Fridays and "White Australia"

[pinaki_siwach]

Mo Muse's rap was very symbolic and revolved around the Friday, which is a holy day for Muslims;
"Friday has a layer of holiness,
An escape from the loneliness,
we feel from alienation controlling us.
Friday is the only day we feel we belong,
The longing for home,
Inside of our home away from home."
Mo presents a powerful juxtaposition between a day meant for peace and worship and the horror of the white supremacist attack that shattered this sanctuary for the Muslim community in both Australia and Quebec. The "alienation" many Muslims feel in societies where they are often marginalized or viewed as "other," stems from living in a world dominated by xenophobia, Islamophobia, and systemic exclusion based on religion and race. There is an emotional connotation to Friday for breaking away from these feelings when they come together to pray, the mosque becomes more than a physical place, it symbolizes a cultural and spiritual refuge. The violence on such a holy day serves as a reminder of how white supremacy and Islamophobia disrupt the spiritual and emotional lives of marginalized groups.

The creation of "White Australia" in 1901 can be explained by the desire of the newly federated Australian government to build a dominion that prioritized white settlers and restricted the movement/presence and economic activities of non-white groups, particularly South Asians. This policy was to solidify through various legislative measures that targeted workers, merchants, and their capital, significantly transforming the landscape for South Asians in Australia. The immediate consequence of the "White Australia" policy was the restriction of imports, including camels, which were crucial to the livelihoods of Afghan and South Asian camel drivers. In 1901, Faiz Mahomet attempted to bring 500 camels from Karachi to Australia, only to be blocked by Australian officials. This marked a shift in the government’s stance, aimed at limiting non-white economic activities. Faiz responded by suing the Western Australian government for "breach of contract," seeking damages for the prohibited import. Despite these restrictions, South Asians, like Faiz and his family, tried to counter the limitations imposed by "White Australia." Abraham’s efforts shows the persistence of South Asians in trying to maintain their businesses and livelihoods, despite the challenges posed by racial policies. There were also social and legal challenges that were faced by them. Disputes over property and family control became intertwined with race and gender issues. They can be seen fighting back through legal and business efforts, but also faced social challenges aggravated by the racialized environment.