True Earthling (59 posts) Sun Nov-07-10 06:57 PM
Original message
Does the term "Muslim" refer to race or religion?
True or false... Christian and Muslim mean the same thing to their respective religions.
There are many ethnic groups who practice Islam and can be described as Muslim just as there are many ethnic groups who practice Christianity.
It seems almost automatic that any criticism of "Muslims" invites accusations of racism. If the term "Muslim" is associated with one's religious beliefs... how is that racism?
Are we over-using the term "racist" and "bigot" to the point where it's losing it's meaning?
I am an atheist and I can find fault in all religions. If I criticize a group who does not believe in equality between men and woman or is intolerant of gays I don't believe I would be called a bigot. Yes, I'm intolerant of those who espouse those values.
However, if I criticize a religion who doctrine explicitly supports ideology I judge to be false and damaging to society I am labeled "bigot". I don't understand why religion gets a pass from criticism over it's ideology.
As long as a religion's ideology is aligned with the interests of an integrated, tolerant, compassionate society where the religion's devotees are afforded the basic rights of freedom of speech and equality, and respects other's same basic rights, I do not have a problem. However if the religion's doctrine does not treat woman equally or does not respect a women's choice when it comes to abortion or if it demands unquestioning devotion and suppresses criticism - I have a problem with that.
I will criticize that religion as a group and I will criticize the members of that religion and anyone who supports that religion just like I would criticize individual Republicans and any group who call themselves Republicans.
I criticize Republicans because I disagree and am intolerant of their policies. I reject their beliefs. I use a broad brush to criticize anything Republican and that is applauded here. Why doesn't the same standard apply to religions who espouse ideology is that is sexist and repressive? Is it because they invoke "God" or "Allah" as the source of their doctrine? I don't see the difference because I don't accept the existence of God. To me the source of religious doctrine/ideology is the same as any political group... from the fallible and imperfect minds of their founders.
So as an atheist who believes that religions should be held to the same standards as political groups... am I a "religious hypocrite" as the term "bigot" is defined?
Wikipedia definition of "Bigot"...
A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs. The predominant usage in modern American English refers to persons hostile to those of differing race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, various mental disorders, or religion.
The origin of the word bigot and bigoterie (bigotry) in English dates back to at least 1598, via Middle French, and started with the sense of "religious hypocrite". Forms of bigotry may have a related ideology or world views.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigot
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9508417LostInAnomie (1000+ posts) Sun Nov-07-10 07:01 PM
Response to Original message
7. A lot of bigots use it interchangably.
When they refer to Muslims they really mean Middle Eastern.
Tell the truth. Are not most of the radical Muslims that wage Jihad of Arabic origin?
True Earthling (59 posts) Sun Nov-07-10 07:05 PM
Response to Reply #7
9. How do you know that?
Maybe that's what you're thinking. They mean the religion and you think they mean middle eastern. Is it possible you're making an unwarranted assumption?
No DUmmie, when we say Muslim, we mean Muslim. We don't mean those of the Jewish faith.
NuclearDem (32 posts) Sun Nov-07-10 07:09 PM
Response to Reply #9
13. Well, to be fair...
A lot of Americans who hate Muslims do assume that all Muslims are Arab and Middle Eastern (even though the vast majority of Muslims in the world are actually Indonesian). They're just THAT stupid.
You're just stooooopid enough to believe what you read on DU. Arab Muslims are probably a minority of Muslims.
de novo (137 posts) Sun Nov-07-10 07:09 PM
Response to Reply #9
14. When a bigot says someone "looks Muslim", basing it on skin and hair
Edited on Sun Nov-07-10 07:10 PM by de novo
color and their facial features, they are clearly referring to their race.
DUmmies do that, we've seen bouncies where DUmmies have identified Muslims by their dress and features.
