The fine line of critiquing Muslims
April 19th, 2008We know everyone has flaws. I’d rather not start off a rant by saying this, because it’s so trite, so overdone.
As a highly opinionated person, I speak my mind. Sometimes it’s not the friendliest thing to say, but there’s a Freedom of Speech in this country and by golly, I’m going to use it while we still have it.
It’s funny, my last satirical piece, I was thinking that Right-wing Americans would probably cheer and say “cool! Zombieslayer hates Muslims.” Left-wing Americans would probably say “oh no! Zombieslayer’s a bigot!”
Freedom of Speech, my friends. Use it or lose it.
Everyone does something stupid. It would be a bad world when people are afraid to call someone on it. So I do. When George W does something stupid, I say it. When Nancy Pelosi does something stupid, I say it. Well, I can’t all the time because those two are some of the dumbest people on the planet (and they’re running our country).
As for Islam, yes, you’ve heard me say it before and I’m sick of saying it but I have to say it again because you never know when there will be a newbie who reads this blog - a religion is only as good or bad as its followers. The best thing that could happen for Islam are for moderate Muslims to openly mock the extremists. Do it in public, and do it loudly. Take those stupid things off women’s heads, allow women to have every Right that men have, and stop chopping off people’s heads you don’t like.
Of all the religions, Islam has the absolute worst track record for Women’s Rights.
Of all the religions, Islam has the most vile extremists.
Of all the religions, Islam is the most intolerant.
If I were a Muslim, this is what I’d be working on:
1) Equality for Women,
2) Birth control. The reality is overpopulation in Islamic countries is the root cause of all their problems. Denying birth control and forcing women at gunpoint to breed is making the problems far worse,
3) Immediately stopping female circumcision. That practice is abhorrent and the sooner it is outlawed worldwide the better,
4) Free Speech. Yes, that means offensive speech too. And if one’s delicate sensibilities are offended, tough shit!
5) A truly Free Press. This is crucial to change. Open up the press, including criticism of clerics and government bodies.
Until this happens, Islam will continue to be seen as an ass backwards religion. There are many, many moderate, intelligent, and fascinating Muslims out there. I have befriended many, and I can tell you first hand that they’re fun as heck to party with. But they need to be more vocal about change or else all the rest of the world will see are the loud, backwards idiots that make Islam look like a religion of nutjobs.
By the way, you might want to watch this video. By all means, let me know if you know any Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Pagan, Atheist, or Taoist groups that are this scary. Keep in mind, this is mainstream in some Muslim nations.