2005+Cronulla+Riots

CRONULLA RIOTS The [|Cronulla Riots] were a series of mob violence instances, occurring in the southern suburbs of Sydney in late 2005. The riots came about as a response to racial tensions between middle-eastern ethnic groups and white-Australian- individuals in the local area. The Cronulla Riots illustrate the effect of racist prejudice and fear in a community, and demonstrate what could happen if tension is not dealt with in a [|democratic way.]

The events leading up to the Cronulla Riots were varied and interesting. [|Some claim] that a volunteer life-guard was assaulted on Cronulla beach by an Australian ethnic group, while others claim "[|we are just here to enjoy the beach]". There are also claims that Australian-Lebanese males in the area had been seen to harrass women on the beach due to their religious beliefs about how women should dress.

====Democratically speaking, both groups of individuals (Lebanese ethnic and Australian) had a right to enjoy the beach, but also had a right to express their views on the day of the riots. The question is though, **could the issue have been resolved in a more productive and respectful manner?**====

The Cronulla Riots and the events leading up to them raise issues of racism, the thoughts, feelings and values that underly racism, and the actions that individuals and Government can take to help resolve racial tension in the future. As students, it is our responsibility to find productive ways that uphold our democracy, in dealing with difference of opinion and conflict.

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The Cronulla Riots happened because 'White Australians' are fearful that Muslim law will take over our country. The Riots were a demonstration of the anger and fear that has manifested in the beliefs of many 'White Australians'. This video link demonstrates that the fear is very real. media type="youtube" key="g8cxYZRihj4" height="349" width="425" align="center"

This video make me wonder why people are so scared. **Why are we only afraid of Muslim law and not other races or religions?** There are plenty of other cultural groups living in Australia. **Is there any evidence to say that Muslim law will take over Australia anyway?**

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I like this video because it shows that People can get along no matter wht culture they come from. The two men in the video had come to the beach to fight and instead ended up sharing common interests and becoming friends playing cricket on the beach. The video delivers a heart-felt message that even though we may have been born in different places, look different, share different religious or social values we can still find harmony between our cultures, learn from each other and get along.

This video makes me happy because it shows that not everyone feels the way that the angry rioters felt that day on the beach. It shows that some people are still 'good people'.



=== This picture illustrates the reality that not all Typically "Aussie" Australians are good people. I would be scared if everyone in our country turned into angry drunk people just wanting to bash other people up...what do you think?? ===