On Saturday, sociologist Susan Carland wrote a powerful opinion piece for The Saturday Paper.
In the article, Carland argues the recent treatment of Muslim activist and author Yassmin Abdel-Magied feels eerily similar to the way people tested for witches during the Middle Ages.
“If they floated,” she writes, “they were found to be witches and were executed. If they sank, their innocence was proved – but they also generally drowned.”
Carland argues Abdel-Magied has been thrown into the water by the Australian media – and sink or swim – the outcome will be the same.
Of course, the furore began last Monday night, when Abdel-Magied appeared on Q&A alongside Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie. The 25-year-old, who works as an engineer, author, television and radio presenter and advocate, challenged Lambie’s views on Sharia law, and controversially said, “Islam to me, is the most feminist religion.”
Listen to Susan Carland on the Nitty Gritty Committee. (Post continues after audio.)
Ever since, she’s been the centre of intense media criticism, as well as a near-30,000 strong petition to sack her from the ABC.
Given Carland’s powerful defence of Abdel-Magied, and her standing as a significant voice for the local Muslim community, Daily Mail Australia chose to write about her opinion piece.