinding their rights to be the obnoxious petty myopic minded bigot wish to be – such individuals are still free to wallow in their bigotry, but they cannot and should never be permitted to avoid the consequences as their bigotry forces their beliefs onto others, without the permission of those others. Therefore bigots do not have the right to insulate themselves from the consequences of their actions, prejudices etc.

Religion must always provide benevolent guidance and influence. Obviously all religions attempt to lead their followers down a path of care and respect for others* which means religious leaders must bear the responsibility of direction. It is their responsibility to teach kindness, tolerance and respect. To spread a message of peace, not condone: bigotry, violence, greed or war. Discrimination is not genetic; it is, learned and fostered.

Is it ever okay to be intolerant? Yes it is.

It is okay to be intolerant of:

• ·      Politics which attempt to create and ensure a climate safe for bigotry to flourish and disguise it as ‘respectability’.
• ·      Legislation, which limits access to basic human rights, due to an individual’s: gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender expression etc. Or any legal system which is unbalanced (against) these groups:
• ·      Mechanisms and environments, which protect those who bully LGBTQI youngsters under the façade of ‘protecting religious freedom’.
• ·      The marginalisation of other religions or denominations.
• ·      Killing civilians, just because they have the misfortune to live in a nation, our politicians don’t like.
• ·      The politics of fear, which keeps refugees from finding a home amongst us and views such migrants as leeches, terrorists etc. rather than assets to nation and economy.
• ·      Rape culture.
• ·      Any system, which favors the wealthy over the poor.
• ·      Those damaging the environment, by denying human responsibility for it / impact on it.

Bigotry is a choice and if it is your choice – fine, but you also have to live with and take responsibility for the consequences. Also don’t expect the rest of us to standby and not speak out. 

Particularly whilst the Australian Govt conducts the 'Religious Freedom Review'. One can only hope the voice of both Australian Secular Society, Moderate / Progressive Christians, The Australian Constitution and common sense prevail.  

Religion has no place in politics and bigotry has no place in Christianity (any religion or puplic policy).   

Last but no least, please remember, fundamentalism of any flavor is dangerous - it is not religion specific.

*I loath the word 'righteousness' as it always seems to me those using it, are often using it in an attempt to justify some crappy or nasty conduct.

What is a progressive Christian?

The answer may surprise many Atheists.

Progressive ( aka moderate) simply don’t believe the dogma. For the progressive dogma, fundamentalism, conservative (call it what you will) flavored Christianity obstructs: common sense, inclusion, kindness, science – and even in some circumstances, basic human rights.

We are not apologists. Unlike conservatives, we do not believe that the Bible is the true authoritative expression of God’s will, as in reality the Bible is the product of human beings with their own point of view and agendas. From a feminist point of view, it may also be argued that those human beings created a work of Patriarchy, when there is evidence to suggest women played a fundamental part in the early Christian Church (something to revisit in a future blog).

In a nut shell:

• Kindness is religion and religion is kindness.
• Faith not dogma.
• Deeds not creeds.
• Jesus is a true myth.
• The Bible should be taken seriously not literally.
• Questions matter more than answers.
• Use your brain, be unapologetic (in faith).
• God evolves, as does faith.
• It is good to understand other faiths.
• There is beauty in the myth and poetry of the Bible.
• Peace and justice amongst all people.
• Protect and save the Earth (environment).
• Strive for a society, which is inclusive of all: regardless of nationality, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, class and / or ability.

This doesn’t quite cover everything, but it is a quick overview.

One last thing; don’t get sucked into the torture of the apologist trap, that s*!* will send you insane and it’s wasted energy.