[polak]

Here is why I don't think EE is a racist (although dismissing the whole culture of Islam was a bit overboard, if he was more specific to fundamentalist Islam, I'd agree with him):

If I meet someone who is Muslim, I won't treat them any differently than I would anyone else unless they start spouting some BS that leads me to believe that they are apathetic or even sympathetic to extremists. Then in all honesty, I don't know what I'd do. I'd be ####ing pissed though. The whole concept of religion is one that I dislike so using it as a basis for hurting or taking freedoms away from others just drives me up the wall.

So, when we hear stories and see statistics claiming that 40-60% of Country X is okay with violence in the name of Islam, and whatever number is in support of sharia law, which takes away pretty much all of the rights of women, homosexuals and non-Muslims then guess what? I really ####ing dislike that country. My hate isn't based on the fact that they are Muslim, or Arab or anything. I don't care if they're black, white or blue or if they pray to Jesus, Buddha or Vanilla Ice. My hate is based on the fact that a significant portion of their population is okay with using their beliefs, beliefs which are based on ZERO scientific evidence, as justification for all of the HORRIBLE BACKWARDS crap they do. That is not racist. That is simply hating someone based on their actions.

Now, I know what's next. "You're painting everyone in Country X with the same brush", and yeah I guess you are right. However, at what point is the majority responsible for taking action against the completely ####ed in the head minority? Look at the western world for example. There is still a significantly large portion of people who discriminate against Gay rights but guess what? There is also a very loud, vocal and active opposition that is in favor of gay rights. It's not just Gay people, it's everyone that believes in equality. We are actively changing the landscape of the western world to be inclusive and respectful of a once marginalized people. I am aware that there are people in these Muslim countries that are speaking out and fighting for equality and condemning extremism and I have upmost respect for them as what they are doing is far more dangerous and courageous then anything I have ever done in my life. My point though, is that we need to see some real reforms or solutions or change being put into place by Muslim leaders to cull these terrible factions of Islam and we're not seeing that. A handful of speakers talking to a room full of people that agree with them is not going to do anything.

That's my problem with Islam as it stands today.