With the rise in Antisemitism in Europe and Radical Islamic Terrorism around the world, I recently had the distinct pleasure of being called a racist. I was naturally quite offended, and I feel the accusation is both unwarranted and rude.
I do hold very firm beliefs regarding Western Society as it relates to terrorism. I judge people as individuals. I do not surround myself with people of a specific race, religion or creed. I have dear friends who are from all over the world, different races, religions and ethniticy, including from countries where terrorism threatens their family existence. Most obvious, I am also part of a mixed marriage (Jewish and Catholic).
- So, why such an accusation?
The discourse related to a Huffington Post Blog that argued there is a double standard and where those lines should be drawn. This blog posting was in reference to the recent attacks in Paris, namely Charlie Hebdo and Hyper Cacher Kosher Market. I expressed my opinion that the author’s premise was pure poppycock (aka bullshit), specifically because:
- It means that if you depict something offensive (like a Mohammed cartoon), you must be prepared for the threat of violence. I feel disallowing such types of work would be capitulating to Radical Islam. Where is the next line? Women going to school, working, driving or other items associated with Sharia Law?
- It falsely equates Antisemitism with mocking of Mohammed. Really? One is hatefully targeting the lives of real people, the other is philosophical/ a concept. Which is more important lives or an idea?
- The assertion that French Muslims need protecting, when around 40% of all hate crimes in France are against Jews and nearly all of these are performed by Muslims. We are talking about 10% percent of France’s population performing half of all hate crimes against less than 1% of the population. Who really needs protection?
Now just to be clear, I’m not a fan of Charlie Hebdo’s work. I think it is at times over the top. Nevertheless, there is no justification for the recent events. Trying to skirt around with half truths and buts is just downright insulting. I am quite direct and people know my opinion on the subject of Radical Islam, specifically:
- I do feel there is a problem with Islam as a whole, as it needs to drop the 7th century political and antiquated Sharia Law beliefs.
- I also feel the West is not facing the truth head on. We are hoping Muslims will slide toward a kind of secularization and dismiss the less convenient parts of their religion and/ or we’re lying to ourselves and saying Islam is peaceful.
- It is important that our wives, mothers, sisters and daughters are not degraded and treated like property. And that people of different religions/ philosophies can live openly and freely.
The line was crossed for me a long time ago. For some it may have been 9/11, or 7/7 or maybe its Charlie Hebdo. Nevertheless, collisions between Western and Islamic societies are happening more frequently. I’m happy to welcome all people into Western Society that will subscribe to treating others with equality and respect. If you want to impose your beliefs on me, my family and my friends, then I would prefer you go back from whence you came.
I don’t think my thoughts are racist. In fact, I think they are very American.
It should be known that the Charlie Hebdo terrorists came into the office with a list of names of the people they planned to murder. Only one woman was on that list. Why? You can read more about why on CAMERA Snapshots at:
– Where’s the coverage? Only woman murdered was “because she was Jewish”.
I am sick and tired about people hiding behind a veil of self-centered proportionality, like:
If you subscribe to the above, you probably think terrorism is an occupational hazard of being a Jew. I feel such thinking is racist.
There is a well written post by David Paxton that talks about Mehdi Hasan’s article in the Huffington Post. It is a long read, but well worth it for all of us (liberals, centrists and conservatives). You can find the article at:
– Charlie Hebdo Reaction: Part 2, Know Your Enemy | The Gerasites
David refers to the argumentative technique used by Mehdi as being akin to a Motte and Bailey Castle. From living in the UK, I am familiar with this ancient castle type structure, but not as term for referring topic based discussion. Very interesting concept to think about.
Enjoy!