Where to begin? Perhaps by noting that, although in Europe and North America we think we're knowledgeable and understanding in regards to other cultures, we are not as knowledgeable or understanding as we may think we are (I'm speaking on broad terms here, what a coincidence!). When it comes to Islam in particular, we've developed, or perhaps spawned, a multi-lateral culture that ranges from positive interest, to tolerance, to fear. It may be fair to say that the media is mostly responsible for this, yet at the same time, certain scholars and academics are marginally responsible, too. Take for example, Huntington's article "The Clash of Civilizations", that implies that, once the various civilizations have been eliminated through diverse means, "the West" will be pitted in an inevitable death match against "the Muslim world." Add this and other articles and books on the subject to media portrayals of fundamentalists, and we have a very one-sided, over-simplified approach to Islam.
Most of us know better, or at least, I hope we do. Have the strong economic and political ties between "the West" and "the Muslim world" been forgotten? What about the centuries of rich and vibraint history, of Islamic art, architecture, and literature that is often ignored? What about our Muslim friends, neighbours, and colleagues? The blinders should be removed so that the complexity of Islam can be fully understood and appreciated, just as we in "the West" expect other cultures to do. It's proof of the present when Ernst has to preface his book, "Following Muhammad", with an explanation that by defending Islam (or attempting to clarify the current issues surrounding it) he is neither an impostor nor a traitor, in order to have his book published.
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