FROM Britain to the burqa, from settlement to sharia, Europeans in Australia appear to have had a fear of the ways other people express their individuality and their cultures.
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And this fear has been largely the response from the religious in society.
An even greater fear has always been central to the ways women have been regarded.
Nakedness was prohibited, to reduce the social dangers of licentiousness.
Voluminous coverings were seen as essential for female attire.
Look at the old photographs of Australians at work and play.
This attitude extended to all female behaviour across the years.
In Australia today we have a far more tolerant view, despite the eccentricities of female clothing.
But we are still uncertain whether we can really trust women to behave properly at all times, especially if they desire to serve the public in senior executive positions in religion, business and Parliament.
Muslim women have an even greater problem when sharia is invoked by Muslim men.
The regulations governing women have, over time and through interpretation of law, become the maximum allowed, rather than the minimum granted under the revelations from God and his prophet Muhammad.
Instead of the lives of women being allowed to grow under the principles established by God, Muslim men have constrained women into an increasingly narrow pattern, while the benefits available to all human beings have expanded over time and implemented changes in the ways human beings organise their lives and societies.
There is currently an unsettled view of Muslim women hiding under the burqa (also known as the chador or abaya).
We appear to fear that terrorists will utilise this garment as a disguise.
Some ill-informed people have even mentioned the hijab in this regard, although the hijab is merely a simple veil, or head covering worn in public.
It is no different to many similar head coverings worn by stylish Australian women at public events, such as the races and funerals.
Australia is becoming a timorous society.
We have become constrained by all manner of regulations, to promote our personal safety at work and at play.
A growing entitlements and compensation industry is growing fat on our fears.
Our social fabric is becoming weak and uncertain.
It is little wonder that the threats by the Islamic State terrorists have got us running round in circles wondering if the sky is falling.
Bruce Watson
KentuckY
