real_bosanka
24-04-04, 03:20 AM
The idea that Islam, and by extension Muslims, are inherently violent and irrational has sadly, become commonplace in our society.
This misperception, with deep origins in the historical rivalry between Christian Europe and the Muslim Middle East, was intensified by the Arab-Israeli conflict and a slew of bigoted Hollywood movies, and gained a solid foothold in the minds of many after 9/11. Certainly, the 19 hijackers responsible for the carnage of 9/11 saw themselves as Muslims. However, so did about 300 of their victims!
Some point to the glories of Muslim Spain, the notable tolerance and multiculturalism of the Ottoman Empire, or the relative peacefulness of the Islamic world over the past millennium compared to Christian Europe to make the case that Islam is essentially an agent of peace.
Like all great civilizations and cultures, those of the Islamic world have produced more than enough of the good to demand the highest respect, and enough of the bad to prohibit any complacency or chauvinism on the part of Muslims.
Violence, extremism and intolerance are universal human failings. They certainly are not particular to any culture or faith.
This misperception, with deep origins in the historical rivalry between Christian Europe and the Muslim Middle East, was intensified by the Arab-Israeli conflict and a slew of bigoted Hollywood movies, and gained a solid foothold in the minds of many after 9/11. Certainly, the 19 hijackers responsible for the carnage of 9/11 saw themselves as Muslims. However, so did about 300 of their victims!
Some point to the glories of Muslim Spain, the notable tolerance and multiculturalism of the Ottoman Empire, or the relative peacefulness of the Islamic world over the past millennium compared to Christian Europe to make the case that Islam is essentially an agent of peace.
Like all great civilizations and cultures, those of the Islamic world have produced more than enough of the good to demand the highest respect, and enough of the bad to prohibit any complacency or chauvinism on the part of Muslims.
Violence, extremism and intolerance are universal human failings. They certainly are not particular to any culture or faith.