I was reflecting on the changes of theme which have transpired in the
messages posted to this Islamic forum in the last couple of years. Does
this
brief rundown identify the vituperative bandwagon that dominates most
anti-Muslim posts?
Paraphrasing, by substitution, K. L. Woodward's (2007), a Catholic writer,
article, "The Last Respectable Prejudice", in "First Things: A Monthly
Journal of Religion and Public Life".
<Quote> ...
.. Does anti-Muslimism exist? Yes it does. Can we define it? Yes we can.
It's repugnance for things Islamic, both real and imagined. It's the sort
of
thing Muslims and non-Muslims alike recognise when they see it.
Is anti-Muslimism, historically, as virulent as anti-Semitism, to which it
is often compared? Not then. Not now. And likely not ever, unless the dark
and murky forces of neo-racism are allowed to escape once more. But in the
'New World Order' experience anti-Muslimism is younger than anti-Semitism,
and it is still the more acceptable prejudice among "conservative"
academics, smooth talking zealots and their illegitimate offspring in the
chattering cl*****, among whom anti-Muslimism is more conscious, more
stigmatised, and therefore more noticed.
Globally human rights advocates and multiculturalists have been put on the
defensive by neo-con right-wing radicals (that ideologically sit on the
same
side of the aisle and tacitly share the same platform with revitalised
old-Europe's Neo-Nazi movements) who are adept at disguising old hatreds
with deceptive rhetoric.
Utilizing the seductive verbiage of neo-racism, glib-tongued demagogues
have
learned to mask their ideology and mainstream their message. Within these
circles, crude racialist formulations are downplayed as a first step
toward
articulating a less abrasive political discourse, one that emphasizes
"heritage" (e.g. See "Britishness" fiasco in 'Times' article linked
below)
and "cultural differences" rather than genetics or skin color.
While some contem****ary enthusiasts for white supremacy still prefer to
dress up and parade around in uniforms, such obvious displays of racism
are
eschewed by the more sophisticated fanatics who realize that it's best not
to advertise their allegiance to the creed.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3533744.ece
Extract:-
Plans to make school-leavers swear an oath of allegiance to Queen and
country as a way of enhancing British citizen****p were unravelling last
night under a barrage of criticism in Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland.
Nationalist politicians in Wales and Scotland pledged to use their
devolved
powers to block the plan. And a nationalist politician in Northern Ireland
said that any attempt to force an oath to the Queen and United Kingdom on
the Province would be "divisive and dangerous".
End extract.
Is anti-Muslimism as im****tant to western Muslims as anti-Semitism is to
western Jews for the maintenance of group identity? Not by another long
shot. Jews are the least religious religious cohort in western society, if
we exclude the Jewish Unitarians, Ethical Culturalists, and Buddhists, and
so the most in need of prejudice, real or imagined, for the maintenance of
group identity. And I say that in full realization that my statement may
be
construed by some as itself anti-Semitic, if only because an outsider is
saying it. Be that as it may, the ADL and other communal organizations
recognize its truth. They are my sources. ... [Substituted from "The Last
Respectable Prejudice", by Kenneth L. Woodward, <
http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-2095841_ITM
>
<Unquote> ...
--
Peace
--
Every "ism" eventually degenerates into a terrorism. [Gilbert Adair]
Zuiko Azumazi
zuiko.azumazi@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
|
