People don’t have a choice in the stereotypes and assumptions people make on the basis of their skin color, nor do they have a choice in the stereotypes concerning the symbols which people interpret according to the dominant narrative of extremism and cultural incompatibility. To be Muslim in America today is to be first and foremost a walking signifier for other people’s prejudice — regardless of how many credentials come after your name. It is the height of civilizational arrogance to assume you understand a creed, the manifestation of which varies not only in transit from Asia to Africa via the Middle east and Europe; but which also varies in its understanding even within nations and among peoples. And it is bigotry without bounds to suggest that those adherents of a faith — a faith persistently maligned in the public sphere, with little to no ability to rectify its public perception — are the ones wielding any power to redefine or even constrain American ideals. American Muslims are literally being left out of the conversation over what it means to be American. When they are present, they are forced into justifying their own humanity in order to absolve their very presence in the debate. Excellent! An absolutely excellent piece on the recent interview between Bill Maher and Ben Affleck that sparked heated controversy worldwide, and Reza Aslans follow up comments on a CNN interview. Myriam François Cerrah puts it just perfectly.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:43:36 +0000
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