Only in Australia?
I love Australia. But let’s face it, the country is a little behind the times. In my estimation, about 30 years behind the U.S. in terms of respecting women and minorities. I know things are changing and they are slowly progressing into the 21st century, but it doesn’t help the women’s movement when you have comments coming from Australia’s senior Muslim cleric.
It was recently reported that in a sermon last month, Sheik Taj Aldi Alhilai commented that women who dress immodestly provoke sexual attacks. He likened scantily clad women to uncovered meat that is eaten by animals! And that it is the fault of the uncovered meat if it gets eaten.
While he did later apologize for his comments, he did say, “I had only intended to protect women’s honor.”
Hmph.
Next time, I’ll talk about a British Muslim woman who is dispelling the myths of her culture through comedy.
Happy Travels!
It is inaccurate to state that Australia’s attitude to women and minorities is decades behind the USA. The statement you are referring to by the Sheik does not represent the views of most Australians. This statement has provoked much comment and outrage in Australia, from all sections of the community. The most vociferous have been from Muslim Australians. Not only does this statement not reflect what is taught in Islam, it offends both women and men. Many Muslim Australians have angrily declared the Sheik does not represent their views in this respect.
While the Sheik’s comment is unacceptable and cannot be condoned in any way, his right to say it is unequivocal. Democracy demands it. And perhaps his statement can be seen it a positive light. It has brought to the forefront a debate that should never be dismissed - the unacceptability of violence against women and children.
Perhaps next time when you seek to sum up an entire nation’s attitudes and beliefs with one statement that is clearly provocative, you might pause and begin an intelligent discussion or debate on the statement instead.
You bring up a great point. The Sheik’s comment is NOT indicative of the views of all Australians and my comment was not meant to sum up an entire nation’s attitudes. I’m pleased to hear that there is outrage in Australia in response to his comments.
Sure, democracy demands that we may say what we want but we also have the freedom to stand in judgement of those comments, whether it’s the Sheik’s comments about women or the Pope’s comments about Muslims (or my comments!).
I have spent a lot of time in Australia (more than 8 months) and it is my observation that Australia is way behind the U.S. in terms of attitudes and rights granted to women, children and minorities. While the U.S. has its own ingrained problems, the laws in Australia do not grant these groups the same amount of rights and freedoms that are currently afforded those in the United States.