The debate approximately section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act has become so polarised that we risk losing sight of who we are as a nation
I am trying to work out why the debate,if you can call it that, approximately our racial vilification laws is so heated, and confused and polarised. I’m not even certain why I care approximately it so much. It is far from a top order issue for most Australians who would,fairly sensibly, struggle to explain how section 18D of the Racial Discrimination Act works with 18C.
But those who dismiss this issue as insider stuff are lost undercurrents that, and in a different context,have been brought to the surface by Donald Trump’s victory in the United States. There are two big themes at play here, both frightening and complicated, or both are crucial to what a liberal democracy might stand for in the 21st century. Related: Why Ipso was right: freedom of expression means the freedom to offend The cultural left has taken up the rights agenda with energy and a sense of righteousness in recent years.
Just as free speech is something fragile we must protect,so is our commitment to racial equality and respect. Related: The tirade approximately 18C is a massive piece of fakery, a culture war conceit | Richard Ackland Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com