Lumpen Bourgeois
11th November 2009, 02:12
It seems, from a cursory reading of threads here on revleft, that criticizing Islam is akin to supporting right-wing populism. If anyone is to bring up an example of oppression, stemming usually from a certain interpretation of the Quran, transpiring in a majority muslim country under the rule of a theocratic regime, that person is condemned as either having been inculcated by the white-chauvinist bourgeois media or that person is scolded and told that far worse offenses occur in western countries (which can no doubt be true) and/or the seemingly unconscionable behavior of Islamic governments against its own people is merely a function of U.S. or Israeli intervention/action.
It addles me. I thought communists were generally opposed to organized religion, but perhaps an exception is made if that organized religion in question happens to be adhered to by those (al Qaeda and the Taliban today) who are fighting Western imperialism. Surely a rejoinder could be made here that communists oppose all religions equally. But, based on what Ive read here from many revlefters, I really must question this. There are plenty of threads that point out to the absurd and downright horrific or inhumane beliefs and practices of those who follow Christianity or at least a very strict interpretation of it, but I think wed be hard pressed to find a communist who quickly responds, but not all Christians are like that or support those practices or but thats only one interpretation of Christianity.
We have a What does the bible say about women thread? in the Relgion forum and most communist posters there agree that the Bible and therefore Christianity are quite sexist. But if you accuse Islam of being sexist, several here would probably chastise you for being ignorant of the Quran and/or question your beliefs. The bottom line is that Christianity is roundly condemned and mocked. (All the Jesus Raptor images are an amusing, yet telling example of mockery). But what if you bring up criticism of Islam? Well, youre very likely going to be accused of being an ignorant Islamaphobe with a chip on their shoulder and a deep seated hatred for Palestinians and moderate Muslim workers. And perhaps youre a crypto- Zionist and a petty Liberal too.
So, with that being considered, can someone please explain to me what the stance of leftists is on this issue and why Islam generally seems to be immune to reproach here or why it should be?
It addles me. I thought communists were generally opposed to organized religion, but perhaps an exception is made if that organized religion in question happens to be adhered to by those (al Qaeda and the Taliban today) who are fighting Western imperialism. Surely a rejoinder could be made here that communists oppose all religions equally. But, based on what Ive read here from many revlefters, I really must question this. There are plenty of threads that point out to the absurd and downright horrific or inhumane beliefs and practices of those who follow Christianity or at least a very strict interpretation of it, but I think wed be hard pressed to find a communist who quickly responds, but not all Christians are like that or support those practices or but thats only one interpretation of Christianity.
We have a What does the bible say about women thread? in the Relgion forum and most communist posters there agree that the Bible and therefore Christianity are quite sexist. But if you accuse Islam of being sexist, several here would probably chastise you for being ignorant of the Quran and/or question your beliefs. The bottom line is that Christianity is roundly condemned and mocked. (All the Jesus Raptor images are an amusing, yet telling example of mockery). But what if you bring up criticism of Islam? Well, youre very likely going to be accused of being an ignorant Islamaphobe with a chip on their shoulder and a deep seated hatred for Palestinians and moderate Muslim workers. And perhaps youre a crypto- Zionist and a petty Liberal too.
So, with that being considered, can someone please explain to me what the stance of leftists is on this issue and why Islam generally seems to be immune to reproach here or why it should be?