Raffaele CarcanoBy Marc Alan Di Martino
Published: 2010-01-28 But many say the crucifix is a cultural symbol of acceptance, not discrimination. It's legitimate that Catholics attribute a positive meaning to their symbol. But they shouldn't assume that non-Catholics give it the same meaning. It's no coincidence that the Red Cross becomes the Red Crescent in Muslim countries. [The Red Cross] has even proposed a crystal as a universal symbol that would go beyond religious differences. The crucifix is a symbol that suggests negative events — the crusades, religious wars, the Inquisition, colonialism, and so on. There are more universal symbols out there, hearts, for example. What's the scope of the UAAR? We begin with this phrase: "In a better Italy, the UAAR wouldn't even need to exist." If it exists, it's because objectives reached long ago in "better" countries were not reached here, including ensuring that the rights of atheists and agnostics are respected and defended, that the secular nature of the state and its institutions is reinforced, that appreciation for non-religious modes of thought is promoted. The Italian constitution states that we are all equal, but in reality non-believers are discriminated against. How so? Contempt of religion is a criminal offense ... Think about citizens in provincial town who don't want their children to attend "religion hour" at school. Think about the atheists and agnostics whose money is funneled directly (or indirectly) to religious organizations through the infamous "8 per mille" tax [the Italian state puts .8 percent of all income tax earnings into charitable religious works]. Think about chaplains in hospitals and prisons paid for by public funding. Think about objections to unmarried couples, living wills, and the difficulty in introducing or obtaining the RU-486 "morning-after" pill... What is "religion hour" and how does it work? It's a school subject whose teachers are appointed directly by the Vatican, and paid for by the state, to teach the Catholic religion. It's as if Marxism existed in the school curriculum and the state needed to hire Marxist teachers to ensure its teaching. Isn't it optional? Sure, but more in theory than in practice, especially outside cities. Those who don't participate [in the classes] become the object of a certain level of discrimination. |
PERSONALITIES Barbara AielloRabbi Barbara Aiello has linked her vivid Jewish present with Calabria's hidden Jewish past.  Olga Rudge"They'll always pick on [Ezra Pound], but I know he wasn't an anti-Semite." Claudio Cappon"The Italian scene lacks what's accepted as normal professionalism in most places..."  Andrea BargnaniAndrea Bargnani is the first Italian to reap the full benefits of basketball globalization.  Irene Pivetti"The problem is with Italian journalists who tend to love all things foreign. It’s a provincial attitude." More Personalities |
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September 7, 2010 | Rome, Italy | Partly Cloudy, 25°C
