Najeeb completely
failed to understand my point. I was referring to
Muslim bashing taking place on this website. Instead
of offering a critical analysis, many are either
stating Islam to be perfect or Muslims to be
completely incapable of anything constructive. I
acknowledge that there are some (but few) thoughtful
responses.
I do
not know how and why Najeeb thinks that I have found a
new "conformism". What am I conforming to? If I am
conforming to anything, it's to human decency. All I
am doing is defending a common citizen, who in this
case happens to be a Muslim. Most people who
live under repressive regimes would like to have
freedoms and rights. I am sure they have aspirations
to live stable, peaceful and free lives. We are
privileged to have choices and because of that
privilege we chose to live in a country of our
choice.
When
I talk about imperialism, I criticize American foreign
policy not all American citizens. I may criticize
Zionism but not the Jewish people as a whole, I may
condemn BJP in India but not the Hindus collectively.
I know Najeeb has lived in Middle East and has first
hand experience of how those societies function. By
all means, criticize and condemn those governments and
regimes. I definitely do not support those ruling
classes. I find them detestable but I do not think
every person that lives in Middle East is to be
condemned,
To
reiterate my point, I was specifically referring to
some of the postings on this website regarding
"Muslim bashing". I understand how neo- colonialism
works and their wars to control resources in other
lands. I understand the devastation wrought by
imperialism. My point was and continues to be that we
cannot make blanket statements about any group of
people. We cannot paint them with a broad brush.
I am
not in the habit of attacking people personally or
make assumptions about them. Therefore, I expect
others also to engage in a discussion without
attacking a person. Criticism and personal attacks are
two different things.
I
request all participants to refrain from getting
personal. Attack the viewpoint without attacking the
person.
