Shall I just leave now?
Forgive the silence. I have been stunned into a type of verbal paralysis over the weekend by the venemous and brutal reaction to the Archbishops lecture on Islam and English Law. I guess thats journalism for you?
As bad as this sounds, Im used to the newspapers, tv and radio only ever making reference to Islam and Muslims as an evil and monstrous pariah in society. Thats normal. But for some reason I am still shocked and hurt when there is a sudden and acute burst of hatred. Some of my friends ask why I am so taken back and knocked for six each time...do I think things have really changed?
I love my country and my people and I live with a belief that teaches me to think the best of everyone. So sue me for being hurt by the words I have read from my countrymen and women up and down the country.
From the time I was 18 years old I have dedicated my life to bridge building, dialogue and cohseion. Now at 30, shall I just pack my bags and leave?
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Faraz Yousufzai - Birmingham’s leading voice on Muslim youth.
Me too Faraz, as you can see on my Editor's Chair blog posted on Sunday. But it's the national media that is at fault for spreading a consensus view on an inaccurately reported lecture. They report reactions and experts basing opinions on what wasn't actually said, and therefore those reaction are more extreme than is warranted. And then the national media report them and reflect them again and again. 'The mad burqa' headline in the sun exemplifies the hidden racism of that paper.
Then again, maybe the most senior churchman in the country needs to think a bit more clearly before saying things that are so vague. Any junior journalist could have told him the impact key phrases about Sharia law were going to have. The word "sharia" in this country is usually understood in terms of the brutal and backward justice system of Saudi Arabia. Or the systematic oppression of women across the Muslim world. We know the tabloids are Islamophobic - and a subtle discussion of the theory and practice of Islamic Law was never going to happen. Are we still shocked?
The problem is that Islam is what your fellow country men may be saying. When the time comes, and Muslims who think they can try to take over this country, if do you do not bat an eye lid when they start implementing real sharia laws then it will be a shame on you, because this is what islam prescibes.
The problem is ones you give in a little it will be all to easy for them to come back for more privilages, until they will want the whole pie. They will try and have their cake a nd eat it.
This is like the appeasment the they tried with the Nazi's in WWII, and they came back for more.