Panorama - After Paris: The Battle for British Islam The joys of not being able to get back to sleep after waking up at 4am. I gave up trying at 530 and decided to send emails and watch this documentary In a nutshell this was a sensationalist documentary which placed the entire blame on Salafism and Wahabism. Which is still only a small group and not the large or growing as this programme makes out. We do need to create accurate media which explores the diversity of thought and practice within Islam in Britain. The vast majority of Muslims on Britain are from Sunni communities and the diversity of Sufism in Britain is a great topic which really needs further research Whilst I am not a great fan of Salafism and Wahabism (this should not be a reason for being sectarian) and do not agree with the methodological approach and rulings, however it is unfair to blame the entire group for extremism and terrorism. This is not a homogenous group but has a diversity of views and positions which needs to be taken into consideration. I do believe that the views highlighted are problematic. Rhetoric and ideology has a role to play whilst this needs to be understood in the context of vulnerability/susceptibility and grievances be that internal and external. Blow back and foreign policy is a factor, I find the denial of it problematic whilst considering it to be the only factor for radicalisation is just as problematic. I remember organising a great event with the FCO and have some very honest and open discussions. Grievance narrative - this is something that needs to be explored further. Whilst this mindsets is problematic we need to understand why it exists and how we can counter and challenge. On Wednesday a documentary titled young, white and angry is being aired, I do believe that this will be identifying grievance narrative in that specific community. We do need a documentary exploring why young British Muslims are angry, exploring the lived reality and we may not be overly surprised by the parallels we draw between both groups of young people. It does make a valid point about the victimhood mentality, which is why I have been calling for a balanced approach to understanding the reality of Islamophobia. I do believe that sensationalising Islamophobia or denying its existing is problematic and feeds the victimhood mentality. Overall we need take a balanced approach when discussing extremism, terrorism, radicalisation and ideology. We need to understand why and how British Muslims and those on the right wing are being radicalised, lets have an open and honest conversation about it. This documentary was overly simplistic in its approach and discussion. I do believe we need to create a theological counter narrative, bringing together diverse schools and opinions.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 06:42:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015