Is Islamophobia the next anti-Communism?

[The Vegan Marxist]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osp6hFpbcfI&feature=channel

What do all of you think?

[Raúl Duke]

Is Islamophobia the next anti-Communism?No, I don't think so.

Islamophobia is bad because it's really xenophobia and/or racism (I disagree with the term Islamophobia per se); but it ain't the new "anti-communism."
The tea party and Beck's new brand of anti-progressivism is the new "anti-communism."

[Magón]

I think the matter in the US on Immigration from Mexico, is likely to become the next anti-Communist like action, than Islamaphobia is. I mean, you've got Sarah Palin, Tea Baggers, and others already speaking out against Immigration, more than you do about Islam. Arizona even had that bill, which got kind of cut down in the discriminatory section, but still doesn't help anything for people trying to learn about the Immigration matter.

[Rusty Shackleford]

basically what raul duke said.

but, if you tie islamophobia with the new wave of anti-communist thought you have a few necessary ingredients for a fascistic movement.

now all you need is middle income class/petit bourgeois support for the policies and youre even closer to something fascistic coming about. oh wait. these are already here.

these two things (islamophobia and anti-communism) are just two (of many)faces of a single reactionary entity.

[Weezer]

Islamophobia is simply new fuel for the white supremacist engine.

Islamophobia is racism, and while anti-communism is equally as reactionary, it is not the new McCarthyism. Just how the Irish, Jews, and immigrants in general were treated over America's history, Muslims are being treated the same way.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Islamophobia is simply new fuel for the white supremacist engine.

Islamophobia is racism, and while anti-communism is equally as reactionary, it is not the new McCarthyism. Just how the Irish, Jews, and immigrants in general were treated over America's history, Muslims are being treated the same way.
that is correct. for it to be so it would have to happen through the state

[Peace on Earth]

Islamophobia is too small a part of the right's broader movement against anything "un-American." It combines a fear of Islam with a fear of immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America, as well as racism.

Islamaphobia isn't the new anti-Communism, which was a direct struggle between capitalism and communism. With a fear of Islam, it comes from all people of all faiths and backgrounds, instead of one united belief system.

[Magón]

Islamophobia is too small a part of the right's broader movement against anything "un-American." It combines a fear of Islam with a fear of immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America, as well as racism.

Islamaphobia isn't the new anti-Communism, which was a direct struggle between capitalism and communism. With a fear of Islam, it comes from all people of all faiths and backgrounds, instead of one united belief system.

Since when was Islamphobia involving Mexican Immigration? I thought one focused on racial problems, and the other religious?

[The Vegan Marxist]

Since when was Islamphobia involving Mexican Immigration? I thought one focused on racial problems, and the other religious?

Islamophobia has divulged into racial prejudices as well. Whenever someone see's what they would think is an "islamic terrorist", that's the islamophobia kicking in.

[NGNM85]

No, they're quite different. The Red Scare was a totally different beast. This is mostly just a modern imanifestation of racism. However, while there is a lot of truly deplorable racism and bile coming from the right, we need to be able to differentiate between racist rhetoric and the legitimate criticism. There absolutely is a crisis on fanaticism in the Muslim world and we cannot be hamstrung by political correctness to the point where we can't even call a spade a spade.

[RadioRaheem84]

No, they're quite different. The Red Scare was a totally different beast. This is mostly just a modern imanifestation of racism. However, while there is a lot of truly deplorable racism and bile coming from the right, we need to be able to differentiate between racist rhetoric and the legitimate criticism. There absolutely is a crisis on fanaticism in the Muslim world and we cannot be hamstrung by political correctness to the point where we can't even call a spade a spade.

I am sure the comrade was talking about prejudice and racism against people who simply follow the faith, and people who tout it's a religion that simply preaches to murder they neighbor. We're not talking about the actual extremists who commit murder in the name of religion. We're not blind, NGN. We know the difference. So, do not start a stupid debate on here. I know you're ready to dish out more Harris, but just don't.

[Dimentio]

No, I don't think so.

Islamophobia is bad because it's really xenophobia and/or racism (I disagree with the term Islamophobia per se); but it ain't the new "anti-communism."
The tea party and Beck's new brand of anti-progressivism is the new "anti-communism."

