Janet CollinsWhat the hell is multiculturalism, and where can I get it?
December 8th 2006 01:38
Vol. I Ed. II of the Social Critique.
Religion, race and moral beliefs haven't always seen eye to eye - and now they've begun their very own Fight Club. As European Union and Isreali experts gathered in Brussels to discuss racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism, Theirry Henry announced racism's return to football. That was just four hours after Ed Chrostowski comment that the world is too sensitive and too quick to yell "RACIST!!" The New Canaan Advertiser also noted Plato's famous comment: "in vino veratis" (the truth is in the wine).
That's a thought to ponder, and if you take the meaning metaphorically, you might find that the world is in fact drunk on the power of accusation. Everyday, throw-away claims such as "you don't like me cause I'm black" or "what are you saying? Is it cause of my religion?" are ramped and overly popular. It's the self-empowering facade of independence - it's a way of deriving respect deferred from the down-trodden history of social typecasts. It's the notion of "me against the world", and in all forms, it is an attribution of weakness and cowardice to what was once a formidable cause. Don't disrespect your ancestors by turning their misfortune to your advantage.
But when the EU / Isreal joint seminar was happening in Brussels, a class of boys in Townsville, Australia were being told Christians are evil and their schools are "sewers". Did that come before or after two 13 year old boys in Melbourne urinated, spat on and torched the Holy Bible? It seems people are sick of conversation and want "a little more action". It was only 16 hours ago that the Halifax school board in Canada began a shouting contest, with claims of racism coming from African-Nova Scotian Doug Sparks.
Well, it's an imperfect world. But when most societies are trying to promote community values, such disgusting behaviour couldn't have come at a worse time. What in the world happened?
The Human Zoo - Stuttgart, Germany 1928
Religion, race and moral beliefs haven't always seen eye to eye - and now they've begun their very own Fight Club. As European Union and Isreali experts gathered in Brussels to discuss racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism, Theirry Henry announced racism's return to football. That was just four hours after Ed Chrostowski comment that the world is too sensitive and too quick to yell "RACIST!!" The New Canaan Advertiser also noted Plato's famous comment: "in vino veratis" (the truth is in the wine).
That's a thought to ponder, and if you take the meaning metaphorically, you might find that the world is in fact drunk on the power of accusation. Everyday, throw-away claims such as "you don't like me cause I'm black" or "what are you saying? Is it cause of my religion?" are ramped and overly popular. It's the self-empowering facade of independence - it's a way of deriving respect deferred from the down-trodden history of social typecasts. It's the notion of "me against the world", and in all forms, it is an attribution of weakness and cowardice to what was once a formidable cause. Don't disrespect your ancestors by turning their misfortune to your advantage.
Well, it's an imperfect world. But when most societies are trying to promote community values, such disgusting behaviour couldn't have come at a worse time. What in the world happened?
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Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Thought-prokoving post.
What happened in Halifax? I didn't hear about it.
Comment by AnthonyB
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
That does not excuse anything by any means. I think it takes time for people to get used to change and diversity and, sometimes, they lash out at 'easy targets' when they are frustrated at other issues.
Comment by AnthonyB
Thanks, Peg !
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Some parts of Canada are very diverse such as big cities like Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver. Toronto was proclaimed the most racially diverse city in the world by the UN not too long ago. But, other than the mega cities, I'd say most places are not.
My area, Western Canada, is not at all. Although it is starting to change a bit in the last few years.
Comment by AnthonyB
I'm glad Alberta is making the shift. Hopefully their hockey team can gain a bit of momentum too. I think Calgary will finally have the upper hand over Vancouver, now that David Nonis has had a complete labotomy.
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Fantastic post. Love your quote: Don't disrespect your ancestors by turning their misfortune to your advantage.
Sums it up perfectly. Well done.
Love & stuff
Mrs M