Today at 1pm, more than 100 people gathered at the Hub in Newtown to protest against racism in the area.
Following several community demonstrations against a mural that says, “say no to burqas” at nearby Station Street, the group decided to go to the mural in opposition to this racist statement. Together residents threw paint and pasted anti-racism posters over the mural, made noise and held banners with the statements, “fascists off our streets” and “racists out of Newtown”.
Police acted to protect the mural. As people attempted to leave the area together significant numbers of Police continued arriving to the scene. Heavy-handed tactics were used to violently arrest 8 people, and to intimidate and harass everyone present. Police officers were not wearing identification. Witness reports attest to a high level of police aggression, with punches, grabbing people by the neck and threatening to break bones. Charges are being pressed against those arrested and court solidarity will be essential. Right now there is a solidarity action outside Newtown police station until everyone is released.
Sergio Redegalli, the owner of the mural, has claimed that his mural is a political intervention into the trajectories of “contemporary Australian society” - that this mural is an attempt to open a debate about “fundamentalism”. It is clear, however, that the painting is only a poor repackaging of sexism and racism. This so called “opening” of a debate, serves only to shut down space with both physical and violent effects. It is doing no more than increasing the tendency towards Islamophobia and vilification of Muslims – with Muslim women as no more than an object to be contested – that has for a few years been the most fashionable form of racism in this country.
The anti-burqa mural articulates one form of patriarchy in the guise of what he perceives to be the patriarchy of another culture. The act of determining what is suitable behaviour for others and calling on the government to regulate this, is typically authoritarian and patriarchal. Empowerment and liberation are not things that can be prescribed and dictated to others. Some people might find empowerment in affirming aspects of their heritage, others by shedding all such traditional values. An anti-racist and anti-sexist politics of solidarity has to act in common with those who are struggling for their emancipation, not dictate what their freedom will look like.
Over the past months increasing levels of racism have been seen in the Newtown area. Far-right, white supremacist groups have had a much greater presence on the streets than in recent years – to the point where some groups have felt comfortable having stalls on King St; putting up racist stickers; and threatening anyone who doesn’t fit into their caricature of life in Australia. The Australian Protectionist Party (APP), for example, held a pre-election stall at the “I have a dream” square. Far-right groups directly threaten the safety of people in the area. They exist solely to organise violence against people of colour – whether that be in the form of harassment, intimidation, physical attacks, or attempts to exclude and marginalise them.
Sergio Redegalli has recently spoken at far-right gatherings, such as “The Lodge” – a private meeting in Rozelle. His affiliation with the Australian Protectionist Party is very clear, as APP members have taken to gathering at the “say no to burqas” mural whenever there is a demonstration against it. Sergio, the “glass artist” who painted it, has become a hero to this group. He hides behind the authority he derives from owning the building and by protecting it with security cameras and security guards. Given this, it is up to the rest of us to self organise and mobilize against this racist presence and to ensure its immediate removal by whatever form people see fit.
It’s easy for people in the Newtown area to be complacent around issues like this – to have faith in the “cosmopolitan” flavour of the area, believing that racism only happens in other areas. If extreme racism isn’t seen in Newtown everyday, it’s because there has been a history of fighting it. The APP were driven off their pre-election stall because people on the street saw them and confronted them, making them leave. Similarly, when white supremacist groups turn up in pubs and at gigs in this area, they need to be confronted and forced to leave by everyone who believes that this world doesn’t just exist for racist arseholes.
Comments
Don't get sucked in by vindictive people, support the boycott
Well Anton i will tell you what it has to do with Israel Marrickville council have supported a boycott on Israel and it has upset the Jews and the pro Israel supporters. One Newtown/Marrickville resident Daniel posted comments on 6/1/11 saying basically he would cause unrest in the community and our sign writer Sergio also posted comments on 21/12/10 on this web site on Marrickville council first to support boycott read these comments and you will see its a pack of Jews causing trouble in the community because of the councils anti Israel stance and the only thing it has to do with the burqa is an opportunity to cause unrest in the community.Do not get sucked in by these vindictive people and support the Boycott of Israel.People should be allowed to wear what they want has a buqa wearing lady ever done any thing wrong to you Anton?If not leave them alone.Our openness means freedom of religion as long as they dont harm us.
Darren old chap, your antisemitism is showing
Darren old chap, your antisemitism is showing.
If you for one moment think it's the Jewish population of Marrickville causing trouble, then you are wrong .
