Albanese’s t-shirt causes dismay
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returned from the United States in casual attire, wearing a controversial t-shirt.
The t-shirt bore a graphic using the name of an English pop band, Joy Division, a name they borrowed from the sexual slavery wing of a Nazi concentration camp mentioned in the 1953 novel House of Dolls.
Some band members are reported to have had a certain fascination with fascism in 1978.
Screenshot: Channel 9
One high-level critic was no other than the Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley.
She said: “Australians expect their Prime Minister to show judgment, respect and leadership.
The Prime Minister stepped off the plane proudly wearing a t-shirt with the name of a band, Joy Division, whose origins are steeped in antisemitism.
The name was taken from a wing of a Nazi concentration camp where Jewish women were forced into sexual slavery.
At a time when Jewish Australians are facing a rise in antisemitism, when families are asking for reassurance and unity, the Prime Minister chose to parade an image derived from hatred and suffering.
This is not a slip of judgment.
And he cannot claim ignorance.
He was told about the dark origins of this band on a podcast in 2022.
He even admitted, “that is very dark.”
He knew.
He understood.
And still, he wore the t-shirt.
So to wear that name across your chest is not just a statement of musical taste and it is more than bad taste, it raises questions about values. The wrong values.
And it is a profound failure of judgment.
For the Prime Minister of this country in full knowledge of the meaning behind the name of this band to choose to wear this t-shirt is an insult to all and it fails the basic tests of leadership
He should apologise immediately and explain why he thought this was acceptable.”
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the Zionist Federation of Australia declined to comment.
Ignorance is not bliss….not with his Catholic education…….
When the photo appeared on the front page of our daily press, I wrote the following letter, which, surprise, surprise, did not get published:
The photo of our Prime Minister in a tee shirt promoting division (“PM rocks to a 70s vibe) is surprising and disappointing in light of his own divisive Voice campaign.
Just goes to say how imature he is……..
Taking his booze on official UK visit another yobbo instance.
*I think the Executive Council of Australian Jewery were more than just polite.
He must have forgotten the background associated with the name. No way is he stupid enough, given the current circumstances, to consciously wear the shirt if he knew.