Richard Landes is a history professor at Boston University who has published an article in the Telegraph (UK) that is thought-provoking. It discusses the dilemma of criticism of certain aspects of Islam by non-Muslims in Western countries.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/richardlandes/100101297/liberal-intellectuals-are-frightened-of-confronting-islams-honour-shame-culture/
As Landes points out, criticism of Islam is unacceptable to a Muslim because it becomes a question of honor. Yet, in every Western country which has a large Muslim immigrant population, more and more are voicing their anger at what they perceive as a lack of assimilation and poor behavior by many (not all) of the immigrants-particularly in Europe. Many see Islam as being intolerant of other religions. Yet, to discuss these issues and how Western societies are being impacted, always raises the cry of Islamophobia. Landes correctly points out that Muslim immigrants to free, Western countries are going to have to accept the fact that open discussion of Islam is entirely appropriate. As I have constantly stated, there is no need to condemn Muslims as a people. As long as one avoids that direction, discussion-and yes- criticism should not be suppressed.
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3 comments:
I could quibble over some of the details and insinuations, but the basic thrust of this article is well done. Instead of blasting Islam, per se, or citing inflammatory haddiths from here and there (which can be matched by equally inflammatory Biblical verses), Landes has narrowed in on the specific conflict in values that can create complete mutual misunderstanding.
He is also correct that the bottom line for any individual of the Muslim faith immigrating to a nation with a constitutional framework of free speech and freedom of religion is, no, you cannot slay those who insult Islam, and if you do, it is punishable as murder, without mitigation. If you don't like THAT, go elsewhere.
Malcolm X said that Muslims believe in obeying the law of whatever country they live in. He meant it. That should be cited more often.
One of the few issues you get right, Siarlys.
I get all of them right Gary. You just don't always agree with me. Or maybe right is relative to the speed and direction of motion of each body pondering the matter? That would be an interesting case of moral relativism.
We've agreed on this one before. I think the allegations about the inherent dangers of Islam are overhyped. But the First Amendment trumps anyone's desire that their faith not be insulted. A culture of honor which sanctions killing is inconsistent with freedom of speech.
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