Reflecting on Christchurch : an Australian perspective

Abstract

This reflective piece draws on a range of emerging research and discourses on the Christchurch attacks, within the context of Islamophobia in Australia and the globe. Based on emerging research and discourse within Australian debates on the Christchurch attack, we argue that the Christchurch attacks must be understood as a continuum and contextualized within the broader rise of global Islamophobia and rise in Right Wing Extremism. We then draw on recent research to examine how the Christchurch attacks have shaped the climate of hate activity and hate-groups in Australia. Building on this argument, we explore the impacts of the Christchurch attacks on the lived experience of Muslims in Australia - ranging from the solidarity shown by the public for Muslims, to the looming threat and danger that these attacks posed on their safety on both online and offline spaces. We close our reflection with five key recommendations derived from the tragedy