Papers by Dr Chris A James
www.doctorchrisjames.com, 2023
What is the future for the Rohingya refugees?
The Case for Abolishing Closed Refugee Camps. , 2022
In a world plagued by wars and natural disasters, we need to think about how we deal with th... more In a world plagued by wars and natural disasters, we need to think about how we deal with the growing number of refugees and displaced persons. Currently these people are incarcerated in closed camps with dangerous, unsanitary and inhumane conditions. The following paper argues in favour of the abolition of all closed refugee camps and the urgent need to resettle the world’s stateless people. We need to re-examine the efficacy of the current refugee system, and look for new options. For the purpose of this debate the focus is on the world’s largest refugee camp, the Kutupalong Camp in Bangladesh, which houses the Rohingya refugees.
The Truth About Zionism.
In light of recent conflicts between Israel and Palestine, this paper reveals the history and rel... more In light of recent conflicts between Israel and Palestine, this paper reveals the history and relevance of Zionism in the struggle for Jewish self-determination.
doctorchrisjames.com , 2021
Abstract.
Discrimination against Muslims in the west has always existed, but since 9/11 it has be... more Abstract.
Discrimination against Muslims in the west has always existed, but since 9/11 it has become intensive. This paper is a response to the growing bias towards Muslims. In particular it addresses, what I view as an offensive post 9/11 work, titled The Hadith: The Traditions of Mohammed by Bill Warner, PhD. In my opinion, the work by Bill Warner, calls into question, what is a fair critique of modern-day Islam, what is permissible as credible academic literature and what constitutes bigotry and Islamophobia. I am not a Muslim, I am a scholar of religions and have a particular interest in Islam, its future and what it means for humanity in general. I present this review because the aforesaid work and its interpretation of the Hadith, is in my view, misleading, vitriolic and unhelpful to the analysis and progress of philosophical studies and debate, but unfortunately it is not the only example, just the one I choose to focus on here. Post 9/11, Muslims are experiencing an unwarranted social and political backlash. Many Muslims were killed in the terrorist attacks on the US World Trade Centre in 2001 and the majority of Muslims condemned the violence. Nonetheless, Muslims are still perceived as threatening and unwelcome in many quarters of the western world. The problem appears to be, not so much one of race, but religious doctrine. From time to time all religions come under scrutiny, but in this respect, Islam stands alone from all other forms of religious examination because the scrutiny is relentless. Warner's work is a typical example of this attack and it needs to be challenged.
12.December3. , 2019
Historically, direct action and political radicalism have been perceived as the major chara... more Historically, direct action and political radicalism have been perceived as the major characteristic in social change. The common mantra has been no gain without pain, but how much pain should be endured? And, is there anything to be gained from public protest?
I have been involved in social movements since the 1960s. Today, I am a reformed activist, in this paper I will outline the reasons why I think social movements fail to create long term change and why I believe them to be dangerous in the current mood of nationalism and entrenched Neo-conservatism.
www.doctorchrisjames.com , 2019
Profile of a sociopath.
Mysophilia is a condition that involves someone becoming sexually aroused by soiled or dirty clot... more Mysophilia is a condition that involves someone becoming sexually aroused by soiled or dirty clothing, people or animals. 1 Mysophiliacs are generally attracted to extreme forms of dirt, soiled underwear, faeces, vomit or decomposing animals. 2 The condition is considered rare and little is known about the prevalence or cause of mysophilia. I contend that the incidence of mysophilia is not so rare, but often misdiagnosed or misrepresented. In addition, mysophilia has been difficult to treat because the client's aim is pleasure and self-gratification. To this end, mysophilia is viewed as socially harmless. What follows is my experience as a counsellor with a client displaying mysophilia. My aim is to highlight the lack of literature and/or information on this condition and to raise questions about the possible implications of non-recognition and/or non-treatment.
A self-help book for people with mental illness.
A treatise on the contradictions in the environment movement, in particular deep green ecology.
The work of Australian Chinese brush and ink artist Geraldine Wogan-Browne. (This is a first draf... more The work of Australian Chinese brush and ink artist Geraldine Wogan-Browne. (This is a first draft and there may be some errors. The proof and final copies have been lost.)
Illustrated self-help book of affirmations for people with depression and anxiety.
