Here's my NPR segment at KCRW's website, including links to download the MP3. I was disappointed I didn't get to interact directly with Spencer Ackerman, who I've been a huge fan of ever since his Iraq'd column at TNR during the Bush years. His recent piece arguing that the ObamAdmin overstates the domestic terrorism threat was part of the debate and really worth reading. Also, I really thought Brian Jenkins of RAND Corp did a great job refuting the nonsense from Walid Phares.
Islam News @ NYT- Swedish Artist Says Sketch of Prophet Aimed to Mock All Religions: A man who prosecutors say was the target of a murder plot says his caricature of the Prophet Muhammad was intended to poke fun at all sacred symbols.
- Nigerians Recount Night of Their Bloody Revenge: This week dozens of herdsmen slaughtered hundreds of people in a brutal act of sectarian retribution in Jos.
- Views of ‘JihadJane’ Were Unknown to Neighbors: The ex-husband of the woman who called herself “JihadJane” said she “was just like anyone else.”
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Spencer Ackerman 7:35 pm on December 15, 2009 Permalink |
Same here man. You made some great points. Thanks for the kind words.
aziz 8:18 am on December 16, 2009 Permalink |
Thank you Spencer! I thought your summary of the chat was spot-on; I didnt catch the lady’s name either
Naeem 1:09 am on December 16, 2009 Permalink |
Just downloaded the show. Nice job Aziz. Just one peripheral comment:
In trying to present the American-Muslim immigrant community as being more integrated into their adopted landscape than their European counterparts, you stated that most of them came over because they felt an affinity for American values.
Really? With the rare exception of those seeking political asylum, I’ve always thought the overwhelming majority care very little for western values, if they even understand them, and basically migrated to the US for financial security. I’m guessing freedom of expression or religion are low on the list of priorities for many of these immigrants.
Bang Gully 1:22 am on December 16, 2009 Permalink |
Naeem,
I would agree with the first part of your contention (that the vast majority of Muslim immigrants came for financial security and not for Western values) but would slightly disagree with the second part (freedom of expression or religion being low on the list)
Although it may not mirror the Western value system, many Muslims do come with a respect for other religion and do have a sense of freedom of religion which is probably based more on respect and politeness and not on some “sacred” freedom to mock religion or other’s beliefs.
Like when the Muhammed (saws) cartoons happened, even Muslims who weren’t angrily protesting, didn’t understand (and if they do they reject the notion) that to be truly open minded it requires ridiculing other people’s beliefs in such a juvenile fashion.
Basically, I would say most Muslims don’t believe that there is some “freedom to be a douchebag”
I would say that most Muslims do believe in respecting other’s people’s way of life. Muslims throughout the Indian sub-continent have been doing it for centuries. As have Arabs with Christians, etc.
null 2:08 am on December 16, 2009 Permalink |
Second bang gully.
While I think the financial security and quality of life considerations were what motivated most (Muslim and otherwise) immigrants to move to America, I don’t think Muslims would have actually made the move in such great numbers if they felt that their religious identity would need to be sacrificed in the process. So while the freedom of religion (the ability to congregate with coreligionist, dress in religious clothing, celebrate and worship as wished…) would not by itself motivate anyone to move to the US, were these rights not respected in the culture – it would most likely be a deal-breaker for many.
Thought I agree freedom of expression is probably low on the list.
Buzz 8:13 am on December 16, 2009 Permalink |
There are douchebags on both sides. What is sacred and what is profane merely changes.
Bang Gully 1:40 am on December 16, 2009 Permalink |
As have Arab Muslims, I meant to say.