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| The Ghetto philosophy |
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| Traveler |
| 12/11/02 at 08:56:44 |
[slm] I need an opinion poll on this article. Do you really feel muslims are following a "Ghetto philosophy" as described in the article. I personally disagree and think it's a bit exaggerated just to make us feel we're not doing enough, which I agree with, but an exaggeration nonetheless. Let me know what you guys think. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author: Tazin Abdullah Publishing date: 11.11.2002 23:37 “…to believe that one can ingratiate oneself with a mortal enemy by denying that his lashes sting, , to deny one’s own degradation in return for a moment’s respite, to support one’s enemy who will only use his strength the better to destroy one. All this is part of the ghetto philosophy.” - Bruno Bettelheim, a Holocaust survivor, in Recollections and Reflections (Thames and Hudson, 1990). Bettelheim was referring to the reluctance of German Jews to respond to a call for boycotting German products during Hitler’s reign. Apparently, the Jews in Germany were under the impression that playing nice with Hitler, even at their own cost, would somehow make life easier for them. I don’t know if it was a coincidence that I came across this quote immediately following the Bali bombings. Having read a number of press releases by Islamic Councils Australia-wide, I was looking for a term to summarise the Muslim response to the bombings. The “Ghetto Philosophy” seemed appropriate. Each press release was carefully worded to describe the Muslim community’s immense pain for the victims, the disdain for the perpetrators of the crime, Islam’s stance on the killing of innocents and the emphasis on the fact that the actions of a few Muslims should not reflect on the wider Muslim community. That too, at a time, when no plausible link had been established between any Muslim group and the bombings. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought the Muslims were more eager to fortify that link than the Australian government. No, the Australian government is not Hitler re-incarnated and we’re not being incarcerated in concentration camps. But one cannot help but draw a parallel in our attitude with the one Bettelheim describes. My lecturer, in a class at university following the Bali bombings, commented on the concept of ‘victimhood’. He said a new form of consensus had developed in society, whereby it was accepted that somehow people holidaying or partying were victims more deserving of our sympathy – that their lives were somehow worth more than others who died. He also pointed out how it had become generally accepted that the Anglo-Saxon Christian was always a victim and everyone else fell into the category of the criminal. I nodded my head with others in the class and agreed with him. But, unlike my friends, I gritted my teeth in frustration, as I realised that I could never say something like that. I could never point out, like another one my teachers did, that everyone has conveniently forgotten how Australians have treated Bali like their own backyard and have, for so long, exploited the place and its resources. Outside my classroom, I could never speak of the circus that the media has made of the whole incident. Why not? Because I’m a Muslim. Because my leaders and people who claim to represent me in the media have fed right into that circus. They have said what the atmosphere requires of them – exactly what appeases the public. They have set a precedent whereby every statement we make about the Bali bombings has to be justified by an expression of extreme sympathy and apology for the victims. They have ensured that at all times we defend our criticisms of a government that has been unjust, by saying that we are loyal to it. How many times have we expressed sympathy for the death of innocents? How many times have we confirmed our ‘Australian-ness’? How many times have we made the proclamation, “Islam is a religion of peace”? Just because that is the requirement of the media and the culture around us does not mean that it is right. By following its rules and participating in it, we are only contributing to it. Not making effective criticisms only encourages its existence and continuation. Shaking hands with reporters before interviews and complaining when they are not listening is of no use. Some argue that it is “damage control” to save Muslims from an immediate backlash – perhaps the “moment’s respite” that Bettelheim mentions. The question is, is it a moment’s respite? Is it a respite at all? Over a year of explanations did not stop the 40 recorded attacks on Australian Muslims following the Bali bombing or the Australian government’s inhuman treatment of Muslim refugees. Over a year of apologies did not stop Australia’s support in pounding Afghanistan to death. Over a year of protesting our innocence is not going to stop the needless death of thousands in Iraq. By constantly offering the same explanations and apologies, we are losing sight of achieving real justice. Muslims are now careful to only say the right things, not to step on any toes and to ensure that they say what the public likes. We have given in to diplomacy, at the cost of honesty. I remember hearing at an Islamic lecture that one of the forms of Jihad is to speak out against a tyrannical ruler. It seems as if, in trying to explain Jihad to everyone else, we have forgotten to do Jihad ourselves. |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| theOriginal |
