When I first heard about the recent Swiss referendum to ban minarets in the country, all I could think about was how unexpected it was to get such a hostile action from the Swiss. Weren't they supposed to be the all loving, peaceful, neutral European country?
Apparently not. The Swiss clearly are just as freaked out about the surging Muslim population in their country as each of their European neighbors. It should be noted that far-right parties in Italy, Netherlands, and Belgium all welcomed the Swiss referendum, and called for similar measures to be taken at home.
All this makes me think about an article I read a few years ago in Foreign Affairs called, "Europe's Angry Muslims." It was horribly offensive and it outlined major European nations' problems with integrating their Muslim communities: The Algerians in France, Turks in Germany, Moroccans in Spain, and Pakistanis in London.
To give the article some credit, it was a brutally honest analysis of Europe's growing "Muslim problem." It was also the first time the threat Muslims pose to European secular culture was articulated to me.
Initially I thought the Swiss were having a delayed reaction to their Muslim population, but after reading H.A.'s Hellyer's "Daily Beast" piece on how Europe's Muslims should respond to the Swiss, I see that Switzerland's move has to do with a much larger issue of European identity.
In his article, former Brookings Institute Fellow Hellyer states that, "Muslims are not a comfortable reality for much of Europe...Muslim Europeans are a problem. They adhere to a religion which for many centuries had provided many Europeans with an "alter-civilization" by which to judge themselves."
This point makes me think of renown literary theorist Edward Said's book (read: masterpiece) Orientalism. In it, Said states that the West has always defined itself against the Orient, against the "Other." He stipulates that one basis for European colonialism was the feminization of the Orient, of the East as a wild, untamed woman that must be controlled and contained.
So what happens when the "Other" moves into your country and becomes a citizen? Demands the same rights as you? If you begin to view the situation from this perspective, you begin to understand the roots of European paranoia. It also becomes startlingly clear to you how insecure contemporary European identity must be, so easily threatened.
This however does not vindicate what is happening in Switzerland. The fact of the matter is that hostility towards Muslims in Europe is rising. I have written previously about the need for American Muslims to do more to provide tangible responses that clearly separate us from the violent acts committed in the name of Islam.
But it's a different ballgame for European Muslims. You hear so many calls about the need for Muslims to "better integrate" themselves into European society. But how can they really when Europeans laws such as this Swiss law and the ban of the burqa in France make it so difficult for Muslims to even pretend to be equal citizens with their fellow Europeans? Blatantly prejudiced legislation against Muslims is not only still being authored and introduced, it is even praised by other European nations.
So what does the future hold for Europe's Muslims? Hellyer prompts us to be cautious optimists. He reminds us that one of the reasons America even exists is because of Europe's "historically bad record on respect for diversity," and inability to "cope with pluralism."
While what is happening in Switzerland today gives an opportunity for Swiss Muslims to stand up and speak out against this blatant discrimination (just look at the Swiss People's Party's poster!), and demonstrate their peaceful contributions to their societies, I have to agree with Hellyer. I fear this is another very troubling sign of growing Islamophobia in Europe- and increasing isolation of its Muslim populations.
Follow Anushay Hossain on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AnushaysPoint
Muslims want to be free to practice their religion in western countries. I want to be free to practice my faith wherever I go as well. But we both know that there is no freedom of religion in Islamic countries. For a Muslim to convert to another faith would be a death sentence in most of them. Nor could I practice my American culture. I could not kiss my wife in public, let her drive the car, or treat her as an equal, or speak freely.
Muslims expect a lot from Western civilization that they are unwilling to give. They enjoy the secular culture which does not force them to be exposed to the Christian faith -- but are more than willing to force others to be exposed to their own. The minaret, the public call to prayer would be heard by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Would Muslims tolerate public calls to worship the Christian God?
The veil represents separation from society. Muslims who insist on the niqab or burkha by their actions are showing that they have no desire for integration.
Islam, like the west, defines itself by being against the "other." If we would live peaceably together, not only must the West respect Islamic culture and values, but Islam must respect Western culture and values. So far the call is one-sided. There is only so far the West can reach without reciprocation.
Regards
Anushay,
I also share your enthusiasm for Edward Said. I often wonder what would he be thinking about any number of recent people, places or events in the news of the day. What would he say about the Swiss ban on minarets? What would he think about President Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan? New episodes in the never-ending saga in Palestine? I went to your web site today & intend to return again. I hope you continue to interpret the news of the day; how it is reported in the American media & connect your views to Edward Said's theories. The other night two films, both produced last year, ran on the satellite channels. They presented extremely different images of Middle Eastern peoples with one full of the usual cruel stereotypes (Taken) & the other with an unexpected image of a young Muslim woman (Gran Torino) which was probably positive, even if ironically with Clint Eastwood's wry look of astonishment. Again, I wish Said were here to interpret. He has left a wonderful legacy, but he died too soon. Anushay, I hope you continue your commentaries & advocate positively for young American Muslims. I am looking forward to reading more of your views on these crucial subjects.
l That's right. Until the West developed itself to such an extent, that now the rest of the world is trying to measure up to the Western achievements.
While the Muslim world defined itself unto itself.
Discounting, of course the lively interest during various Jihads and imperialist conquests culminating at the siege of Vienna.