Cogitate

Looking out, Looking back.

The subject of this blog post would have sufficiently justified a break from my self imposed moratorium on posting photos of Denmark. But as is evident, the moratorium was not lifted for no particular reason other than the fact that it just did not feel right yet. Perhaps the basis of this reason is not so far off from the reasoning behind imposing such a moratorium to begin with.

The Economist carried an article last week on the issue of Islamic Head-Scarves in Denmark. The Danish People's Party (DPP) is lobbying for a new law to ban the wearing of all religious symbols by judges - from Christian crosses to Jewish Skullcaps and even Sikh turbans. And because the Danish government relies on the DPP's support to stay in power, it looks like the DPP will be getting its way. Apart from this, the article also reported that many Danes share the DPP's sentiments. A poll conducted showed 48% in favour of a ban of public employees wearing "religious garb" and only 38% against. Such a report is disappointing but comes as no surprise. Often, I forget that the Danes are a homogeneous people, whereas I come from a multicultural society of immigrants. I've always been of the view that of all the civil liberties present in a democratic free society, religion is perhaps one of the most explosive and yet important because it encompasses the basic liberties of speech, expression, association and belief. I detest the use of the word religion in any political context, including a political model such as democracy but it is impossible in this day to escape from such a conjuncture. In my opinion, there is a fear of religious expression because its allegiances are transnational or even metaphysical. Whilst politics seeks to confine and define, religion thrives on the infinite. What a conundrum.