https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWNv97yq4Fc
In light of recent events, there has been an increased dialogue into the conversation of Islamophobia or prejudice against Muslims. Bill Maher has been on the receiving end of a lot claims that he is prejudiced, and is unjustly putting down Islam. Maher's argument is that we as a society must question religion itself and not be scared out of having conversations questioning religions because some may deem those conversations as prejudiced. He claims Islam, or Shariah law (the laws that govern Islamic theocracies) promotes anti-progressive ideas. He cites anti-feminist laws such as forced female circumcisions, how woman can get married at any age and as a byproduct raped at any age, and how some women can't leave there houses without male supervision as instances of institutional sexism in these countries. He also points to laws that allow Gays who have come out to be killed as instances of homophobia or hate that as byproduct of not questioning Islam we are in some way allowing. He does concede that some people receive a grace from Islam and can coexist within the religion whilst disagreeing with these hateful acts. He says however that these people are are not the majority, he also doesn't claim radical islamic groups are the majority either, he says the majority is somewhere in between the two. The majority, to Maher, is one that accepts Shariah law and allows the unprogressive hateful acts to be continued. He does not blame the people but rather the dogma of this specific religion. What do you think? Is disagreeing with Islam inherently prejudiced? Is Maher being prejudiced? Is disagreeing with theocracies and Shariah Law prejudiced? What is Islamophobia?
I think that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. As long as they keep what they believe to themselves and are not openly discriminating, people are free to think whatever they want.I think that Maher is not being prejudiced and is being very rational and making good points. Disagreeing with theocracies and Sharia law is not prejudiced, as some things they believe in may seem very extreme to westerners. Islamophobia for me is the fear of radical Islamics who believe in opressing women and promote inequality
ReplyDeleteEveryone has the right to disagree with the principles of a religion. Disagreeing with a religion is not inherently prejudiced, it's how you use your disagreement that determines whether or not you are prejudiced. You can think that the overall religion's principles are bad, but you have to be able to keep an open mind. Everyone is different, and just because someone is Muslim doesn't mean that they are sexist or homophobic. Islamophobia is the result of someone not being able to distinguish between the group and the individuals. An Islamophobe is someone who sees every Muslim as bad because of those that might be seen as bad. Blaming the dogma of the specific religion is fair, I believe everyone has a right to do that for any religion.
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ReplyDeleteIt is unfair to judge Islamic people for purely for their religion. However, Maher does have the right to criticize the hateful acts of the Islamic religion. The fact that he is recognizing that not all Islamic beliefs are hateful is an important point. Prejudice is introduced when people start to believe that Islamic religion is equivalent to violence. To take the tragic examples of Islamic terrorism and apply it to a large group of innocent people is unjust and irrational. Islamophobia is due more to a lack of understanding, driven by the stereotypes of violence that people have experienced in the past. This perspective is prejudiced, and politicians must encourage a more open minded outlook towards Islam rather than criticize their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is different and there should not be stereotypes of any kind of people. Extremists on either side of the spectrum hold controversial views. Extremists are overly harsh on certain groups, and try to take away some groups beliefs. I do not think that they will be conservative because they are firm in their beliefs and will not change.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that Maher is incredibly unjust. He does make true statements about how women are not treated respectfully and there is no separation between religion and government. However, it is still important to be respectful while criticizing other religions. It should just make him and others feel proud to be an American because we are able to believe whatever we want without worrying about their well being.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is unfair to reprimand an entire religion, Maher does have the right to have his own opinion on the subject matter. However, because he is an outsider to the religion, his opinion may be due to some possible prejudice. Because religion is such a touchy subject, Maher's opinion is controversial in that it could be based on bias.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is unfair to reprimand an entire religion, Maher does have the right to have his own opinion on the subject matter. However, because he is an outsider to the religion, his opinion may be due to some possible prejudice. Because religion is such a touchy subject, Maher's opinion is controversial in that it could be based on bias.
ReplyDeleteBecause Maher is an outsider talking about someone else's religion and beliefs, he should be a little more careful. He has every right to state his opinion, but reprimanding an entire religion seems unfair. Taking legitimate examples of Islamic violence and applying it to the entire group as a whole isn't right. I don't believe that he's entirely prejudice, but I do see some traces of it.
ReplyDeleteEveryone can add to the conversation and they all can benefit. People should be allowed to express their opinions. Here it is not just to criticize the Islamic religion and it is inherently prejudice. Maher's opinion is based on his own biased opinions. Islamophobia is the dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force.