Its new antisemitism. The only difference is that muslims in general don't have the same patience with shit as Jews during the 1930's, which mean that its easy to provoke groups of muslims and then "proove" that the muslims want to convert all of Europe.

[~Spectre]

It's a prevalent cultural bias that's easy to exploit and fuel in the interest of imperialism.

Undoubtedly, it's one of the reasons why support for the Afghanistan and Iraq occupations isn't lower.

[Raúl Duke]

Since when was Islamphobia involving Mexican Immigration? I thought one focused on racial problems, and the other religious?
Islamophobia has divulged into racial prejudices as well. Whenever someone see's what they would think is an "islamic terrorist", that's the islamophobia kicking in. I think the main issue with "islamophobia" is the inherent racism in it.
Personally, I don't care if people hate Islam the religion; the issue is that the "Islamophobia" phenomenon is a veneer for anti-Middle Eastern racism and/or an unaccommodating and/or hateful behavior towards Muslims (particularly Middle-Eastern muslims; I bet white muslims are mostly ignored or benignly made fun of).

In Europe, there's an immigrant aspect to the whole thing.


Its new antisemitism. The only difference is that muslims in general don't have the same patience with shit as Jews during the 1930's, which mean that its easy to provoke groups of muslims and then "proove" that the muslims want to convert all of Europe. Perhaps but this may be due to cultural differences between European Jews of the 1930s and present-day Middle-Eastern Muslims. European Jews, particularly in eastern Europe, were accustomed to anti-semitic pogroms and/or, particularly in the West, where assimilated into overall European culture and more secular. Middle-Eastern muslims live/lived in country's with muslim majorities and/or which had/have religious laws/taboos in place and enforced with punishment.

Although most Western-based muslims are not easily provoked (at least not in the US, up to this point; I'm not very familiar with Europe's muslim population) except for a few extremist groups like "Revolution Muslim," than again fringe extremist religious groups are a normal thing in America, we have a whole bunch of christian ones with more power and influence.

[The Red Next Door]

It different but it is similar to the red scare. in terms of how the media portray islam and stuff. but as dimentio had said, it is just like anti semitism. Because you know, unlike the 50's. the government is not making a lot scare propaganda against Muslim, fox and co are doing it.

[Dimentio]

Although most Western-based muslims are not easily provoked (at least not in the US, up to this point; I'm not very familiar with Europe's muslim population) except for a few extremist groups like "Revolution Muslim," than again fringe extremist religious groups are a normal thing in America, we have a whole bunch of christian ones with more power and influence.

The difference is that the muslims in the USA are generally quite successful in comparison with for example Mexicans or African-Americans. In the USA, Arabs and Iranians are often doctors, university graduates and similar.

In Europe, most of them are living in de-facto ghettoes.

[Aesop]

The difference is that the muslims in the USA are generally quite successful in comparison with for example Mexicans or African-Americans. In the USA, Arabs and Iranians are often doctors, university graduates and similar.

In Europe, most of them are living in de-facto ghettoes.

Being Arabic or iranian does not mean that your muslim.

[Raúl Duke]

Being Arabic or iranian does not mean that your muslim.

True, but "islamophobia" in the West targets them anyway. People seem to equal middle-eastern with muslim; thus the whole racism component of "islamophobia".

[hatzel]

True, but "islamophobia" in the West targets them anyway. People seem to equal middle-eastern with muslim; thus the whole racism component of "islamophobia".

This is the problem. And, in such case, it is even worse than any kind of anti-communism. For instance, a communist, unless wearing some kind of communist slogan t-shirt or so on, can walk down the street entirely unnoticed. And even a non-Muslim with an Arabesque appearance can be instantly recognised and identified, albeit falsely, as a Muslim, with all the potential distaste that brings with it.