| 12/11/02 at 15:07:45 |
| [slm] Nice article. It's hard to say what is right and what isn't. Are we compromising on our faith by subduing the noise? It is very true that after WWII, the Jews did their damndest to try and make sure the world would never forget. Now, more than half a century later, we still have to experience "Holocaust Awareness Week" at school, which needless to say, is not a bad thing. I have read that there were 5 million Jews in Europe in before WWII, and yet, nearly every history book will tell us that 6 million Jews died in the genocide. I point that fact out simply to prove that the Jews worked very systemically to get this far, and I think what they did was incredibly beneficial for their people. So why should we shut up? Better question still, why DO we shut up? I think I've mentioned this before, but the editor of the Toronto Star, which happens to be one of the most largely distributed papers here, is Muslim. When he was asked why ever since the heightened Israeli/Palestinian issue there were 8 out of the 10 headlines were in support of the Israeli side...he answered simply, "the other side cries louder." Obviously we're doing something wrong. Wasalaam. SF. |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| ltcorpest2 |
| 12/11/02 at 19:53:49 |
| . I agree with it. Why should i be embarassed by the actions of some terrorist who happenes to be Muslim? I didn't do it. You don't see Catholics apologizing for the IRA, do you? 'No bearer of burdens can bear the burdens of another.' (Quran) I think it is a natural state of being when someone who brings shame to your faith to be embarassed. When Jerry Falwell said things about Islam I felt ashamed. When someone who goes to your church and does something wrong and it becomes public knowledge you feel ashamed. When all those preachers like Tammy fae and Jim Baker were indicted for crimes I felt ashamed as a Christian. If you think that wrongs are being done in your religions' name it should bring shame and frustration, how could it not? Well, my mother emptied her cart from the stuff and pushed it aside so that they would be able to park. But there was another cart there, someone had previously left it there and the man was about to honk again and my mother moved that aside as well, despite my telling her not to do that. My mother's answer was that it's no big deal and that we should avoid a confrontation. I disagree. If he wanted to park his van there, he should have gotten out and removed the second cart which was not ours. I have done that many times and others do it too. If I wand to park in a particular spot, I do not honk at the person to hurry up. (And in Houston, you don't honk at anyone, Cuz people have been shot at for honking) Maybey you will think it's a small inccident and that I'm making a big deal out of it. I don't think I am. Give the devil and inch and he will take a mile. (or something like that). I always think it is better to do good and go the extra mile just to be a nice person. Kinda dumb, but I always take a cart with me from the parking lot just to make the guy who has to pick all the carts up job a little easier. I think if you moved both catrs and did it with a smile you might break down a barrier or 2. small little good deeds go a long way. |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| Maliha |
| 12/12/02 at 07:39:22 |
| [slm] One thing we should always keep in mind is our beloved's [saw] response to similar situations. For one his advice was *Do Not Get Angry*. We as Muslims can not operate on an emotional level...This whole tit for tat philosophy is not Islam. We have to rise higher, and be exemplars to society's ignorance. The famous incident of the Rasul [saw] when trash was being thrown on him by a lady....everyday, with the intent of "humiliating him, insulting him, sullifying him..." what did he do? He did not turn around and grab a big huge trash can and throw it at her too. He persevered. And then later, when the woman did not show up, he got worried and went to inquire about her. And even visited her when he found out she was sick :o SubhanaAllah! Needless to say the woman became Muslim after that. What happened when the Rasul [saw] went to Taif? He was stoned by the people of Taif, even children! When the angels of punishment came and asked him whether he wanted Taif to be destroyed..What did he do? He prayed for the people, he prayed for their forgiveness and hidaya. SubhanaAllah we have the perfect example in him [saw], and yet we forget. Our struggle is