LIKE A PRAYER

So, I hear last week that they’re going to install ‘prayer rooms’ at all football venues, so that Muslims can pray whilst they’re at the footy.

Now, my initial reaction to this announcement by the AFL was simple astonishment.

Why on earth are we dragging religion into this game? 

For the love of Pete, why can’t people just come to the footy and watch?  Why do we have to accommodate people that need to pray at certain times of the day?  If their necessity to pray impacts upon their ability to involve themselves in social activities, then they need to sort their priorities. 

If they can’t cope a few hours without prostrating themselves, then don’t come to the footy.  The rest of us shouldn’t have to accommodate them.

And what about the other faiths?  What about Christians? Wiccans? Evangelists? Mormons?  Jehovah’s Witnesses? Buddhists? Hindu’s? Hare Krishnas?  Where’s they prayer rooms?

By singling out one faith, is the AFL discriminating against all of the others?  Is that even possible? 

I’m confused…

That was my first reaction.

Then, I was astounded to learn that the MCG have had prayer rooms for seven years.

Seven years. 

AND, these spaces are available to people of all faiths, not just Muslims.  The term ‘prayer room’ implies that they are for Muslims, but it’s a generic term designed to accommodate everyone.

They have also been recently introduced to Etihad Stadium, and will soon appear at ANZ Stadium as well.  Other grounds will follow suit.

At this point, I feel sorry for the AFL, because their attempt at getting some PR mileage out of this…. open-minded accommodation… would appear to have backfired.

Jeff Kennett, the human bucket mouth, was the first one up on his pedestal screaming about Australia’s Christian social fabric being torn apart because we’re constantly accommodating minorities. 

QUOTE: ‘How dare the AFL take the game MY forefathers have played for generations and turn it into a religious political football for a minority.’

‘With due respect, the culture of Australia is a Christian society of many faiths and many community backgrounds… when you come to a community, the community can be gracious and it can be generous, but it doesn’t have to change its very fibre.’

Good point.

And one I would have strongly agreed with if the AFL hadn’t pointed out that these ‘prayer rooms’ were for ALL denominations.

Then I have to ask myself this: is this even a problem at all?  So what if people drop into the prayer rooms, and have a quiet moment to themselves without bothering anyone?

The stadiums offer male and female toilets, snack bars and public bars for our convenience, why not prayer rooms?  What’s the difference?

I’d get more pissed off at drunken Collingwood ferals at the footy than I would a Muslim who quietly slips away at 2.00pm and sends one up to Allah, let me tell you.

At least the Muslims have a little more respect.

Eddie McGuire once famously said ‘It’s not as if we’re going to have falafel stuffed in our face.  This is irrational fear that has no place in the game.’

Australia is a multicultural society, whether you like it or not.  We are made up of many different people with many different cultures, traditions and faiths.  It’s our nature to embrace all of these cultures, and welcome them into our community.

It is also our nature to condemn something that is different. 

So, where do we find the balance?  Is a prayer room really accommodating everyone, or is it singling out and drawing attention to the unassuming?

Is it necessary, or is it a ‘politically correct’ overreaction?

Our society is united by our enjoyment of sport; particularly footy.  All of those that love the game should welcome people with open arms, and not turn them away because they have different points of view.

If that was the case, there would be no Collingwood supporters at all :D

So, next time you’re at the footy, drop into the nearest prayer room and send one up to whatever God you believe in, for your team.

It may make a difference.

Peace out.