Tag: Identity

Israel, Israel Crimes

No one agrees on what ‘Jewish values are.’ That’s why they matter

A voice that reminds us of these ideas can carry weight because of what it says, not because of the identity of who says it. The values articulated shouldn’t be accepted because they’re Jewish, but because they’re values that should carry meaning for those struggling today for freedom.

we can turn attention away from identities of people, which are so often invoked to justify oppression (the need for a Jewish state, the defense of the Jewish people, the superiority of one people to uncivilized others, and so on). We can draw attention instead to traditions of emancipation, which can be meaningful to anyone who cares about them. 

No one agrees on what ‘Jewish values are.’ That’s why they matter

Politics

Corrupted census data on religion ‘gifts’ billions to Churches – » The Australian Independent Media Network

The question needs to be asked. All parliamentarians – and mainstream media too – would do well to read the full 152-page Religiosity in Australia. The report has amassed clear evidence that public support for organised religion is not simply “in decline”, it has essentially degraded to half the figure suggested by the 2016 census. Primarily it’s a rump of devout Catholics, evangelicals, and Pentecostals who believe that only they are qualified to govern – much like PM Scott Morrison, and others, who claim they were called to do “God’s work.” Combining religion and politics has never ended well – particularly when conservative governments enmesh with the new “puritan” strains of religion that are based on the beliefs of biblical literalism. They deny science, climate change, and human evolution – and tragically, these parents teach their kids the same misinformation.

Source: Corrupted census data on religion ‘gifts’ billions to Churches – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Australia's pride, Australia's Shame

“Our national identity has become defined by our participation in wars” – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Anzac Day’s evolution as a national obsession has been cleverly manipulated by politicians, companies, organizations and clubs all trading on the lucrative Anzac brand.

In recent years Prime Ministers of both persuasions have seen political gain in the Anzac legend.

Prime Ministers from Hawke to Howard and beyond have seen political gain in promoting the Anzac myth. An exception was Keating, who rejected the obsession with Gallipoli and turned his attention to Kokoda.

With the heavy pall of the Brereton report’s disturbing revelations of gross misconduct by our elite force in Afghanistan, commemorations should return to quiet reflection; not the noisy spectacles with jingoistic overtones at a time when serious soul searching, beyond the easy clichés, is needed.

Source: “Our national identity has become defined by our participation in wars” – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Aboriginal Australia

Steven Oliver Perfectly Explains Why Aboriginality Isn’t Colour Coded | Video

If you’re confused about Indigenous identity, this poetry slam will set you straight.

Source: Steven Oliver Perfectly Explains Why Aboriginality Isn’t Colour Coded

Stan Grant

If language tells us who we are, then who am I? | Stan Grant | Culture | The Guardian

Inspired by my father and to honour the traditions of our people, I have learned more of the Wiradjuri language. But I am the sum of many parts

Source: If language tells us who we are, then who am I? | Stan Grant | Culture | The Guardian

Iraq

A Child Called Tragedy: Iraqi Identity in Crisis | Al Jazeera America

As Islamic State fighters spread terror and dissolve borders, Iraq’s once-diverse society faces extinction

Source: A Child Called Tragedy: Iraqi Identity in Crisis | Al Jazeera America