Are Muslims Becoming The New Jews of Europe?
by Muslims are increasingly badly represented in western media making them feel outcast.
How long ago was 9/11? How long ago was 7/7? Do you get nervous when a Muslim or Arabic man is sitting near you on the plane? Do head scarves covering women’s faces make you feel intimidated?
Although the vast majority of Muslims believe that murder is a sin there is more and more evidence of Muslim communities in westernised countries feeling persecuted or outcast. A British documentary was broadcast on the anniversary of the July the 7th attacks on the London Underground called ‘It shouldn’t happen to a Muslim.’ Instantly there was a live online debate on the BBC website about the show.
The documentary looked at how since recent terrorist attacks Muslims had been portrayed in the media in a relentlessly bad light despite the fact most were strongly against the attacks. Even seeming pro-Muslim press such as councils banning Christmas to stop Muslims’ feeling outcast obviously stirs up more hatred and views that Muslims are opposed to western society and culture. The presenter and broadcaster Peter Osborne argued that the term ‘Muslim’ had replaced other words such as ‘gay’ ‘black’ and ‘Jew’. Articles such as this one http://www.jihadwatch.org/2009/01/muslims-attacking-jews-all-over-europe.html provoke the idea that Muslims are inherently dangerous members of our communities due to their religious and ethnic roots.
This has not only been reported to be the case in Britain but also the USA and Australia. More than half of Australians said they wouldn’t like it if one of their family members married a Muslim. Dr. Kevin Dunn from the University of New South Wales has blamed media representation again for stereotyping Muslims as misogynists and for being sexist.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has warned Muslims that Australia is not a safe country for them despite the Australia Immigration Minister arguing that numbers of local Muslims suggested otherwise. Recent terror raids on Islamic households that the police claim to be suspected of terrorist associations. Whilst Australian Prime Minister John Howard has explained that they are doing what they have to protect Australia and that ‘Leaders of other countries understand that.’ Many Muslims homes have had their doors broken down and possessions such as computers and mobile phones seized.
Muslims in the US have reported being treated as if they were a ‘political leprosy’, or a ‘scarlet letter.’ Your feelings towards Bush may direct your opinions, but 72% of Muslims voted for George Bush.
Whilst terrorism is a constant threat to our society, far more people are killed in road accidents everyday than in a terrorist attack. Whilst I have no connection with the Muslim faith the vast majority of Muslims feel they have as much right to be native in the western world as Atheists, Christians, Agnostics or Buddhists do. It seems to me that the five major religions in the world are intent on practicing a moral code of conduct that is honourable. While it is only the very few extremist groups that support terrorism we equally find groups of racists and criminals with equally as bad intensions. Out casting Muslims will only push them further towards anti-western groups than bring them in to support us against other violent groups.
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