On November 1st 2013 I travelled to the small mountain hamlet of Warburton in the Yarra Ranges... more On November 1st 2013 I travelled to the small mountain hamlet of Warburton in the Yarra Ranges, Victoria, Australia to visit artist Robert Prudhoe because I had heard a local government planning Compliance Order had been placed on his temple building and it was at risk of being demolished. The community had rallied to try to save this iconic structure, but it had allegedly exceeded the property’s boundary and its 73 year old owner was having trouble maintaining it. In addition no one, especially the municipal authorities, had heard of Outsider Art so love it or hate it, this wonderful creation was being viewed simply as an oddity or worse, a pile of hazardous junk.
What follows is a narrative grounded in the ethnographic process of translating one person’s meaning and culture in order to widen another’s perspective. Key words: Science, sacredness, difference, acceptance.
Books by Dr Chris A James
Retrospective, 2024
A collection of art and art dolls.
A thesis on the way terror and terrorism can be located in myths. 2008.
Art therapy: Work by the Art for Fun and Wellbeing Group at the Foster Community House, Foster, V... more Art therapy: Work by the Art for Fun and Wellbeing Group at the Foster Community House, Foster, Victoria, Australia. 2017.
The Outsider Art of Robert Prudoe. A detail of his extraordinary life and work.
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Papers by Dr Chris A James
Discrimination against Muslims in the west has always existed, but since 9/11 it has become intensive. This paper is a response to the growing bias towards Muslims. In particular it addresses, what I view as an offensive post 9/11 work, titled The Hadith: The Traditions of Mohammed by Bill Warner, PhD. In my opinion, the work by Bill Warner, calls into question, what is a fair critique of modern-day Islam, what is permissible as credible academic literature and what constitutes bigotry and Islamophobia. I am not a Muslim, I am a scholar of religions and have a particular interest in Islam, its future and what it means for humanity in general. I present this review because the aforesaid work and its interpretation of the Hadith, is in my view, misleading, vitriolic and unhelpful to the analysis and progress of philosophical studies and debate, but unfortunately it is not the only example, just the one I choose to focus on here. Post 9/11, Muslims are experiencing an unwarranted social and political backlash. Many Muslims were killed in the terrorist attacks on the US World Trade Centre in 2001 and the majority of Muslims condemned the violence. Nonetheless, Muslims are still perceived as threatening and unwelcome in many quarters of the western world. The problem appears to be, not so much one of race, but religious doctrine. From time to time all religions come under scrutiny, but in this respect, Islam stands alone from all other forms of religious examination because the scrutiny is relentless. Warner's work is a typical example of this attack and it needs to be challenged.
I have been involved in social movements since the 1960s. Today, I am a reformed activist, in this paper I will outline the reasons why I think social movements fail to create long term change and why I believe them to be dangerous in the current mood of nationalism and entrenched Neo-conservatism.
What follows is a narrative grounded in the ethnographic process of translating one person’s meaning and culture in order to widen another’s perspective. Key words: Science, sacredness, difference, acceptance.
Books by Dr Chris A James
Discrimination against Muslims in the west has always existed, but since 9/11 it has become intensive. This paper is a response to the growing bias towards Muslims. In particular it addresses, what I view as an offensive post 9/11 work, titled The Hadith: The Traditions of Mohammed by Bill Warner, PhD. In my opinion, the work by Bill Warner, calls into question, what is a fair critique of modern-day Islam, what is permissible as credible academic literature and what constitutes bigotry and Islamophobia. I am not a Muslim, I am a scholar of religions and have a particular interest in Islam, its future and what it means for humanity in general. I present this review because the aforesaid work and its interpretation of the Hadith, is in my view, misleading, vitriolic and unhelpful to the analysis and progress of philosophical studies and debate, but unfortunately it is not the only example, just the one I choose to focus on here. Post 9/11, Muslims are experiencing an unwarranted social and political backlash. Many Muslims were killed in the terrorist attacks on the US World Trade Centre in 2001 and the majority of Muslims condemned the violence. Nonetheless, Muslims are still perceived as threatening and unwelcome in many quarters of the western world. The problem appears to be, not so much one of race, but religious doctrine. From time to time all religions come under scrutiny, but in this respect, Islam stands alone from all other forms of religious examination because the scrutiny is relentless. Warner's work is a typical example of this attack and it needs to be challenged.
I have been involved in social movements since the 1960s. Today, I am a reformed activist, in this paper I will outline the reasons why I think social movements fail to create long term change and why I believe them to be dangerous in the current mood of nationalism and entrenched Neo-conservatism.
What follows is a narrative grounded in the ethnographic process of translating one person’s meaning and culture in order to widen another’s perspective. Key words: Science, sacredness, difference, acceptance.