The conference at the University of Bath continues. Professor Kumar, writer on islamophobia:





How is that for dissuading ex Muslims going public? You are a McCarthyite, a native informant collaborating with colonialist oppressors. You are on a par with white supremacist Christian groups. You are with the Zionism that encourages human rights violations of the Palestinians, which is supported world wide because of islamophobia.

This narrative is as naive as suggesting people become ex Muslim to get drunk and eat a bacon sandwich in the morning to nurse their hang over. The academic discourse here is more disconcerting, for it suggests not just turning your back on a religious heritage and cultural identity, but becoming a turncoat.

It is the old idea of apostasy as treason – this time to the Muslim community. That becoming an ex Muslim is to become an agent in the oppression of other Muslims. Rather than suggesting dialogue, understanding and acceptance of difference of opinion that religious freedom advocates.

In fighting colonialism and racism, Islamism has asserted itself by promoting a particular Muslim identity to slay these monsters. When people leave the faith, and talk about why, they are seen not just as opponents. But enemies. Hence their demonisation.

Which is what happens of course, in you are either with me or against me narrative where monsters are to be slayed. When ex Muslims recount their experiences they are told to shut up. They are dismissed as troubled individuals. They are informants. They are McCarthyites. They are an industry.

A minority is turned on, just as it is with racism and colonialism. I hope that realisation comes soon enough in the discourse against ex Muslims.

Update:

More background here.

Update: 7:55PM



Taken from this tweet here.

Article written by John Sargeant on Homo economicus’ Weblog

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