The rise of ISIS presents a good opportunity to talk to Muslims about Islam in the modern world. The violence they inspire in western nations can be a good starter for a conversation we ought to be having. Unfortunately our politicians and media tend to present to shallow dichotomy when talking to Muslims, or talking about how we should talk to Muslims - either "ban them, bomb them," or "walk on eggshells in case we turn them into terrorists." I suggest a middle ground that reinforces the rights and liberties of all without shying away from the uncomfortable reality that faces us. It treats Muslims as mature individuals capable of standing up for themselves without slaughtering innocent people, yet does not simplistically deny the link between ISIS, terrorism and Islam.

The violence of ISIS and their supporters presents such a great opportunity to have this conversation because it allows us to demonstrate, by contrast, a fundamental requirement of civilised society: how to debate controversial issues without it descending into fisticuffs or exploding buses. Here I depart from both sides of the dichotomy - not shying from the difficult issues, while also not over-reacting. By this I mean not just keeping your temper in check, but also refraining from throwing out the freedoms that distinguish us from an Islamic State. We should make Muslims feel welcome here, while also making them understand how we feel about the more barbaric aspects of Islam. Trying to protect Muslims from our opinion about Islam is in my view just as dangerous as making them feel like we cannot co-exist.

So next time you sit down on the train and open your newspaper to a photo of bloody carnage, show it to the Muslim sitting next to you and calmly ask him his opinion it. For example, you could ask whether he considers ISIS to be a Caliphate, how a 'proper' Caliphate might differ from ISIS and whether he would feel compelled to support such a nation. If it is a story about cartoonists being executed, ask him what he thinks about the government's role in protecting him from mockery of Islam and Muhammed. If it is a story about acid being thrown in girls' faces, ask him what he thinks about a woman's right to dress how she chooses. If it is about Israel, ask him if Islam compels Muslims to make non-Muslims second class citizens wherever they gain political control. Most people who openly self-identify as a Muslim are eager for the opportunity to give their views in a safe environment.

Don't be shy.

OK, so I am sitting next to this guy, and I do as you say. Then he turns to me and says, "I am Sike, not a bloody Muslim! You think because I look Middle Eastern I am one of those bastards! You are just another racist!"

Let us know how it goes. Let him do all the talking the first time.

Unfortunately our politicians and media tend to present to shallow dichotomy when talking to Muslims, or talking about how we should talk to Muslims - either "ban them, bomb them," or "walk on eggshells in case we turn them into terrorists."


Maybe I had the wrong impression of you FD ... all this time I always thought all you wanted to do was ban or bomb them.

John Smith wrote on Nov 19^th, 2015 at 1:34pm:




How about standing FD a free Italian meal down in Little Italy's Norton street by way of apology? And a bottle of Chianti? Huh?

You can take me too. All I've ever wanted with our Muslims is 'dialogue' - kumbaya - and ethnic dancing on the street outside the Lakemba mosque.   

**

Asking a Muslim for his opinion on these matters is a useless exercise. He'll tell you whatever he thinks will remove him from any suspicion of sympathising with these terrorists.

And with half a dozen of our security agencies asking us to inform them of anyone who seems even remotely in sympathy with terrorism - he'd be a fool to tell you anything that might compromise himself with the feds and the undercover guys.

And then ... never discuss religion or politics with a stranger ... 

cods wrote on Nov 19^th, 2015 at 1:56pm:


Let's hope FD doesn't forget to put on his flak jacket before he boards the train.

tickleandrose wrote on Nov 19^th, 2015 at 2:07pm:


It's homosexuals who initiate conversations with strangers on trains.

Lord Herbert wrote on Nov 19^th, 2015 at 2:04pm:



he told me   they wouldnt stand a chance if he came across them'   fight to the death.


I am still interested how he can tell an EXTREME MUSLIM from a nice PASSIVE ONE>>...



but lets see how that train trip in Lakemba works out..