I would strongly urge you to check newspaper articles and blogs around our fair city.
One of many , which I will share
I Vote : 13 Jan 2011 10:40:40pm
What a stupid decision. As a resident in Marrickville LGA, I am disgusted with my council. There was no mention in any Council newsletter ('Marrickville Matters') or in the 'Council Column'. All Marrickville LGA residents/ratepayers should review these publications on the Council website. There is no mention of this crazy (hidden) agenda in any other location on the website except relating to the Council Meeting 14 December, 2010. This was snuck in. It treats us ratepayers as mugs. In reading the Code of Conduct on the Council's website, these Councillors are in breach in a number of areas. There was no public consultation, but be assured there will be public responses at the next State and local government elections. Ms Keneally you should sack these rogues and demonstrate to the voters that you can provide strong ethical leadership. Local Council is for Local issues – pure and simple.
Marrickville Council is open to prosecution by the way and they know it
Your Islamaphobia is showing
Anton you didnt answer the question what has a Burqa wearing lady ever done to you? nothing right Your a bully.I think your Islamaphobia is showing.As for my Antisemitism I DO NOT consider myself anti semitic because Semites are a group of races that include the jews and Arabs.I like Arabs and some Jews. Who i dont like is Zionists because they are Terrorists.So you think im wrong about Jews starting the trouble in newtown then why did this bloke named Daniel make comments on the Marrickville council first to support the boycott page on the 6/1/11 saying that he was Jewish and i Quote"Have no doubt that a lot of fear and anger has been aroused by this and there will be repercussions for this (until now) peaceful and tolerant community).Then 10 days latter this Anti Burqa sign appears.Coincidence i think not but a threat that was carried out by a pro Israeli pig your name does not have to be Sherlock to work that one out!You also urge me to check out news papers and blogs.Most of us are aware that the Zionists Run the media and that Zionists are quick to write pro israeli crap in their blogs they even have jewish web sites telling you how to construct these comments such as yours. but you forgot rule number 1 if anyone dares to condemn Israel for their atrocities on the Palestinian people you must label them holocaust deniers and antisemitc.Anton your a moron you forgot to call me a holocaust denier your Rabbi will be disappointed with you.Oh and one last thing stop picking on women you weak turd!!!!
It is anti-social, we communicate by face recognition
Paul, you have yourself in a tizz mate. ...and caught up in your own lies.
Quote "why did this bloke named Daniel make comments on the Marrickville council first to support the boycott page on the 6/1/11" then "Then 10 days latter this Anti Burqa sign appears"
Stay off the grog
The burqa mural has been on the wall since mid-September 2010.
Zionists run the media do they ? Who?.. this should be interesting
Rather out of step with the thinking of the entire world by not knowing the meaning of antisemitism. I suggest you look it up
I don't remember the exact date, but it was a phrase coined by a German, I think named William Marr during the 1800s
Couldn’t remember it exactly so I looked it up for you, as I realise that in your blindness and ignorance, you wouldn’t be able to see it
“Antisemitism is prejudice against or hostility towards Jews often rooted in hatred of their ethnic background, culture, and/or religion. A person who holds such views is called an "antisemite".
.While the term's etymology might suggest that antisemitism is directed against all Semitic peoples, the term was coined in the late 19th century in Germany as a more scientific-sounding term for Judenhass ("Jew-hatred"), and that has been its normal use since then.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisemitism
No one in a burqa has done anything to me, neither has a person wearing a motor bike helmet or a Balaclava. The point is, it is anti-social. In this world we communicate by face recognition. It is also a security risk
A guy phoned into a talk back show, saying he was in the bank and was wearing a helmet. It wasn’t a full face one, so his face was visible. He was asked to remove it.
He said he had no issue with removing it, provided the woman wearing a veil removed hers. !!! He didn’t elaborate further
I think you should read this
“Anti-Semites? Anti-Zionists? Who US?”
http://israeldefender.com/?p=1030&cpage=1
Zionists running the media
Anton in answer Zionist run the media you want to know who?Here's a short list of Zionist that run the media in America which Australian media run quite a lot of their stories.Although all may not be Jews but come from Jewish back grounds and all are Zionist.
MORTIMER ZUCKER:Owner of N.Y Daily News & World Report & chair of the conference of presidents of major Jewish American organizations,one of the largest pro Israeli groups in the World.
LESLIE MOONVES:President of CBS TV.
