What would we do without studies (1)

MORE than one in three Australians admit to knowing nothing about Islam and its followers, a study has found.

When people were asked to demonstrate what they did know, the proportion that revealed complete ignorance of the practices and beliefs of Muslims was even higher.

The findings are from a study carried out by Kevin Dunn, a geographer at the University of NSW, published today in Studia Islamika, the Indonesian journal for Islamic studies.
Understanding of the religion was so poor among some of the 1311 people surveyed that one person claimed Muslims believed in Buddha.

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ONE person's inane comment does not equate to "poor understanding". However, what of the ignorance of Australians when it comes to Christianity? Unless Aussies are asked how Ricky Ponting is doing in the Cricket, or the chances of next Sunday's line up of their favourite football team (of whatever code) in an upcoming match, "studies" will always find ignorance heaped upon ignorance.

It's the Australian way.

Yet education does not necessarily lead to breaking down the barriers of prejudice. I'm sure every Sunni knows what the Shi'as are up to, and Hindus in India now what their northern neighbours profess, and every Tel Aviv schoolboy could tell you of the daily religious habits of the Palestinians down the road. Yet this doesn't make anyone more "open minded" "tolerant" or "accepting". It just might provide the tools to fuel the fires of hatred.

Give me the old Aussie head stuck in the sand attitude anyday. She'll be right, mate!