The problem with muslims...

[twocompulsive]

To be honest it is not something that I am consciously aware of. I do not wake up every day wishing I lived somewhere else. If you had been raised alongside others from a differnt culture and happily co-existed with them, then you too would not be aware of it until it was referenced. I live in an area which is predominantly Pakistani, but there are other areas of Birmingham where one nationality is overwhelmingly evident. Handsworth for example is predominantly Jamaican. As humans we have a natural tribalistic tendency to settle amongst those we most identify with.

It's not a question of race but religion, and the rituals and divides which come with it. It just so happens muslims in birmingham are majority pakistani, don't compare areas which are 'jamaican' to areas which are muslim. It's not a fair comparison. I've already said the difference between muslims and the rest of british ethnic/religious groups in the OP so I'd rather not go into that again.

This is universal and not confined to one section of society. But to perceive others as different is rather worrying. This is where ignorance, prejudice, fear and hatred emanate from.

I knew someone would go for this angle eventually. Oh I guess I'm racist for pointing out a quite obvious difference between two cultures... Right? That's what you're getting at, unless I'm mistaken. Do I really have to go into why this is a pointlessly ignorant argument?

I have no problem with anyone living next door to me, long as they are doing me no harm.

Good for you. I don't either. The problem is, is that they (muslims) don't live next door to me, they live in their own community (PLOTTING THEIR TERRORIST ATTACKS!), one which you just happen to be in the middle of.

Funny though how multiculturalism was never a problem back in the days of Empire. Perfectly alright for us to impose ourselves on others, but heaven forbid they do it to us. Not that that makes it right, it doesn't. But we do seem to have a rather selective historical memory pertaining to this.

I really don't see the relevance of this argument if I'm honest. Frodo gave it a go a few posts back.

I wasn't responsible for the 'Empire', so I don't see how it would possibly affect me and my opinion on muslims today. You say 'us' when you talk about the empire, but it wasn't US at all was it? It was people from years ago, who frankly have fuck all to do with my personal views on islam, multi-culturalism and integration. Please, do elaborate on why you think muslims and the british empire are a fair comparison, and indeed why it gives any weight to your argument whatsoever?

Good points. Well argued.

You are correct to emphasise the difference between race and religion.

Do I think you are a racist for critising Islam ? I would be a hypocrite if I did. I will call out any practice which I believe is wrong irrespective of wherever it emanates from. The genital mutilation of children, suicide bombing and apostasy all are. Period. Some of these are more prevalent elsewhere but that is irrelevant. I am all for accommodation but not where human rights are compromised.

Regarding Empire : I would only state that there are those who wish we still had one. They may be in a minority but nevertheless. And you are absolutely right. I should not reference something that you personally had nothing to do with [ although your avatar / username does implies respect for imperialism nonetheless ! ]