"Terrorism" is a red-herring, it's really about values

[icehorse]

Yes, there is a bit of terrorism in the world, and it's a problem we cannot ignore. But IMHO, Islam and religious extremists pose far greater threats: erosion of civil liberties, climate change denial, science-in-general denial, misogyny, homophobia, and so on.

As I read or watch media concerning Islam or religious fundamentalists, it strikes me that every discussion that focuses on terrorism - from any angle - is a red herring.

Has anyone seen a major media outlet say - for example - "Christian fundamentalist values are not compatible with secular values" ?
Has anyone seen a major media outlet say - for example - "Islamic values are not compatible with secular values"?

 

[LuisDantas]

I suppose it is far more politically acceptable to focus on terrorism. But may you please check to see if this is correct?

But IMHO, Islam and religious extremists pose far greater threats

The construction is not very clear to me. Maybe there was a typo?

 

[icehorse]

Hi Luis,

Is this any clearer: In my opinion, Islamic values and the values of Christian extremists pose greater threats to secular society than terrorism does.

 

[LuisDantas]

Aye, it does. And I agree. Although I suppose some people you fail to see why secular values must be protected.

 

[icehorse]

Hey Luis,

Indeed, and that could be a really interesting discussion! (e.g. "why should secular values be protected?")

 

[Sultan Of Swing]

Yes, there is a bit of terrorism in the world, and it's a problem we cannot ignore. But IMHO, Islam and religious extremists pose far greater threats: erosion of civil liberties, climate change denial, science-in-general denial, misogyny, homophobia, and so on.

As I read or watch media concerning Islam or religious fundamentalists, it strikes me that every discussion that focuses on terrorism - from any angle - is a red herring.

Has anyone seen a major media outlet say - for example - "Christian fundamentalist values are not compatible with secular values" ?
Has anyone seen a major media outlet say - for example - "Islamic values are not compatible with secular values"?

Why would a major media outlet say that? They should be reporting the news not making religious/political declarations.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Hi Luis,

Is this any clearer: In my opinion, Islamic values and the values of Christian extremists pose greater threats to secular society than terrorism does.

*values of extremist Muslims

 

[LuisDantas]

*values of extremist Muslims

And that, indeed, deserves attention. Exactly how possible is it for a Muslim to avoid extremism?

Almost as important: how much to the majority Muslim countries encourage or even understand the importance of avoiding it?

It is IMO very dangerous and unjustified to simply assume (as you seem to do) that the best case scenario is realistic. The evidence for that just isn't there.

 

[icehorse]

Why would a major media outlet say that? They should be reporting the news not making religious/political declarations.

Good question. But if you take that stance, you should also ask why they get into categorizing religions at all? Instead we constantly assured of things like:

- Islam is a religion of peace
- Only Christian extremists would do such a thing.

In other words, the media is frequently proclaiming what's true about religion X in their reporting.

 

[Sultan Of Swing]

Good question. But if you take that stance, you should also ask why they get into categorizing religions at all? Instead we constantly assured of things like:

- Islam is a religion of peace
- Only Christian extremists would do such a thing.

In other words, the media is frequently proclaiming what's true about religion X in their reporting.

Well I wouldn't have it either way, I want facts, not opinions. Media bias is a problem, but swinging the other side of the pendulum of bias doesn't solve it.

 

[icehorse]

*values of extremist Muslims

no, Islamic values - full stop

 

[icehorse]

Well I wouldn't have it either way, I want facts, not opinions. Media bias is a problem, but swinging the other side of the pendulum of bias doesn't solve it.

When Islam is described as "a religion", I'd say the description is inaccurate. The mistake has already been made. It's a religion with a HEAVY DUTY political component. That fact is very rarely reported.