[Kosh]

I don't really think I need to post a link. But what do you guys think about it? Especially those of you in Australia.

[Mefustae]

While it's bad, it's not as bad as international media makes it look. Mostly, it's localised to a few of Sydney's southern suburbs, mainly the 'Nulla, and hasn't spread from that general area (aside from a gathering outside a Lakemba mosque, but that wasn't really a riot per se). Really, it was bound to happen, and our inept government - especially Johnnie - really aren't helping things, and in some cases making things worse.

[kode]

yes you do need to post a link.

[Sigma957]

I reckon those idiots responsible for the riots should be bloody well locked up.  

[vyper]

A link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4523426.stm

On an interesting note: there sure is enough of them.

[IPAndrews]

These riots look a bit rubbish compared to the French ones. I mean, let's bring it down to numbers, how many cars have they torched? I am decidedly unimpressed.

F-

Must try harder.

[NGTM-1R]

I'm not sure these really deserve to be called race riots, compared to, say, what happened in LA, or more recently France.

[Kosh]

Well, the causes were racially motivated.

[Mefustae]

Plus, the headline 'RACE RIOTS IN AUSTRALIA!!11!' grabs a lot more attention than referring to them as the garden variety riots...

[Sigma957]

They are still a mob of wankers, regardless of how big or small the riot is.

[Mefustae]

They are still a mob of wankers, regardless of how big or small the riot is.

What'd you expet? They're Southies!!

[Sigma957]

LOL Lucky for me I'm in another state.

[Flipside]

Those are no worse than the Football riots in the UK of the eighties from the looks of things. Lots of bored teenagers looking for some attention.

[Black Wolf]

Those are no worse than the Football riots in the UK of the eighties from the looks of things. Lots of bored teenagers looking for some attention.

There's more to it than that - it's the result of clashing cultures.

As I understand it, the muslims go to the beach and get offended by the sight of women in bikinis and call them sluts and whores and suchlike, which ramps up the tension levels, plus there are lots of bored gangs who wander along the beach causing trouble, many of whom are lebanese. There's a perceived link between the two, which, combinmed with the society of fear we're all supposed to have been whipped up into post Sept. 11, there's a lot of underlying tension. Then something started a fight which resulted in two surf lifesavers being bashed pretty badly - and lifesavers in Australia are some of the most iconic and respected symbols of the Australian way of life. It wasn't boredom that triggered it, but a perceived lack of respect from the muslim immigrants for Australia.

I don't support what they did once their demonstration got out of hand (randomly attacking people who looked arabic, including women and old people), but I do see why they felt the need to hold it in the first place. I don't live in the area, but some of the factors that contributed to it are present on my side of the island as well, and I do understand their motivation.

The fact is, that for all the efforts of the government and the overseas perception, Australia is not a multicultural society, not by a long shot.

[vyper]

[q]many of whom are lebanese.[/q]

Item 1 - I read that as Lesbian.

[q]and call them sluts and whores and suchlike[/q]

Item 2 - That's one way to get a swift, well deserved,  kicking.

[Mefustae]

As I understand it, the muslims go to the beach and get offended by the sight of women in bikinis and call them sluts and whores and suchlike, which ramps up the tension levels

I've heard nothing of this. The gangs, that's common knowledge, but i've not heard a peep about muslims insulting people on the beach, where'd you hear/read about it may I ask?

[Black Wolf]

Wednesday's West Australian