On Camden, Australia

I died when I heard this on the news.

People in Camden, New South Wales, have come out in full force protesting against the construction of an Islamic school on the fringes of the town because it will “change the character of the town”. In one particular open-air town meeting, people vented their anger against Muslims, uttering unbelievably uninformed and frankly bigoted remarks:

“Why hasn’t anyone got any guts? They’ve got terrorists amongst ‘em… They want to be here so they can go and hide in all the farm houses… This town has every nationality… but Muslims do not fit in this town. We are Aussies, OK.”

And then there are people claiming that these complaints are clearly based on town planning grounds:

“I have said all along that this is an issue that’s not a religious issue, it’s not a nationalistic issue. It’s an issue to be based on planning.” – Chris Patterson, Mayor of Camden

“This is not a nationalistic issue, it’s not a religious issue, it’s a planning issue, and it will be addressed on those merits.” – Chris Patterson, Mayor of Camden

First of all, Muslims are practitioners of Islam, which is a religion. The word “Muslim” does not designate a person of being a particular nationality, it simply designates a person as a practitioner of Islam. Secondly, how can this issue be based solely on “planning” grounds when the people clearly against it are simply anti-Muslim?

Did it really have to matter whether it was an Islamic school or another type of school being built there? I mean, don’t Australians (regardless of whether they are Muslim or not) have the right to educate their children wherever they want them to be educated?

I lived in Australia for two years, and for a country that advertises prides itself on being “multicultural”, I’m very disappointed. Yeah, there were a few times where I encountered racism during my stay there, but overall I perceived (and continue to perceive) Australians as friendly people – not bigots like the people of Camden. Yeah, I called them bigots. Sorry, I know its wrong to generalize all the people of Camden as bigots, but honestly I really can’t restrain myself right now – if the issue of building an Islamic school in Camden was being debated solely on “planning” grounds, why were a significant portion of its residents getting angry of “being taken over” by Muslims and wearing hats saying “No to Islamic immigration”?

I hate to say it, but in a way I’m glad I’m not moving back to Australia. Clearly racism has become an issue in Australia.

Sources: BBC and Sydney Morning Herald

Update

It’s been a while, I know. Sorry for not posting, but I’ve been busy as hell since February.

Here’s a quick run-down of what’s been going on with me since February

1 Bali Spring Break (March)

Was freaking awesome. I love Bounty. ‘Nuff said.

2 University

Of the 9 schools I applied to, I got into 8. After much thinking, I’m now stuck between UBC and Queen’s University. I got into UBC ages ago, but I’m still waiting for a decision from Queen’s. I’m becoming more and more inclined to go to UBC, but Queen’s is such a good school too. I need to make a decision by 28 May – it’s the last day I can accept an offer from an Ontario school, but that’s if I get into Queen’s. If I don’t get into Queen’s, then I’ll go to UBC.

3 Exams

I’m halfway through IB Exams right now. I finish this coming Thursday.

Expect more (and better) posts over the next few weeks as I begin to have more time on my hands.