Im fiercely defensive about women like Ayaan Hirsi Ali. It is infinitely harder for women from the Muslim world - particularly immigrant women from African countries like Somalia - to come out as non-believers than it is for men. The kind of threats men get are nothing - nothing - compared to the vile, horrific threats ex-Muslim women receive on a daily basis. If youve seen what happens even to believing Muslim teenagers like Malala Yousafzai simply for asking to go to school, you can well imagine what ex-Muslim women undergo. The fact that Hirsi Ali has to travel with armed security all day proves her point about the targets she criticizes. Everywhere you look, people ask where all the vocal ex-Muslim women are. The truth is, theyre out there, but most have to hide behind pseudonyms and anonymity, for good reason. Unfortunately, the few that come out and speak openly - like Ayaan Hirsi Ali - are too often viciously attacked even by their own. You dont have to agree with everything she says, but she deserves your support. She offers a non-white minority secular narrative (coming from beyond mere internet clicktivism) that should be considered and listened to. Im glad Yale stuck to its decision to allow her to speak tonight, and didnt fall for the fear tactics of the Yale Muslim Students Association and, embarrassingly, the Yale Humanist Community. I look forward to hearing what she says.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 23:05:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015