Looks As If Turkey Is Going Down The Shitter, Too

[Thumpalumpacus]

I don't like the term "Islamophobia" because it stigmatises criticism against the religion itself, which is sorely needed at this point in time. It's also one of those generic ad hominem silencer buzzwords (same with "Homophobia" and "transphobia") that's just fashionable to throw around now instead of making a real argument. "Anti-Muslim sentiment" would be better for discrimination against Muslims.

I feel like this "double standard" regarding Islam and Christianity goes both ways depending on whether you're listening to the Left wing or the Right wing. Everyone seems to have a different opinion, there's some who love Christianity while bashing Islam, and there's also some who knock Christianity and then defend Islam whatever it's adherents do. It's not a one-sided thing. If there's any "double standard" or extra attention Islam gets, it's because Islam has absolutely unrivaled power compared to any other religion today (even Christianity) and the lack of secularism within a lot of "Islamic societies" is a very real cause for concern.

I have no problem with a rational fear of or caution towards Muslim extremism, nor criticizing it -- as I myself do. It is when the violence of a small proportion of Muslims is used to justify bigotry against all of them that I start seeing irrationality and yes, bigotry.

Remember, there is a Presidential candidate here in America garnering wide support for doing exactly that.

I certainly don't want to "shut down" discussion myself ... but I damned well believe in calling a spade a spade.