Sunny has a point about the poisonous atmosphere created by the press, with in my opinion the notable exception of the Harrow Times on this demo however, I want to highlight the silence and conduct of the Labour Party.
While President Obama in post 9/11 America talks of his admiration towards Islam and Muslims from his Cairo speech to holding Iftar dinners at the White House and even Boris Johnson talks of the need to understand Islam the silence from senior national Labour Govt Ministers has been puzzling.
True John Denham, an outstanding and remarkable friend of the Muslim community who resigned over Iraq has condemned the English Defence League and McNulty spoke at the counter demo however, to little to late.
For years Blair and his right wing cabal fostered an Islamophobic discourse:
Jack Straw (Burkha), Hazel Blears, (Islam Expo) Phil Woolas ("inbreeding") Jim Fitzpatrick (Weddings)
Where is Alan Johnson or Hillary Benn two thoroughly decent members of the Cabinet. What about some long overdue Jewish -Muslim solidarity from the Millibands.
During the 1980's the "Loony Left" led by Ken Livingstone (who recently condemned the EDL) with a significant input from "black sections" within the London Labour party fought racism in the streets and Town Halls. However, currently virtual silence and no solidarity from the London Labour Party and also the Trade Union Movement. I'm not surprised about London Labour which is why I've already called for the resignation of Ken Clarke the Director of the London Labour Party.
Yes the Muslim community has to accept partial responsibility for a complete lack of leadership and yes a small section of Muslims particularly in Luton have been stupidly provocative over returning soldiers from Afghanistan. Unfortunately the responsibility rests at the door of mosques largely led by illiterate buffoons who would struggle to spell cohesion let alone implement it.
However, ultimately the atmosphere amongst certain sections of society towards Muslims has occurred and been encouraged shamefully on the watch of a Labour Govt who in my opinion are behaving like moral and political cowards in failing to comprehensively condemn the Islamophobic extremism currently prevalent in society from the Prime Minister down.
Great post. Think the last sentence can probably be improved by the removal of the word 'extremism' though.
ReplyDeleteWhile there obviously are extremist elements, as shown yesterday at the demonstration, I wouldn't describe the most prevalent version of Islamophobia in society as extremism.
I'd call it ignorance. It's a belief that all Muslims will be quite a lot like the sorts of Muslims who tend to make the mainstream news (the nutters and the brainwashed). Simply because it's the only image of Islam with which they're presented.
That's not to say it's not extremely dangerous, of course. It's dangerous because it permits the masses to turn a blind eye to those who *are* extremist.
Does that make them extremist too? (Discuss.)
PS. I'd describe the version of Islamophobia you see in the seats of power as cowardice. It's easier to say nothing to avoid losing face. But then, Brown used an apology to a gay war hero this week, as an opportunity to score political points (third paragraph from the end).
A buffoon, now that would be anyone who thought you could combine 'prevalent Islamophobic extremism' with 'social cohesion'. You can't. No acceptance of minorities, then no cohesion. Almost all reactions to this incident exhibit a wilful refusal, to consider that there might be something seriously wrong, in places such as Harrow. Time to think about what that might be...
ReplyDeleteServed up any chicken halal sausages?
ReplyDeleteHey those racist folks are just going to go and pick on isolated singles in a area heavily crowded by them, they have to resort to even robbing own their grannies , they must of felt full of shame when they never even got near the mosque, lol. they must of been singing racist songs on the bus on the way there, and then went back with their tails tucked behind their legs, making excuses, lol. But it was was wrong to fight them, they are all just poor folks just about on the breadline, with single mothers, with 7 kids, who have seven dads, all on benefits.
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