Generalization and bigotry when reporting on Muslims.

[***super_nova***]

: Reza Aslan calls out the media for generalization and bigotry when reporting on Muslims.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152410206006167&fref=nf

[iapetus_rocks]

Oh no, you got me wrong. I'm bigoted against Islam. 😉 (but not against Muslims, if you appreciate the distinction)

No, it's not that i'm bigoted or against any religion except . . . if that religion encourages people to behave like barbarians to other people who may not agree, or who may not choose to follow that religion.

WhatI I am against is the restriction of personal freedoms which some religions prescribe.

Actually, I don't believe in any of them. I am an atheist and I really feel for people who are trapped and constrained by their religion to behave inhumanely to others, justifying it by reference to their religious faith.

[goldenjet16]

"I am an atheist"

That's a shame.... Your more than welcomed to the christain religion. 😉

[iapetus_rocks]

Thanks for the welcome. 🙂 and I welcome you to a rational consideration of what it means to live in this world. Religion is ok if . . . if it doesn't restrict the actions and the beliefs of others.

Why do some people threaten others with violence if they will not agree to follow a certain faith (and a particular sect of that faith in to the bargain) ?

[iapetus_rocks]

Actually, I do have a sort of a religion. I appreciate the teachings of Guatama Buddha.

(and by this confession I am sure thatI I  have lost the support of some people here, but that's life . . . we can't please everyone, and nor should we try.)

The Christian religion has a lot to offer. Peace, tolerance and a respect for others, even if of a different faith. Islam could be really great if it could say the same.

[iapetus_rocks]

Although, the Christian religion has, historically, been a llittle light on "tolerance" of differences. But times have changed, and whether due to political or religious reasons (enlightenment to what religion is all about?) we in the West have the right and the ability to pose Questions.

This ability seems to be denied to those who follow a particular religion which demands that their followers "submit" . . . no questions asked, and no questions encouraged

[boris1gary]

---

@iapetus_rocks wrote:

Although, the Christian religion has, historically, been a llittle light on "tolerance" of differences. But times have changed, and whether due to political or religious reasons (enlightenment to what religion is all about?) we in the West have the right and the ability to pose Questions.

This ability seems to be denied to those who follow a particular religion which demands that their followers "submit" . . . no questions asked, and no questions encouraged

---

a lot of "seems" in your post, so is that recognition that you don't know? 

[boris1gary]

my opinion on Ben has gone up quite a bit, good on him

Ben Affleck in angry debate on Islam

Ben Affleck launched into an angry tirade over religion on TV show Real Time With Bill Maher on Friday.

The Argo and Gone Girl-star appeared on a panel discussing current affairs and became incensed when the host Bill Maher and author Sam Harris began talking about radical Islamists because he felt they were stereotyping all Muslims.

"We have been sold this meme of Islamophobia, where criticism of the religion gets conflated with bigotry towards muslims as people," Harris began. "It's intellectually ridiculous." "Hold on — are you the person who officially understands the codified doctrine of Islam?" Affleck interrupted.

He then told them their talk was "gross and racist": "It's like saying, 'Oh, you shifty Jew!'"

Harris continued to argue that Islam was currently the "motherlode of bad ideas," and Maher agreed, which led Affleck to counter, "It's just an ugly thing to say", before launching into a tirade.

"How about the more than a billion people who are not fanatical, who don't punish women, who just want to go to school, have some sandwiches, pray five times a day and don't do any of the things that 'all Muslims do'? You're stereotyping. You're taking a few bad things and you're painting the whole religion with that same brush," Affleck said.

Affleck, who was visibly angered by the discussion, added: "We've killed more Muslims than they've killed us, by an awful lot... yet we're exempted from these things because they're not really a reflection of what we believe in... I'm specifically telling you that I disagree with what you think."

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/ben-affleck-in-angry-debate-on-islam-20141006-10qo7...

[boris1gary]

great, seems like the bigots and racists are getting  publicity around the world, go team arstraya

http://theaimn.com/australias-racism-makes-world-headlines/#comment-143756

Australia’s racism makes world headlines – again

International media has noticed the impact on vulnerable people as a result of the Islamophobic rage sweeping our country. Alan Austin reports.

Until recently, surfer-eating sharks, kangaroos disrupting air traffic and Naomi Watts have been the main topics of bulletins about Australia.

But in recent months Australia has been in the news for its highly visible sexism, racism and climate denial.

The world has reading in recent days damaging reports of a Muslim woman assaulted on a Melbourne train a week ago.

Unfortunately for the Abbott regime this is being linked to government actions.

New York-based International Business Times headed its item:

‘Alleged Muslim Woman Attacked on Train Raises Questions of Anti-Muslim Views in Australia’

The story quotes Scanlon Foundation survey findings that “19 percent of Australians struggle with some form of racial or religious discrimination”. It claims “racism is at its highest level since Scanlon Foundation began the survey in 2007”.

That report was picked up in Venezuela and by an international Muslim news network based in California.

Mindful that more people read headlines than stories, the UK’s Daily Mail led with:

“Woman’s head is battered against train carriage by female attacker who shouted racist abuse.”

Events were then reported in the context of Victoria’s anti-racism police campaign:

“The racial abuse has come to light only a few days after Victorian Chief Commissioner Ken Lay encouraged the Muslim community to report any racism they experience following the death of teenager Numan Haider who stabbed two police officers last week.”

[karliandjacko]

Breaking news: Australia has released a new version of the $5 plastic currency. The new note is to be used by female muslim people upon gaining the approval of their husbands, brothers, fathers, uncles, male neighbours and all other males who deem it their business to interfere and control women.

[debra9275]

I've always quite liked Ben Affleck. I must have good taste in people.

good on him, I've only seen a little bit that was shown on the news tonight, they were trying to silence him, hold on, hold on.

I must watch the whole thing