JONATHAN MILLER:Chair & CEO of AOL division of Time Warner.
NEIL SHAPIRO: President of NBC News.
TED TURNER Founder of CNN.
WILLIAM PALEY:US Billionaire who built CBS.
JEFF GASPIN:Exec vice president programing NBC
DAVID WESTIN:President of ABC News.
SUMNER REDSTONE AKA MURRAY ROTHSTEIN: Controling interest in Westinghouse broadcasting,chair of Viacon "Worlds biggest media giant" Owner of black entertainment TV,CBS,MTV, Logo(Homosexual TV),Blockbuster Video,Paramount & Dreamworks Movie Studios.
MICHAEL EISNER: Major owner of Walt Disney,Capital Cities,ABC.
RUPERT MURDOCH: His mother (By which Jews trace their racial designation) is the Jew Elizabeth Joy Greene Murdoch the Zionist owns Fox TV, TV guide,Twentieth Century Fox,Wall Street Journal,NY Post,& The London Times.
PETER CHERNIN: New York born Jew.CEO of Murdoch's News Corporation.
MEL KARMAZIN: President CBS.
DON HEWITT: Exec Director 60 minutes CBS.
JEFF FAGER: Exec director 60 Minutes 11 CBS.
DAVID POLTRACK: Exec Vice President of Research & Development CBS.
SANDY KRUSHOW: Chair Fox Entertainment.
LLOYD BRAUN: Chair ABC Entertainment.
BARRY MEYER:Chair Warner Bros.
SHERRY LANSING : President of Paramount Communications & chair of Paramount motion picture group.
HARVEY WEINSTEIN: CEO Miramax Films.
BRAD SIEGAL: President Turner Entertainment.
MARTY PERETZ: Owner & Publisher of the New Republic which openly identifies itself as pro Israeli.
AUTHUR O SULZBERGER Jr: Publisher of the NY Times, The Boston Globe & other publications.
BARRY DILLER: Chair of USA Interactive.
KENNETH ROTH: Exec director of human rights.
TERRY SEMEL: CEO Yahoo former chair Warner Bros.
JEFFERY ZUCKER:President of NBC Entertainment.
JACK MEYERS: NBC
IVON SEIDENBERG: CEO of Verzion Communications.
WOLF BLITZER: host of CNN's Late Edition.
LARRY KING:Larry King Live.
TED KOPPEL: Host of ABC Nightline.
PAULA ZAHN: CNN Host.
MIKE WALLACE: Host of CBS 60 minutes.
BARBRA WALTERS: Host of ABC's 20-20.
MIKE LEDEEN: Editor of national Reveiw.
DONALD GRAHAM: Chair & CEO of News Week & Washington Post.
KATHERINE GRAHAM MEYER:Former owner of the Washington Post
WILLIAM KRISTOL: Editor Weekly Standard
RON ROSENTHAL: Managing Editor San Francisco Chronicle.
PHIL BRONSTEIN: Exec Editor The New Yorker.
DAVID REMNICK: Editor The New Yorker.
DONALD NEWHOUSE:Chair of the board of Directors Associated Press.
PETER R KANN: CEO Wall Street Journal.
RALF J &BRIAN ROBERTS : Owners of Comcast-ATT Cable TV.
Anton the list goes on & on.If you would like a list of Zionist in the American White House or the world Banking sector just list me know more than happy to supply so you can see how Zionists run the world.
Murdoch is a big Zionist, contributing millions to Jewish Appeal
Geoff love your list of people that control the press, which in turn control what we think.
On the point of Murdoch he is a big Zionist.Murdoch contributes millions of dollars to the United Jewish Appeal a billion dollar Zionist organisation.
This organisation raises hundreds of millions of dollars a year for a network of Zionist agencies in the united states and israel.Henry Kissenger (the jewish child molester)presented Murdoch with the U.J.A.'s award of "humanitarian of the year" What a load of crap.
Murdoch is also a close friend of War criminal Ariel Sharon.
Anton you must live on another planet if you do not know that Zionist's run the media,Hollywood,the banks and the United States if not the world!!!
Yes that's right why did this
Yes that's right why did this bloke named Daniel make comments on the Marrickville council first to support the boycott page on the 6/1/11 saying that then 10 days latter this Anti Burqa sign appears.
50 police for 20 to 40 protesters
Well I was there at the protest as an observer.
