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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Uluru ethics 10-Jun-2008 At 3:47:39 PM climberer

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Good on you BigMike; I'm pleased that you enjoyed your visit without clambering all over the thing. I did the walk around and found that a great way (and much more peaceful) to appreciate the size of the rock and the changing light, shadows and undulations.

You don't have to believe in other cultures' beliefs in order to respect them. I don't believe in or worship Vishnu or Shiva but when I was in India I took my shoes off/covered my head/did whatever else was appropriate in temples - it's just respectful to do so. Similarly, I don't fully understand Aboriginal people's relationship to Uluru (not 'Koori' BTW; that applies only to Vic and southern NSW) but I respect their request that we not climb it. How would we like it if people behaved inappropriately in places sacred to Australians such as churches or, I dunno, ANZAC Cove? Sure, there's no law against it but we would find it disrespectful. It doesn't hurt to show respect for cultures and beliefs different to your own and you might actually learn something in the process.