Firstly, it saddens me
greatly to have too totally condemn some of the biassed views that has been expressed here. I honestly feel so utterly frustrated and disgusted - especially on the day that should be expressing unity of every Australian - in which we all should be rightfully proud. I was going to write a hostile response, but instead, I wish to make a open general statement on the difficulties some are having in responding to reactionaries within threads like these. (and hopefully some grace and understanding by the moderators)
Some expressed views by others are very clearly just plain and simple forms of bigotry, enacting out by some self-appointed demogogue - meaning one who is seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
The classic responses of any bigoted person, is that it is better to be bigoted against a totally imaginary or historical group of people than against real people living at the moment.
It is amazing to me that those who are the most bigoted among us always hide behind their rights of "free speech", using the concept to protect their own intimidating or contentious views.
Indeed, it is actually a kind of
censorship, because the sole aim is to entice negative responses by others - often in an attempt for a reactionary or view that will cause divisive issues. It directly works on the fears of speaking out so they are exposure to the wraith of authority (in this case, the moderators.) Here those who oppose bigotry find they are both confused and disempowered.
In the end, we all lose, because no one has the desire to express the issues in fear of walking the tight-rope and facing possible retribution or sancitions against them - blackmail by stealth.
It is as Carl Pwccaman said;
"The question is how to assess instances of domination and how to respond. Responding to a dominator/instigator can itself be portrayed as dominating, instead of as a response to an implied or direct threat. Without sympathy for the one who is threatened, and without withdrawing sympathy from express bigots..and the like, judgment will be skewed against us.
There is no equality, here. Bigots...will skew judgment if we are trying to be relativistic to the extent that we validate their position as just as valid as others."
The problem in counteracting these reactionary tendencies or views, is how to stand-up to those who are making the threads environment for the bigot against the scapegoat(s), while in turn trying to keep some preservation of expression, true freedom of speech, against arguments or ideas - even though they might be unpopular.
(NOTE: This is the core problem among blog sites throughout the world.)
There is no clear cut answer here, except that responding to bigotry is both understandable and sometimes necessary - where it is necessary to draw some line in the sand.
The danger is tolerating bigotry. (extending to bullies and various other intimidators).
Clearly, the only means of counteracted such tactics is by the solidarity of our peers.