Being a Muslim in a country with a long colonial history, which has also had to deal with terrorist attacks carried out in the name of Islam, is an everyday challenge.
Well, yes, it would be...
In January 2015, for example, I was as profoundly shocked as everyone else in France by the massacre of the Charlie Hebdo journalists in Paris. As the country mourned, I was invited by a major radio station to comment, but was first asked, live on air, to “dissociate” myself from the attackers.
Why did you have to be asked? Wouldn't any normal person automatically do so?
I couldn’t hold back my tears – because, even with a media profile, I was reduced to the most racist perception of my identity. I was strongly defended that night by others who took part in the show, and received much support online, but I couldn’t help thinking of the millions of French Muslims who, unlike me, would have no microphone to defend themselves against vile accusations.
It wasn't a 'racist' perception - Islam isn't a race. it's a belief. A stupid belief, but then so are many other religions.
...French Muslims present a paradox: we are part of every social sphere, yet many of us have not given up our cultural specificities. And that is precisely what we are blamed for – integration without assimilation. This is why the same government can claim it uses the law to fight against Muslim “separatism” while denouncing the threat of Muslim “infiltration”. Muslims can’t win: we are blamed for being part of the national community and for being outside of it.
Because every time yousqueal that you've 'assimilated' it turn out to be untrue, when you reveal your real allegience.
1 comment:
Is that her picture? Tart! I can see her face and her hair, and her arms. But....
Maybe "she" is a "he". Just to add to the religious, colour and sexual orientation offendations.
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