ReplyDeleteMaher is entitled to his own opinion, but could have shown more restraint when criticizing the Islamic religion. His sentiments are based on true statements regarding gender inequality and intertwining of government and religion, but he does not have any actual experience being a part of the religion. His perspective may be colored by the fact that he is American and we as a society have an inherited bias against the Middle East.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I believe that Maher should be more careful critiquing religions that he himself is not involved with, I do agree with a large part of what he said. People often see religion as an untouchable and unquestionable right, and look past injustices that occur because of it. Everyone should be entitled to practice their own religion, but when it challenges modern beliefs and ideas of justice, it should be okay so address the issues that come with it. I think Mayer was not trying to criticize the people that practice Islam, but instead suggest how their blind faith in Islamic beliefs cloud their perception of what is just/unjust.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all these points. While Maher's tone seemingly looks down upon the Shariah law, eluding prejudice, he simultaneously brings light about the situation, informing people that hold other beliefs. Eleni offers a valid argument that, although religion is practiced by choice and exemplifies tradition, it is not always morally correct/appropriate. Rather than inflicting feelings of "Islamophobia" (implying "fear of" the religion), I think Maher is trying to convey the need for transforming the Islamic policies, treatments, and lifestyles into ones that are more ethical and modern.
DeleteI believe that Maher is disagreeing with Islam, but partially because he holds a prejudice. He provides good examples as to why he believes that Islam is not progressive but his criticism to Islamic people is pretty harsh. Disagreeing with the ideas of Shariah law is not prejudiced because he believes in the opposite of what they believe. The fact that Maher is disagreeing with Shariah Law isn't showing prejudice, but it may seem that way in the eyes of the people because almost anything society does now is seen as being offensive. Islamophobia is the fear of Islamic people and Shariah Law.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe Maher's comments are prejudiced. I would consider them prejudiced if he assumed that all Muslims support Sharia Law and hate women/homosexuals, but he acknowledges that there are many peaceful, moderate Muslims. Also, his comments aren't really about the Muslim people, but rather many of the outdated ideas that are still prevalent in some Muslim countries, so it doesn't really seem like he is unfairly categorizing anyone. Although I'm not sure if I agree with all his points, I definitely agree that people are too scared to question all religions in general, and I believe that he is well within his rights to make these comments.
ReplyDeleteAs per Maher's free speech rights, he is entitled to his own opinion. He brings up a tough question, as religion is now one of those subjects that Americans don't like to touch because of our political correctness. This make sure we do not offend at all really limits our free speech and how freely we can speak about differing opinions. Maher is not being prejudiced and disagreeing with the beliefs of a religion is not prejudiced, just an exercise of free speech, which all humans are entitled to. While Shariah Law may not be what we practice in America, it does not give us the right to condemn it.
ReplyDeleteI think that disagreeing with Islam is not prejudice because everyone should be able to have their own opinion and beliefs on in such matters. Maher is not being prejudice because he is speaking his mind and exercising his right of free speech. To disagree with Shariah Law is in now way prejudice because the world should not be forced to conform to one specific set of rules. Islamaphobia is the fear of Islam and the fact that is is being seen more and more in western culture in a time where tensions that relate to such matters are very high.
ReplyDeleteMaher is within his own right to disagree and criticize the religion of Islam. He is slightly being prejudice about the entire topic but is still entitled to his own opinion rather than just complying or tolerating it. Although it is socially "wrong" to lash out on a religion that isn't your own based on the actions that we see, which isn't everything that goes on within that religion, each person can still have their feelings directed at a religion regardless of the fact it isn't their own.
ReplyDeleteBill Maher is not only with in his rights to criticize the religion but has a valid point that people should not be scared to question or ask about the religion. Although as a Muslim female I am concerned as to where he is receiving his information from because it is not what Islam teaches. As for women rights, his claims about women marriage etc are cultural practices that happen in Muslim countries, and ARE specifically practiced by people under the poverty level. IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT ISLAM OBLIGATES WOMEN TO. The controversy I think comes from his condescending tone, and his inability to listen to Muslims who he has interviewed and has had debates with about the true teachings and practices of the religion. And continues to make claims about the religion that aren't true, even after being informed. As a Muslim I am happy to hear people ask about the religion I only hope that their questions are being answered by scholars who have had intense studying on the religion and educated on the true meaning of the qur'an.
ReplyDeletefurther more, the religion actually grants men and woman equality, as for his claims on the LGBTQ community, we are told to treat everyone with respect and equality regardless if their believes correlate with our. Lastly, I do not know where he finds his stats, but we are the majority of Muslims who do live harmoniously with the world.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone has the right to have their own opinion and while Maher has the right to speak openly about his opinions he is not a member of the religion and is most likely affected by prejudice. Disagreeing with another religions laws aren't prejudice it is just an individual's opinion.
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