Australia has refused a visa to R&B performer Chris Brown – simultaneusly engendering kudos and cringe.
The decision, foreshadowed by Minister For Women Michaelia Cash earlier this week, and confirmed by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton today, has been widely applauded as the Australian community continues to speak out against violence towards women.
Australians are alarmed at statistics which include more than one woman a week dying in Australia as a result of domestic violence. Police claim a very high percentage of their time is devoted to attending domestic violence matters. Earlier this year, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather was also blocked from entering Australia after failing the same character test applied to Brown.
However, there is growing disquiet following the Brown decision – some would say gesture – claiming it's ill-considered. Questions arising include 'when is a sentence served', 'are the repercussions of one-time offending forever' and 'what if genuine make-good publicity is offered'?
Further, the more clear-cut issue of consistency and double standard is brought sharply into focus with the arbitrary nature of the character test. There are numerous examples of violent artists who have been permitted entry to Australia.
scenestr accused triple j of a double standard 12 months ago in relation to not playing Bliss N Eso's music.
Radio station Nova withdrew its support for the then-on Chris Brown tour 4 days ago, and we now assume the broadcaster has set the bar that it will not support any future tours by any artist(s) who have ever been convicted of violence (towards women or otherwise)?
Social commentator Simone Amelia lays out the stall for accusers of hypocrisy:
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