RELIGION AS FASHION
Sitting in Brisbane City mall people watching, I was amused with a group of three girls chatting (approx. age 16). I noticed they all had images of religious symbols draped around their body's and bags that they were carrying. Not only this but they were wearing symbols of different religions. One had a cross around her neck as well as a pentagram tattooed on her hand. Although many people inhabit more than one religion, I doubt this was the case here.
I often see people wearing various religious symbols and cant help but ask if they conform to the religion of this symbol. Usually I ask this as almost a rhetorical question, fairly sure in my mind that they are not. A usual answer is that of 'I like the necklace' or 'it looks pretty'.
Although not religious myself, I do find these answers to be frustrating. Are they aware of their religious meaning? Do they care? Do they consider that it may offend people of this faith?
Modern media has dramatically changed the way religion is viewed and I find it slightly dis-heartening at the emmence lack of consideration given by these people to the faiths in which these symbols represent.
Image references:
http://pixabay.com/en/photos/?q_what=&q=pentagram&orientation=&image_type=&rid=945688
I supposed Madonna started the trend by wearing those rosary beads. Lately I've been amused (and equally disturbed) by Hindu Gods, especially Ganesh, becoming large tattoos adorning young hip types.
ReplyDeleteLovely blog, Bonita, I will visit again.