The horrific events on Bondi Beach have, not unexpectedly, raised the issue of Western exceptionalism.
In a recent Substack post, Tony Abbott tells us that not all cultures are equal. Australia is "fairer" and "more generous" than other nations, with the achievements of freedom of speech, equality for women and religious pluralism being preferable to living under Sharia law. Yet the appeal from the former Prime Minister to preserve what has been created fails to acknowledge the bigger picture. These successes, impressive as they are, are not enough to be exceptional.
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