Islamophobia?

[Mister D]

A quick interview with Alain de Benoist.

Translated from the French original.

Islamophobia, a recent and rather vague word, tends to invade the public space. It is even now in the dictionary. But, basically, what does that mean?

In the true sense, the term alludes to fear or repulsion ( phobos), but the dominant ideology prefers to pull it towards detestation and hatred. Since fear is contagious and hate provokes hatred, there is obviously no term to describe the effect of reciprocity. That said, there are of course people who hate Islam in principle and all that is related to it, and their convulsive obsessions flood social networks every day. But, in fact, as you well know, the contemporary denunciation of "phobias" is especially part of a now well-established tactic of using a repulsive word to develop a lacrimal rhetoric, to radically delegitimize certain positions and place in a state of stupefaction those who might try to rally it. This goes for Islamophobia as well as for homophobia, gynophobia, Judeophobia, cathophobia, americanophobia,
In the case of the denunciation of "Islamophobia", it is first of all to reveal any criticism, even moderate, of Islam as morally insupportable, politically hateful and criminally reprehensible.

Continues...

https://www.alaindebenoist.com/2019/...n-terme-piege/

[Lummy]

I got through about three sentences of that, but then I'm not erudite enough to say I read it all.

Islamophobia is no more an "illness" than is revulsion of snakes in a pit. Sure, you can call it irrational fear, or you can call it bigotry, or you can call it anything you want, but it's still there and will always be there because it's instinctual. You will never steal natural instincts from men.

I think that by now even Spielberg would have to agree.

[Tahuyaman]

These terms are invented in order to intimidate people into remaining silent.

[Mister D]

These terms are invented in order to intimidate people into remaining silent.

Exactly.

[Mister D]

I got through about three sentences of that, but then I'm not erudite enough to say I read it all.

Islamophobia is no more an "illness" than is revulsion of snakes in a pit. Sure, you can call it irrational fear, or you can call it bigotry, or you can call it anything you want, but it's still there and will always be there because it's instinctual. You will never steal natural instincts from men.

I think that by now even Spielberg would have to agree.

To whatever extent this may be true it's the product of historical memory. Bigotry perhaps but not exactly irrational.

[MMC]

The term Islamophobia has a broad meaning that can easily be used to restrict free and fair discussion about the Islamic religion and Islamist extremism. Instead, an alternative definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred should be specific and narrow. It should focus on addressing bigotry directed at individuals, and avoid censoring debate or freedom of expression on religion. Finally, a comprehensive definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred must take intra-Muslim hatred into account to protect those who want to speak freely or express themselves differently.....snip~


https://www.forbes.com/sites/nikitam.../#3d6c091069e5

[texan]

The term Islamophobia has a broad meaning that can easily be used to restrict free and fair discussion about the Islamic religion and Islamist extremism. Instead, an alternative definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred should be specific and narrow. It should focus on addressing bigotry directed at individuals, and avoid censoring debate or freedom of expression on religion. Finally, a comprehensive definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred must take intra-Muslim hatred into account to protect those who want to speak freely or express themselves differently.....snip~


https://www.forbes.com/sites/nikitam.../#3d6c091069e5

"phobia"

Used out of context to achieve predefined emotional goal.

[Chris]

Just some random thoughts.

Alain de Benoist in On Being a Pagan contrasts polytheism as tolerant and monotheism as intolerant of other Gods and religions. Because the West is largely Christian in culture, it's natural for the West to have some Islamophobia.

The OP mentions "their convulsive obsessions flood social networks every day" but terrorist did the same, made extensive use of the Internet and social media to communicate. There's an interesting peive on breaking that in How The U.S. Hacked ISIS.

Back at university I knew peaceful Muslims. I read about terrorists in the media.

[Mister D]

Just some random thoughts.

Alain de Benoist in On Being a Pagan contrasts polytheism as tolerant and monotheism as intolerant of other Gods and religions. Because the West is largely Christian in culture, it's natural for the West to have some Islamophobia.

The OP mentions "their convulsive obsessions flood social networks every day" but terrorist did the same, made extensive use of the Internet and social media to communicate. There's an interesting peive on breaking that in How The U.S. Hacked ISIS.

Back at university I knew peaceful Muslims. I read about terrorists in the media.

That makes sense and I can agree with that to an extent (although "truth is intolerant of error"---Fulton J. Sheen) but I'm not sure if this animosity is the primarily the result of rival claims in themselves or the result of historical interaction.
I think he's just saying that there definitely some commentators who genuinely hate and fear Islam per se but that's simply not why the term was coined, why it's used or applied.

[FindersKeepers]

How can anyone not be repulsed by a culture/religion that insists women live in subservience to men? A culture/religion that encourage family member to kill their female members if those females marry someone they don't approve of. A culture that exacts the death penalty for homosexuality.

I am repulsed by the inhumanity that exists in Islam. I am not repulsed by the individual Muslims who are trying to live good lives.