not an based on satisfying our egoes. We have every right to be angry, but the true Jihad is not to act on that level of blind emotionalism and hate. We have to rise higher than that. The Rasul [saw] was sent as a Mercy to all of *creation* not just Muslims. And who knows, the same people we may hate today, may become even better Muslims than we are Wallahu A'3lam. I have faced isolated incidences of prejudice and ignorance, but to say the truth the amount of kindness that has been shown to me, has far exeeded those random acts of stupidity. I am not blind to the situation of the Ummah, but I blame *us* more for what is happening to us, then anyone else. We need to fall back in line with being True Muslims, and eternal victory will be ours...it is a promise from The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful Himself. Wallahu A3lam. Sis, Maliha :-) [wlm] |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| UmmWafi |
| 12/12/02 at 09:51:30 |
| [slm] Sigh........ Islamic Fundamentalists, Islamic Militants, Islamic Extremists, Muslim Terrorists, Progressive Islam, Herd Mentality, Us or Them, Ghetto Philosophy... Is it just me or is anyone else kinda sick of all these ? C'mon guys...the misunderstanding and attack on Islam did not start from Sept 11 as a result of a backlash neither will it stop after Australia invade a sovereign country in the name of "weeding out terrorists". There has been, historically and currently, very well-strategised and planned efforts to subdue the practice of Islam in its entirety and faithfully. Why ? Because only Islam has the power to stop the voracious march and advance of globalisation, secularisation and what-have-yous. If u think I am just witch-hunting, go read the many many many many literature written by Muslims and non-Muslims on this issue. So please do not naively think that our duty is to "repair" the image of Islam after Sept 11 and Bali. Our real duty, as Muslims, is to ourselve learn the TRUE meaning of the Deen so that we have true knowledge of who we are as Muslims, minus all the ridiculous labels and adjectives. Our task should not be to "defend" Islam for Islam needs no defending. Instead our aim is to spread the beauty of the Deen. Not by engaging in pointless debates as to why the West should not persecute Muslims in general "cos it wasn't us who attacked WTC. It was a group of people who claimed they are Muslims, although we don't know if they are true Muslims cos Islam..etc...etc..etc..." Simplest way is to be exemplary Muslims ourselves, in thoughts, actions and speech. If the Prophet [saw] was never defensive at a time when Islam was new, I don't see why we should be defensive at a time when it is already proven that Islam is Beauty and Truth. Wallahua'alam bissawab. I am reminding myself of these more than I remind others, Insya'Allah. PS Ltcorpest : I also return the trays at McDonalds ;D Wassalam. |
| 12/12/02 at 09:53:57 |
| UmmWafi |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| ltcorpest2 |
| 12/12/02 at 12:58:59 |
| first things first, Umm Wafi So you admit publicly to eating at mickey d's? The guy in the parking lot was trying to humiliate us by saying, "remove the other cart too even though it's not yours." He didn't roll down and say "could you please move that out of the way, i would appreciate it." He honked, which was very rude. I don't think a smile would have done anything in that particular situation. I agree with maliha, The Heathen show kindness to their own, but it is the people of faith knowing they are doing right for God's sake and not to incur praise from men. Showing kindness to people whom you are in disagreement with shows your faith and brings shame to the person who is of a worldy mind. |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| panjul |
| 12/13/02 at 00:09:19 |
| [slm] Traveler, were you a contributor on jannah.'s old, old board? I think I remember you. :) well, i'm going to take my response off to your question, cuz people have veered off the subject and some i don't think got what the discussion was about. which is very annoying to me. |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| Traveler |
| 12/14/02 at 12:33:00 |
| [slm] Thanks everybody for your feedback, I really appreciate it. Panjul, the old board? nope this is the only one I know of. And I feel you're right about the misunderstanding, I had to go back and read the article to make sure I didn't misunderstand it myself. ;D Thanks again. |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| UmmWafi |
| 12/16/02 at 07:24:09 |
| Ltcorpest : Which part of my reply were in disagreement with ? Hmmm my powers of perception is sadly decling :( As to veering off topic and annoying people...uhhh...when I reread the Ark and see the number of tmes we all veer off topics at some point in time, it is enough to make some peoples' blood boil, i say wot ? Wassalam. |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| Halima |
| 12/17/02 at 07:26:19 |
