Time to go beyond stereotypes

Speaking at the opening of the Third Australasian Conference – Refuting the Theological Foundations of Violent Extremism and Radicalisation, Ms Kapalos who is a former journalist, presenter and executive producer, called on News Editors and Journalists to go beyond easy stereotyping in their coverage.

“We are at a critical stage in our thinking,” Ms Kapalos, told delegates.

“There are real consequences to those stereotypes which dehumanise the Islamic faith.”

Ms Kapalos said faith was an important instrument of our human experience.

“It guides our internal compass, it brings us together and it plays a defining role in informing our identity.

“No-one should ever be denied that freedom and experience.”

Ms Kapalos said all had an equal right to experience who they are.

“How do we start changing the dialogue so our Muslim communities are not placed in the position where they have to defend their religion?” she asked.

“It is only by seeing each other as human that social cohesion can begin.”

As part of her opening Ms Kapalos played a powerful video which showed there was more that united people than divided them.

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She also reflected on her recent visit to Canada where active political leadership influenced public discussion and how new Syrian refugee arrivals were received.

“There was a powerful message and symbolism when President Justin Trudeau welcomed Syrian arrivals,” she said.

“In Canada it is recognised that religiosity has real and positive consequences, so you have to ask why do the negative messages around that topic resonate so successfully here?”

Director of the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation and holder of the UNESCO Chair in comparative research on ‘Cultural Diversity and Social Justice’, Professor Fethi Mansouri, reflected on the video shown by Ms Kapalos saying  the discussion around racism missed the point as it focussed on superficial attributes like skin colour and religion.

“We all belong to the same human family and belong to one race - the human race,” he said.

Professor Mansouri said conference delegates had an informed contribution to make to a polarised discussion by clarifying the theological foundations and sociological explanations around the issues.

“Most claims and perceptions of Islam and violence are borne out of misconceived understandings around the contested theological foundations of Jihad and Sharia,” he said.

“It is extremely important that a serious and in-depth academic conversation is had about these issues.

“There are no ready-made answers.”