Been a lot of discussion about racism in Australia of late, what with the return of Pauline Hanson and the horrendous global terror events that have shaken our world. Increasingly, people are feeling frightened. I understand this. Some folks, like Sonia Kruger (who I didn't know existed until yesterday) are copping a good deal of flak (and a worrying amount of support) for expressing some rather concerning views on Muslim immigration. This requires some attention.
Kruger has been labelled as both a racist and a brave woman for sharing her views. In a strange way, both are true; but one is certainly a lot more true than the other.
What's racist? Discussing or referring to a people(s) generally defined by their race, culture or creed, in terms that generalise them into a type. That's the definition.
As I said, Sonia Kruger isn't someone I know, but in her questioning of Muslim migration, she is most certainly being racist. If we remove the specifics of her thoughts, they read like this:
"I'm afraid of what some people in group x are
doing. I'm wondering whether or not choosing
to treat all people in group x as though they
might be the same as the bad folk in group x
will make the problem go away."
Reduced to plain English (and ignoring the fact that most Muslims and ISIS lunatics are NOT in the same group), the racism is self-evident, and the dubious nature of the 'plan' clearly exposed. Yes, it might help to do what Kruger advocates, but this is unlikely, and will certainly require treating many good folk poorly, which, as likely as not, will create a whole new set of problems.
You may not like this definition, because you may believe you are entitled to talk about said groups - because you are, in your heart, not hateful or close-minded - without being labeled a racist. I hear you. You're entitled to think this, in the way all people are entitled to their respective delusions, but I'm afraid you don't get to redefine what racism is, simply to suit your own purposes. The fact is, Kruger and all those who share similar views are effectively wondering whether or not racism is actually the solution to our global terrorism predicament. If you're advocating racism as a solution, there's no way round it; that's racist! And when it comes to the merits of the idea itself, I think history - both ancient and recent - has taught us that racism will not solve problems.
When you discuss a group of people, invariably you stereotype them. You herd them into a group. You objectify them. You dehumanise them. If you are afraid of people who are so enraged and disconnected from their fellow human beings that they are willing to murder indiscriminately, then this probably isn't the best of options available to you. There's no surer way to speed up the distance between alienation and radicalisation than to exclude people. If you're worried about 'us', you've potentially created - even if only in your own mind (but probably not) - a 'them'. This is foolish, false, and very, very dangerous.
I don't pretend that there are rational solutions to (or even rational ways to process) irrational, incomprehensible acts. Someone prepared to drive a truck through a crowd of people is likely beyond reach. The possibility of these people existing - especially on Australian streets, near our own homes and children - is a fear that lives at the heart of all people who've ever thought about the innately precarious, necessarily assumed trust that exists at the heart of all societal constructs; one that we cannot ever fully verify. It's a terrible truth. (Read Othello if you don't believe me.)
There is nothing rational about racism, either. It's a fool's extrapolation. Failing to point this out to those who make it is unwise, as it gives such foolishness a chance to flourish, or more accurately, fester. But to simply label the speakers of such views 'racist' and then think 'job done' is equally foolish. Surely, if this argument of mine rests on no other premise, it's that labelling people - one or many - is a flawed and fraught prospect.
The way forward is to respect the person, but challenge the views. Sonia Kruger, for all I know, is a very decent person. But right now, her views are misguided. She's shared her views. That takes courage. They are deeply flawed. This requires a conversation.
Conversation. Communication. Connection.
If we are going to reset the balance in our world, this is the way to do it.
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