I agree that Indymedia needs to be treated with respect and I believe that the original numbers estimated in this post were inflated. Somewhere between 20 and 40 protesters at the maximum were present.
Yet this does speak a volume about the police presence which surged to approximately 50 officers, although not until well after the direct action (the painting over of the mural) was well and truly finished and the group had moved away from the protest site and back onto Enmore Rd.
The protesters did chant various slogans aimed at the police the main ones of which were "Cops are being racist", "Cops defending racism", and "violent cops". Though this is completely within the protester's legal rights and was done in a non threatening manner, by a group who were huddled together defensively in a large ball.
Despite the possible instances of sexism and misogyny involved in some womyn's decision to wear the Burqa, is it sensible or logical for anyone to then claim that all instances of the Burqa being worn are the result of these same oppressive behaviours? I think not.
And if not then to make blanket statements about the validity of the Burqa when we are not and can not be sure about the totality of its use, is to use racism to defend sexism. This is of course assuming that the real motivation for removing the Burqa is one of a concern about sexism. Again, I think not.
The issue of the location of the mural and the police's use of force to defend "private" property is a complicated one. It is a legal argument alone that states that the mural is painted on property privately owned and that its contents are therefore private and privy to the laws associated with private property. At the same time though the mural is painted in a prominent public position which is clearly visible from the train line which carried thousands of passengers everyday. The land and environment court may have something different to say, but then law is a thing open to interpretation.
History is filled with examples of civil disobedience and law breaking of which I am sure all who have written here would be proud. Even our own young multicultural history and popular identity is shaped by the famous Ned Kelly... but I suppose old Ed got what was coming to him too.
The irony of the shape of Ned's famous mask is not lost on anyone here I am sure.
But it is ok for Ned to run around the place wearing full metal Burqas, shooting up the place and the cops, and making a mockery of acceptable society. Why? Because Ned was white, drunk a lot of whiskey, and was defending something that we like to see in ourselves: The underdog. These modern day Islamic lady Ned's are somehow similar. Often she have come from countries of oppression and turmoil, and are the underdogs of the world who have made there way here for the promise of a better life. Where Western millitary men aren't supplying arms to her neighbours that they will use to steal her land. Where despite the difference of her dress, her language, and her cooking techniques she believes whole heartedly in the peace, tolerance and acceptance our tourist advertising pushes so vehemently. Where her husbands trade skills (which were the reason they were able to emmigrate here) will be rewarded far more fairly than they would be at home.... Only to discover that many people here who have never met her, and are afraid to approach her because of the litany of misinformation spread about her, show open hatred towards her and condemn her without ever giving her a chance.
If Ned Kelly were here right now, or Robyn Hood, or Jesus; I wonder how they would treat our new Burqa wearing neighbours. It seems to me that in this whole sordid affair it is only these so called "ferals" who have had the courage of their convictions to not only ask themselves such a question; but also to act on the answer!!!
Anything concealing faces in public shouldn't be allowed
Banning the burqa is actually a good idea, and I'm not racist in any way. It's obvious really... We share the streets and public places, and when people *completely* cover their face with a mask, balaclava, paper bag, or burqa - whatever the actual thing might be that conceals one's face in public, shouldn't be allowed. Men and women both. We mix with each other in close proximity. One of the ways we unconsciously read people is by their face.
This isn't about freedom of expression, it's about being respectful of the community, of strangers. A man with a very thick beard, sunnies and a hat on, will barely be recognisable... however, his beard is part of his face, part of him. There is no concealment. The burqa, or the balaclava is not part of someone's face, it's "conscientious concealment", and that's a concern.
Nobody wants to see people walking around naked in the supermarket - I mean who wants pubic hairs floating around in the air? And the opposite of naked is the Burqa or the paper bag with holes cut for eyes. Wear those things in a performance space or in private, but not in the public spaces we share. The supermarket is not an extension of our private lounge rooms.
The anti-racist mob in Newtown sound like they haven't thought it through, and drawn the simplest of conclusions. And did you notice I haven't even mentioned the repressive historical origins of the burqa? Another story and another reason to see the end of it around these parts. The hajib head dress is a beautiful thing, let's just stick with the hajib, or head scarf. The burqa sux. If you want to protest the banning of something, focus your attention on weed. It's one of God's plants and yet can get you arrested. I'd say that's a bigger injustice that banning ninja outfits in public.
Ban surveillance cameras
If anything requires to be banned from the public then it's surveillance cameras.
