There is a general tendency, especially among certain people who identify with the left-liberal side of the spectrum (where I too place myself) to avoid making precise statements. Most of the time, their hearts are at the right place and they avoid precise statements, especially in socio-political contexts where right-wing might take advantage out of assertive arguments, because of their potential backlash. Hence they obfuscate the whole argument, juxtaposing images, smearing with anecdotes, and ultimately ending up with not telling anything meaningful. Let me try to make one accurate argument, to the best of my ability and I am open to any debate on that. Here it goes: It is wrong to argue that violent punishment for blasphemy has nothing to do with scriptural prescription. This is not to stereotype Muslims as violent, which there is no reason to believe they are, as people. Hindus are more prone to superstition because of their religious and cultural adherence to social hierarchies based on caste (whereby Babas derive their authority), and loose, jumbled cultural philosophy which tend to achieve a social cohesion by installing every diverse or even contradictory ideologies into their pantheon of beliefs. Islamic ideology, as it is widely preached, followed and understood by an average person, has a serious problem. It has many elements of exclusivity (the strict difference in treatment of coreligionists, people of the book, idolators and non-believers) and suffer from extreme form of literalism. This cannot be brushed under the carpet. None of the other variables, stereotyping by the European media, discrimination, white supremacists of Christian origin etc. can explain choosing a satire magazine outlet. And stating this argument in such plain words is not Islamophobia, or trying to be equal opportunity offender, but making a clear point. Ideas deserve to be criticized. Islam cannot be an exception to that rule. If you cannot digest this, and still hell bend on that silly context sensitivity argument and Islamophobia accusations, you are not doing a favour to even Muslims.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 18:15:14 +0000