Posted:
What's the difference, then, between America and Saudi Arabia? Doesn't America pride itself on it's tolerance and liberalism? Aren't those the wonderful, cornerstone qualities which sets it apart from Saudi Arabia? Saudi Arabia is a horrible, ghastly place which would probably behead the person advocating the construction of a church. America proves that it is, after all, not so large minded either. Two wrongs do not make a right.
Fundamental islamists are overzealous and barbaric and loathsome. I'm not contesting that. however, what this issue essentially boils down to is whether America is going to uphold the primacy of the constitutional rights of freedom of religion and expression. The fact is, however much Americans may deny it, most of them do scapegoat Islam for 9/11. Americans feel it is insensitive and a disservice to the memory of the departed. I understand where they are coming from, but all the same I also recognise that it's not right. A religion in its entirely should not be held responsible for the actions of a few raving fanatics. It's not easy, emotions do run roughshod over rationality, and it's a lot easier to hate on a Muslim in the United States than a faceless Muslim residing in Saudi Arabia. These things can't be rationalised; they are visceral and raw and just human tendency.
I'm Indian and Hindu. India has seen more number of terrorist arracks than the US, if not in scale, then definitely in number. These attacks are perpetrated by Muslims. I know what it feels like, the anger, the hate, the despondency... Yet I have Muslim friends who are open minded and liberal and secular. That these wonderful people should bear the brunt of the actions of the lunatic fringe seems ridiculous to me. When the novelist Martin Amis infamously said that Muslims will have to suffer until they get their house in order, he was slammed. Looks like he was only echoing the popular sentiment, wasn't he?
Actions do indeed speak louder than words. These recent events have only proved that America is deeply uncomfortable with the idea of Islam. There's no point couching it in euphemisms and political correctness.
