Talking about Islamophobia

Peter Oborne’s Dispatches programme about Islamophobia in Britain is already making waves. (To get a sense of Peter’s argument, read this piece he did for the Mail). Peter is undoubtedly right that the press sometime do report rumours and urban myths about Muslims as fact which can contribute to a disturbing, anti-Muslim atmosphere. He is also right that if this country treats its Muslim citizens poorly it makes them more likely to become disaffected and fall prey to extremist recruiters.

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But where I think Peter goes off course is when he appears to suggest that criticism of the Islamic faith is equivalent to—or as worrying as—criticism of Muslims. Peter’s essay for the Mail also rather glosses over the difference between an interpreted and revealed faith; it is much easier for followers of an interpreted religion to move on from problematic sections of their Holy texts.