PAUL BUTLER,
Madam, - In the wake of the violence in Nigeria which seemed to have been sparked by the Miss World contest, several newspaper columnists singled out individual contestants for criticism. These journalists, invariably of a liberal hue, castigated the girls for their inane smiles, their self-absorption, and - in one case - absurd underwear, pointing out that such behaviour was provocative in a deeply religious society.
However, subsequent newspaper reports revealed that the riots in Nigeria were political and sectarian in nature, with rioters chanting slogans in favour of their local politician. In what way does a beauty contest require the burning down of churches and mosques?
Many of the rioters had never heard of the Miss World contest, but even if they had, the subsequent mayhem was out of all proportion to any objection raised. I have no interest whatsoever in Miss World, but I would prefer to live in a world where such a contest is met with the bemused insouciance it deserves, rather than live in a world ruled by bloodthirsty fanatics who think they have God on their side. - Yours etc.,
PAUL BUTLER, Neagh Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W.