I'm no fan of radical Islamic extremism, but I'm also someone who thinks Islamophobia is way overblown.
I've read all the arguments that the Qur'an expressly directs Muslims to take over the world, that the Muslim Brotherhood has instituted a plan to accomplish this, etc. Even if such things were true, it can't happen. Why?
Anyone who's ever talked to any Muslims at all will know that they aren't one big monolithic entity. There are as many sects within Islam as Christianity. They disagree on lots and lots of things. There's no way they're "all" going to buy into an agenda like that. Truly -- post-9/11, all Muslims are being tarred with the extremist brush, and completely unfairly. (Well, not completely unfairly -- many Muslims I've spoken with agree that more of them should be more vocal against strict sharia law interpretation and against violence, and I agree.)
So what does all this have to do with presidential candidate Barack Obama? He's felt he's had to distance himself from his Muslim heritage because of anti-Muslim prejudice. Instead, he should embrace this heritage, according to eloquent writer Junaid M. Afeef in the Wall Street Journal.
"Islam" is a multifaceted concept and practical reality. Too often, irrational fear of it becomes a weapon in the hands of those with agendas -- including, quite possibly, our own government. It's high time we educate ourselves about the true state of affairs with our Muslim citizens. Go here for a good place to start.
P.S. This post at Red Tory V2.0 inspired me to post this. By all means, visit his site.
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2 comments:
Outside of the extremists themselves, I'm not sure who cheers for grossly distorted readings of Islam.
When you noted that Islamophobia is overblown, I took that to mean that it was too widespread.
Assuming that is what you meant, I must concur with your assessment. I read blogs on Muslims, Islam, international affairs and so on with some regularity. The intense hatred and fear of Islam never ceases to amaze me.
Thank you for making the point that Muslims "aren't one big monolithic entity."
Indeed, Muslims do disagree amongst themselves about many things political and religious. And yes, there is not even a remote likelihood that the majority of Muslims worldwide would buy into a world domination plan.
On the point you made about Muslims not speaking up enough against extremism and violence in the name of Islam, I would like to share a slightly different point of view.
Muslims do need to be vocal when it comes to setting the record straight on violence and extremism undertaken under the guise of holy war. However, it is important for those who know Muslims and know what Muslims are about to speak up too.
The odds of Muslims being able to reach out to even a solid minority of Americans is remote give that, in the best case scenario, there is 1 Muslim American for evey 50 million Americans (in general). Consequently, it is important for non-Muslims to speak abut the Muslims they do know and to share insights into who Muslims really are.
I really appreciate your 7/3/08 blog post entitled "Obama's Muslim Heritage". I wish more people adopted your ideas in this regard.
Thanks!
Mr. Afeef, thank you for responding.
Americans have a hard time understanding the concept of radicals doing horrendous things in the name of religion. America has its own history of religious nuts doing just that, and they are swiftly dealt with. We just don't understand acts like Bali, London, Madrid, 9/11, etc.
Americans' immediate reaction is to deal with the threat -- and, as such, don't bother with the "whys." It's enough to cut it off at the head.
And, truly -- these acts should NEVER take place.
But to tar an entire group of people with the same brush is not productive, to say the least.
But I stand by what I said -- until correct-thinking Muslims loudly, and publically, disavow barbaric acts done in the name of their religion, peace will not be accomplished.
After all -- Dr. Martin Luther King did more for people of color in this country by NON-VIOLENCE than had ever been done in the century before.
Again I thank you for writing so eloquently, and I will continue to put the truth forward insofar as I'm able to see it.
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