[RC] Islam and hypocrisy

[Dr. Ernie Prabhakar]

Hi all,

Here's the problem I have with both "appeasement" and "blanket  
condemnation" as responses to the Muslim reaction to the Danish  
cartoons:

* Yes, I fully agree that Islamic culture is deeply dysfunctional, in  
that its public manifestations (at least as much as we can see) are  
inconsistent, immoral, and self-destructive.

* Yes, I fully agree that we need to call them to more ethical  
behavior, both for their sake and for ours.

* Yes, I am willing to concede that the Qur'an is of marginal to  
negative value in this task.

BUT, here's the point.

I believe the best way to do all this is by
	a) identifying with offended Muslims
	b) admitting where we have the *same* tendencies towards hypocrisy  
and self-destructive behavior
	c) working *with* them to understand the roots of their rage
	d) modeling a _healthier_ way of processing anger

Again, like I always say, focus on pathologizing the *behavior*, not  
the *people*.

It is extremely tempting (and often gratifying) to condemn people for  
their foolish behavior.  However, it is the least effective way I  
know of to actually get people to change.

Which, to me, is the ultimate point.

-- Ernie P.