Re: Ban surveillance cameras
And Zionists
Pathetic provocation to mobilise anti-Muslim sentiment
The whole Burqa issue is just populist nonsense- here and in Europe. While it is a serious issue that ought to be openly discussed in the Islamic world and within the Muslim community- here it is just a pathetic provocation to mobilise anti-muslim sentiment. Both here and in Europe the far-right conveniently (and Mr.Redegalli) focuses normal people's attention upon on a practice that is only observed by a tiny minority of muslim-australians, yet immediately identifiable with Islam. In doing so, they exploit common fears and our feminist solidarities and love of free speech.
I recall a few years ago, when the Burqa debate was raging in France, a right wing group (that nobody had heard of) in the Catalan city of Vic suggested that the Burqa be banned in that city, a town with a large Muslim population owing to immigration from Morocco. The media indicated that this was something that the local council was considering and all hell broke loose- Islamic groups, Anti-fascist youth groups, trade unions, women's groups, anti-racism collectives and politicians from the major parties. Debate waged in the press for weeks before a local journal set out investigating and discovered that not a single resident in the entire city actually wore a Burqa. Everything fizzled out after that, and to my knowledge, the "Burqa debate" has not reappeared in Spain.
As a feminist, I am outraged to hear of women being locked away, forced into marriage, or forced to wear a Burqa by tyrannical spouses or fathers and I strongly believe that cases of domestic abuse in Australian families deserves greater attention. But banning the Burqa (or more importantly, campaigning for its banning- because the ban itself is largely irrelevant to these people)- is pathetic, cheap and racist populism.
While I feel great solidarity with the demonstrator's desire to keep racism out of Newtown, I don't think we need to pay much attention to Mr. Redegalli or his weak and ambiguous message. The more that normal people get involved in a this false "debate", the more it encourages meaningless debate amongst polemicists, shock jocks and far-right groups- all groups that care very little about the rights of muslim women.
PS. Can someone tell me what happened to the mural of Dr. King? I have been away for a few weeks and it seems to be fire damaged. I was worried that one of the ridiculous groups vindiating their right to be bigots had reappeared. I haven't been able to find any explanation online...
Re: Police brutality fronts antiracist demo in Newtown
It's interesting that the burqa issue is seen as a race issue. I'm certainly no racist, I don't care if your an Arab, Caucasian, black or Asian. I do however have a real problem with the burqa. I'm an atheist, and I have a real problem with religion telling people what they must and must not do, wear, eat, think and kill.
I have no issue with Muslims. I have a problem with Muslims who force their wives and daughters to hide themselves away. I have a problem with Muslims who want to introduce sharia here in Australia. I have a problem with Muslims who emigrate to Australia and then bitch and whine about how different Australia is to their home land.
But, I would have a problem with ANYONE doing that. Australia is (al least for the most part - and for now) a secular nation. I don't care where you're from - but leave your religion at the border.
Re: Police brutality fronts antiracist demo in Newtown
Sergio's real colours came out this week before the court case was supposed to start with the ultra right wing racists the APP publically attacking and threatening the old guy who took the video of the event at the mural back in January.
This guy often debates against Sharia Law , but at least he does so politely and with respect , he speaks the language and argues debate style from the Koran,
but because he wont jump outright for a banning of the burqa or banning immigration Sergio and the APP have attacked him vicously via facebook and now we see physically at a community Gardens project
I am not a fan of Jack Zedee, but his wishes and discussion are not anti people but of a better integrated state, where all are equal and one law applies to all people,
immigrants included , even he admits we have to replace our current for of government and policy making , and is happy to take suggestions from all on how we do this.
He just states as he is a ex soldier , he wishes this done without any violence, as thats not whats needed and it never solves anything. i see that point I wish this artist the police and their Australian Protectionist Party cronies did too, but they only know violence and racism and hate and now are attacking their main witness as he's not extream enough .
Jack Zedee was violently attacked for get this " defending a Asian Muslim couple's right to be here in Australia" apparently the APP targeted the couple last weekend and Zedee saw this and came over and told them to leave the couple alone and the fight came after that .
I spoke with him afterwards and asked him why he did it he stated they where bullies and nazi's and nazi's and that attitude had to be stopped like other extreamism here
I hope Mr Zedee gets beter soome as i'd rather 100 like him who will be polite and discuss things rather than the extreamists like Redigalli the APP racists and their police thugs .