That said, I think that calling Islamophobia the new anti-communism is totally incorrect, and perhaps even somewhat offensive. It's racism, pure and simple. Maybe I'm biased, as a Jew, but I see Islamophobia as the new anti-Semitism. Those same people, and those same political parties who a few decades ago would have discriminated against Jews now have a new enemy. Of course, in the aftermath of the Holocaust, anti-Semitism is imbued with a huge social stigma that Islamophobia isn't, so the common voter may be more willing to vote for an openly anti-Muslim party than an anti-Jew or anti-Black party. Add this to the very large and visible Islamic presence, here in Europe at least, and you can see why 'populist' right-leaning movements have shifted their attentions to this new 'enemy', using much of the same rhetoric as has been used against Jews, Blacks and Gypsies for centuries.

Personally, I would be very surprised if I die before seeing quasi-pogroms against the Muslims, with some kind of organised, right-wing, widespread vandalism of mosques and Muslim homes and businesses in at least one of the European countries. Whether or not I believe this will descend into a more organised attempted 'extermination', I'm not sure. I can't see it being enacted on a state level, but what's to stop vigilante right-wing organisations taking the law, and Muslims, into their own hands? I think we should fight to oppose Islamophobia in all its forms, and do our best to prevent what, at present, seems painfully close to an inevitability...

[Red Commissar]

True, but "islamophobia" in the West targets them anyway. People seem to equal middle-eastern with muslim; thus the whole racism component of "islamophobia".

There was an altercation in the protest against the NYC mosque where teabaggers and other assorted nuts were demonstrating their patriotism where the mosque was not going to be built:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/kelly/95748769_On_this_ground__zero_tolerance.html?page= all


At one point, a portion of the crowd menacingly surrounded two Egyptian men who were speaking Arabic and were thought to be Muslims.

"Go home," several shouted from the crowd.

"Get out," others shouted.

In fact, the two men – Joseph Nassralla and Karam El Masry — were not Muslims at all. They turned out to be Egyptian Coptic Christians who work for a California-based Christian satellite TV station called "The Way." Both said they had come to protest the mosque.

"I'm a Christian," Nassralla shouted to the crowd, his eyes bulging and beads of sweat rolling down his face.

But it was no use. The protesters had become so angry at what they thought were Muslims that New York City police officers had to rush in and pull Nassralla and El Masry to safety.

"I flew nine hours in an airplane to come here," a frustrated Nassralla said afterward.

I agree with your first statement that the "anti-Communism" of today is the kind of anti-progressivism that is being preached by right-wing pundits like Beck. Islamophobia can be a component of this, but by itself can't be a full-fledged force.

It is though, a troubling concern. Really it's shameful how certain figures in the media egg this on, but they find it a useful way to rouse up their constituents for the potential of political gain.

[The Vegan Marxist]

There was an altercation in the protest against the NYC mosque where teabaggers and other assorted nuts were demonstrating their patriotism where the mosque was not going to be built:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/kelly/95748769_On_this_ground__zero_tolerance.html?page= all



I agree with your first statement that the "anti-Communism" of today is the kind of anti-progressivism that is being preached by right-wing pundits like Beck. Islamophobia can be a component of this, but by itself can't be a full-fledged force.

It is though, a troubling concern. Really it's shameful how certain figures in the media egg this on, but they find it a useful way to rouse up their constituents for the potential of political gain.

Wow...they had a sign with a toilet on it, saying "This is a Mosque. Do You Want it Built at Ground Zero?" Yet, these ignorant racist fucks don't even realize it's not being built at Ground Zero, rather two blocks away from it where a factory use to be at. http://www.replica-watches-guide.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/head%20bash.gif

[Magón]

Islamophobia has divulged into racial prejudices as well. Whenever someone see's what they would think is an "islamic terrorist", that's the islamophobia kicking in.

Maybe on racial matters they're somewhat the same, but Islamophobia has nothing to do with Mexican Immigration in anything but a Racist matter. In all the reports, articles, and the rallies I've been to and read, they've never had any sort of current Islamic or Muslim undercurrent or even hinted at anything such. And I've never heard any Right-Wing party or group mention Islam and Mexican Immigration in the sam sentence.Anyone who says something about Mexicans and Islam together, and it comes out Islamophobic has got some serious problems telling the difference.

Like Raul said, Islamophobia pertains to those in the Middle East, while Xenophobia pertains to the influx of Mexican Immigration into the US, and anyone else coming into the US. But obviously Mexico is the major case right now.