Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
Yes, Islam is something of a special case in the West. People who don't hesitate to denounce Catholocism or the Catholic church as backwards, oppressive troglodytes, have a very different stance towards Islam (which in the way it's practiced by most Muslims in the world today is far more oppressive and conservative than Catholicism). The difference is that Islam is associated with non-white people. That's part of what inspires fear and ignorance among white bigots, but it's also what makes it taboo to criticize among white progressives.
We could have a much healthier and open dialogue about Islam if everyone stopped associating it with race and ethnicity.
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I agree with most of your post, but don't think the reason is an association with non-white people.
I think it's more of a defence mechanism because the anit-islam rhetoric is so broad and hateful, it makes a lot of decent people feel the need to stand up for each other.
I think if Christians were being banned from entering the US, being shot in churches, and our political leaders were being elected largely based on promises to deal with christians, you'd see a similar defence.
But you're right about appropriate dialogue on Islam.
Combatting backwards religious practices and defending innocent people who follow a religion, don't have to be mutually exclusive.