Bite-sized alternative political analysis
Facts:
RSA veterans are upset with plans to have a Muslim prayer at Anzac Day service. The RSA is NZ’s ex-military service organization.
A Muslim Imam had been invited to say a prayer at an RSA Anzac service at Titahi Bay, near Wellington. The RSA’s move was an attempt to both show inclusiveness, as well as out of respect to the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack. However, RSA veterans were less than happy with this move.
A backlash against the proposed Muslim prayer has led to the RSA branch dropping the Muslim prayer from its 6am dawn service. Some RSA veterans felt that the dawn service should only honour NZ and Australian soldiers who have died in wars. The Muslim prayer will be allowed at a 10am civic ceremony.
Analysis:
This spat over the inclusion of a Muslim prayer points to an ongoing cultural war over the meaning of Anzac Day. Anzac ceremonies were traditionally defined by explicit nationalism and an endorsement of NZ’s participation in various wars. However, over the last few decades the focus of Anzac day has changed.
Anzac day has become ostensibly more diverse and inclusive. The day is commemorated now both by conservatives who which to honour NZ soldiers’ participation in wars, and by liberals who want to reflect on the legacy of wars. However, the attempt to include a Muslim prayer at an Anzac dawn service has been met with a sharp conservative reaction.
The contradictions with modern Anzac services has been highlighted with this conservative backlash.
