Sanders is very effective, on several levels, in this article as he discusses the typical American attitude towards Islam in relation to the prior American attitude towards communism. He discusses how the problem with the American view of Islam is not in the differentiation between the use of Islamic ideals for religion or for politics, but it is much deeper and more complex. Just as the fear of communism spread through the U.S. in the mid-1900s, an epidemic of Islamic fear is now infiltrating our thoughts. While McCarthyism made the accusations "You're a communist," today's 'ism' points a nasty finger in the face of Muslims.
Yet, Sander discusses the apparent similarities of Islam with Christianity saying "Islam never had its Renaissance, its Reformation, its Counter-Reformation, its Haskalah, its Enlightenment, its scientific revolution" like the others which makes accusations against Islam a bit unfair.
Additionally, Sanders actually educates! He provides Islamic/Arabic based terms and (interestingly) provides a definition for those terms. THIS is what the U.S. Media needs in order to overcome their prejudices. A potential problem though, is that his message and educative ability, through publication in the Washington Post, only reaches certain audiences (potentially the more educated anyway).
Finally, the intonation Sanders utilizes to get his message across provides subtle revelation. He says, "Just oil revenue alone of a half-trillion dollars annually finances fanaticism to spread hatred with a 'we-they' syndrome so virulent that no Western psychiatrist could have imagined it." This 'we-they' syndrome he explores is extremely multifaceted. It provides insight into the ugliness of the every day opinions of individuals if they fail to understand others. Additionally, it lights up some orientalist ideas where the definition of a religion is shaped in the eyes of the outsider.
I think this article is very interesting and I find your post very interesting as well. There is a much bigger issue than simply distinguishing between religious and political Islam. I agree with him the most when he explains that Islam never had its "Enlightenment" or "Renaissance." The events listed were crucial in signifying religions and Islam never really had anything like that.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your insights and you really covered all areas for questions. I might also add that this can apply to all prejudices not only those towards muslim. Very glad you posted this.
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