Tonight, across the nation, Australians juggle bits of paper in their hands, mark a few boxes, and consider their identities. Over the years the Census has become a fascinating and bizarre snapshot of the little lives of Australians. What does it add up to? Not a hill of beans, really.
An email has been circulating our fair shores. My good buddy Neighbourhood Boy has written about it too.
It says something like this:
IMPORTANT
AUSTRALIA WILL BE HOLDING A CENSUS IN AUGUST
DO NOT LEAVE THE “RELIGION” SECTION BLANK. BE SURE TO AT LEAST TICK CHRISTIAN (OR YOUR UPBRINGING FAITH).
1,000,000 MUSLIMS WILL TICK THEIR BOX.
10,000,000 AUSTRALIANS WILL LEAVE IT BLANK THEN WONDER WHY A MOSQUE IS BUILT IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD!!!
PASS THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
As I mentioned earlier, we are frickin' idiots.
Previous census data brought to light that Buddhism is the fastest-growing religion by percentage in Australia, having increased its number of adherents by 79 percent between the 1996 and 2001 censuses. Buddhism is also the second largest religion in the Australia, after Christianity.
However, Islam is seen as a "small minority religious grouping" in Australia. In the 2006 Census, approximately 340,392 people, or 1.71% of the total Australian population were Muslims. THAT'S NOT VERY MANY, PEOPLE.
Racism is all about fear. And it is horribly true that we are proud of being afraid. I saw a car in my neighbourhood with the bumper sticker: "Australia - Fuck Off We're Full". I wanted to kick it and throw some stones. Instead I just felt damn sad. At least it didn't have that other ugly sticker that I have seen: "Fat chicks: root 'em then shoot 'em".
I now bring your attention to this site - The AntiBogan. It takes comments that are made in public - and well, just lets them be public. Don't go there if you are feeling a bit fragile. It will rouse in you the feeling of a thousand kinds of cranky.
I know this is an angry post. That's because I'm angry. I got nothing else to say, really.
Interesting post you wrote Birdbook.... I could not agree with you more...Just today I got into a discussion with a few relatives about exclusivity and how religions make it so and how instead of looking at the similarities between religions the world is now focusing on the differences which in turn increases the rift between us all... what a shame... when you think that we could all just get along and be human... be caring and loving towards all... accepting and respectful of everyone... Thanks for the eye-opening post.
ReplyDeleteLOL... I kinda flipped your name didn't I? Sorry.... my bad!
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