Clash of Civilizations

 Clash of Civilizations

Islam has been getting a bad rap lately. It's most prominent voice right now, the Taliban. Bad rap, at least in the western secularized nations. Among the Muslim community, quite likely heroes to more than a bit of the few.

I believe a lot of our troubles with Islam, and its most extreme followers is that we have no idea where they are coming from. Right now we see them as the devils. Notice, have you, that they see us as the devils? Sort of like we have it in the American political culture these days. Both sides as bad as bad can be. On Islam, a real failure to put ourselves in their shoes. Not because we agree or even sympathize; it does behoove us to understand.

Disclaimer: I don't believe true followers of Islam condone the barbarity. Just that we have no idea how such an extreme mindset could develop, let alone acknowledge that they might, just might, have some good points to offer.

From their perspective, the modern secular culture is a relentless onslaught against the heart of their steadfast beliefs and values. [The image above should show the matter in stark comparison.] Their view is that it must be stopped. Let's not just chalk it up only to raging male hormones, with nothing to do, so they get all up about something or other and run amok. 

And, it's worse. They don't just only want to stop the encroachment of secular values, they want to spread their own sense of things around the world. And, get this, I don't think they're after converts. Kill the infidels. What else do you do with a devil? Then repopulate with their own kind. Think about that.

The Taliban, those guys are so into the Koran that they not only will relish killing anyone who goes against the strictest interpretation of it's edicts, they are so convinced of their righteousness that they do not intend to stop until the world is converted. Or, rather, repopulated ... with the right sort. 

If you are settled on that they are just irredeemable idiots with nothing to tell us to which we should take heed or consideration, then contemplate this. Just appreciate their zeal, their determination, their focus, their drive. What in your world is there that you would get behind with such conviction, besides just saving your own ass? Let that sit with you. It's not to accept their worldview. Just to get deeply how steadfast they are. Admirable, in itself. Awesome. And, awful.

And, that clash of civilizations. We gasp at the thought of women having to wear Burkas, or cloistered at home making dinner and babies. Shouldn't we gasp at the lengths some women are permitted to go just to get some attention? Free the nipple! We're well past that. Free the pussy! Now there's something to fight for. [Do I have to say it?] Not.