Scotland's Shame

[Jimmy]

Sectaranism has always been in Scotland for centuries, it has been called Scotland's Shame by many top politicians.
Recently this has come to the fore with the Scottish Parliament attempting to bring about new laws to penalise anyone participating in sectaranism.
but here is a new one for our members and possibly of interest to Mr. Newsome who brought about the St. Ninians tartan



http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scot...#ixzz1eQFANZ8k

[creagdhubh]

I back the supporters in this case; the police actions were rather "over the top." I mean, come on!

Cheers,

[M. A. C. Newsome]

That's just sad. Have we really reached that point where displaying an image of the pope on a scarf is considered a danger for "potentially causing a riot?" Really?

[piperdbh]

Being a non-Scot, I don't know much about this subject, but I wonder how much of it really has to do with the differing beliefs of Catholics and Protestants, and how much of it has to do other issues, such as which team to cheer for.

[Peter Crowe]

Jimmy, I applaud what the Scottish government are trying to do, and like most decent minded people (regardless of their faith or lack thereof) am appalled by religious sectarianism in Scotland or elsewhere.

I don't know about the St. Ninian's tartan, but I doubt that any bona fide symbol of Scotland (whether Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, or other religion/denomination) should be cause for offence, especially in a tartan or kilted form.

As to the article in the link to the Sun regarding the scarf commemorating the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, it seems that an inexperienced Polis was a bit over zealous.

I am a wee bit concerned that this topic can stay within the rules of XMTS though.

[McClef]

I am a wee bit concerned that this topic can stay within the rules of XMTS though.

So am I. There has been a lot on Facebook that has blown things out of all proportion and we do not want that to happen here.

And it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Kilts in the Media section so moving to miscellaneous with the proviso that the thread could be closed at any time.

[davidg]

That's just sad. Have we really reached that point where displaying an image of the pope on a scarf is considered a danger for "potentially causing a riot?" Really?

Unfortunately the answer is yes, in some areas. Whilst sectarianism has largely disappeared there are still areas where those of the "wrong" religion cannot venture. Fortunately though most of us have a little more sense and can get along with each other

[creagdhubh]

So am I. There has been a lot on Facebook that has blown things out of all proportion and we do not want that to happen here.

And it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Kilts in the Media section so moving to miscellaneous with the proviso that the thread could be closed at any time.

Well put. Hopefully, all commentary will stay appropriate and decent. I have the utmost confidence in our MODS.

Cheers,

[Jock Scot]

Unfortunately the answer is yes, in some areas. Whilst sectarianism has largely disappeared there are still areas where those of the "wrong" religion cannot venture. Fortunately though most of us have a little more sense and can get along with each other

I am ashamed to say that what you say does have a firm basis. I am also proud to say that more often than not, your last sentence is spot on.

[Peter Crowe]

I am ashamed to say that what you say does have a firm basis. I am also proud to say that more often than not, your last sentence is spot on.

Very true on both counts Jock! Being from the West of Scotland, I grew up acutely aware of this issue (at least from the age of five). My parents (both Christians and communicant members of the Church of Scotland) discountenanced sectarianism as iniquitous and a distortion of Christianity. Moreover, despite the popularity of the Old Firm the silent (moral) majority of folk in West Central Scotland are not sectarian bigots.

Piperdbh, I have to also say the problem of sectarianism is deeper than just a football (soccer) derby. Football has become the primary vehicle by which some bigots justify their prejudices, but their prejudices are rooted within certain elements of society. This is where I think the current government initiative is deficient, in that it (rightly) attacks the symptoms of the problem without engaging 'civic' Scotland on how to eradicate sectarian bigotry and prejudice at it's root.

(I apologise if I have given any cause for offence to anyone on this topic, if I have it is entirely unintentional because I believe in pluralism, tolerance, and civility.)