| Sisters and Brothers, Veering off the topic, addressing it precisely, etc. I agree with the sentiments of those you said that we should be tolerant. I also agree with with UmmWafi. Islam has always been attacked in different ways way before September 11, etc. It will continue to be case. But let's not loose heart. Especially now when more people across the world are sincerely curious about it, learning about it, trying to understand and many converting into it. It is a growing religions which has stood the TEST OF TIME and will continue TO DO SO. Its detractors will enventually joint it. Don't get me wrong, I do defend it all the time. In my part of the world, this religions is much respected. I am in a country where Muslims are a minority BUT the we are respected. Yes, we have had our share of hatred, especially during the 1998 bombing the American Embassy here in Nairobi. Muslims in Nairobi and along the Kenyan coast have harrassed, interrogated, held for questioning without any proof. The recent attacks in Mombasa on Israelli interests resulted in the same kind of treatment from the FBI and Israelli Mossad. Four Somalis and 6 Pakistanis were held and just released last Friday after it was established that they had no link to Al-Qaeda. Yet from fellow Kenyans, the Muslims are seen as Kenyans too. Because every tribe of the 43 Kenyan tribes, you will find a Muslim. There are some Kenyans who are nasty, I encountered one such after the September 11. I work with a UN Agency (UNICEF). In the UN, we International Civil Servants first and foremost. We bound by the Oath of Office to respect each other's cultural orientation, religious affiliation and colour. Yet my colleague lashed at me when Muslims here demonstrated against the attacks in Afganistan. I could not contain myself. I reacted and gave put him in his place. I then reported to incident to head of office at a retreat of all staff and in which I said, abc happened to me from a fellow colleague. I further told everybody there I will not tolerate anybody bad mouthing my religions and I will fight back NO MATTER WHAT. Our head of office was appalled by such behaviour. All staff were warned against such behaviour as it is tantamount to My harrassment. I know that right now, the UN does not hold much respect especially with discriminatory resolutions which are now frequently being passed. But in my case it worked. I believe that despite the formidable odds we encounter as Muslims, we will PREVAIL, ISLAM will PREVAIL, INSHA-ALLAH. Wasalaam. Halima |
| Re: The Ghetto philosophy |
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| imaazh |
| 12/17/02 at 11:30:25 |
| [quote author=Traveler link=board=ummah;num=1039615004;start=0#0 date=12/11/02 at 08:56:44] I nodded my head with others in the class and agreed with him. But, unlike my friends, I gritted my teeth in frustration, as I realised that I could never say something like that. Why not? Because I’m a Muslim. [/quote] I totally sympathise with this feeling of being helpless and powerless to speak out because of a fear of being judged as a Muslim. When I was in my first semester of uni, i undertook a course which looked at "Futures". One of the topics we touched on was "Operation Desert Fox", as it was known at the time. The lecturer was sympathetic to the Iraqi cause, presenting both sides of the coin in his arguments. Yet i felt helpless, as if i had to be extremely careful about what came out of my mouth, thus i refrained from speaking my thoughts. I look back at this wasted opportunity to do Da'wah, i was so unprepared, ill-equipped and afraid to express my thoughts. Perhaps it was because i had come straight from high school into the bewildering world of University, perhaps not. Now I'm all but kicking myself for losing the chance to contribute and present our side of the story, no matter how small. On the flip side, i also feel that as a new social science teacher, i will be restricted in what and how i can express my opinions. Students always want to know what their teachers think, yet, i still feel afraid of how much of my opinion i can express. If i express too little, i'm cheating myself, my faith and my students, if i express too much, i'm in danger of not only facing parental and administrative wrath but of also maintaining a facade. Such a difficult balance to find. My stance right now is to be as objective as i can be and speak about the good and the bad in both sides of the story. Balancing the tightrope is not easy but it can be done. Perhaps excercising diplomacy is just one of the first steps in setting forth a revolution in the public opinion of Islam. A few years ago, our community leaders would have been ill-equipped to handle the onslaught of the media. Revolutions do not occur in a single day, month or even a year. They take time. Inshaallah, given a lot more time, effort, education, unity and PATIENCE; we can exert more influence. For now, if diplomacy is all we can excercise, we must use it to the best of our advantage, for the sake of Allah and the protection of our Ummah. Wallahu Alam [wlm] |
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