UPDATE: More Theatrics and Drama?

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Pastor Jones of Gainsville-based Dove Center has announced to call off the Quran-burning demonstration. News agencies have reported that the new stance comes after agreement between Florida Imam Musri (based outside of Gainsville) and Jones to meet with leaders of Park51 Muslim community center project (the so-called "Ground-Zero Mosque").  It was reported that Park51 leaders would meet with Jones if he cancelled his event.  

Jones claimed to have obtained assurances from non-specified Muslim leaders (and when pressed to identify, he pointed to Musri) to move the center away from the current proposed location.  This claim is his justification for the initial cancellation of his event. 

Muslim leaders including Musri deny this, saying that there was an agreement only to bring the two sides together for handling the impasse calmly.  They say there was no prior finalized agreement or understanding regarding relocation. 

While the calling-off is commendable, I am puzzled by the Pastor's assertions after he concluded his meeting with Musri.

I am more surprised (or rather taken aback) by newer developments (within perhaps only hours of the Pastor's announcement) that he would "reconsider" the calling-off, triggered by what he claims are lies given to him by Musri.  Furthermore, even more awing was his response (in the same press interview) to a question fielded about his attitude to a hypothetical situation of deaths resulting from implementation of the Quran-burning.  After saying that he would feel "very bad" about the deaths, he continues: "We think [what] we would have done ... does reveal the real violence of Islam, the fear that is related with Islam that is actually much much deeper than what we had in the United States imagined."  So, in other words, if I understand him correctly: an unfortunate event is apparently 'needed' to 'expose the horrible truth that is Islam' [obviously, I'm paraphrasing him in this last sentence].    

So we have to witness more rhetoric of hype, reductionism, stereotyping, (and even hate,) etc, [coupled again with statements that he will make a 'prayerful decision' over the impasse] from the Pastor ...

Meanwhile, news reports already have surfaced of animated reaction on part of some Muslims---like flag burnings and inflamed chants.  I repeat my urging again that it would be most wise and productive for Muslims not to repeat the mistakes that some have done earlier in response to Prophet Mohammed cartoons and other provocations.  It is understandable that emotions are likely to run high.  But it is essential to highlight that overreactions to provocations may not measure up with Islamic behavioral ethics.  It runs counter to a rich tradition of calm, measured response and conduct that includes challenging ignorance with knowledge and challenging hateful behavior/expression with beautiful speech.  Overreactions also may reinforce stereotypical and reductionist images of Muslims and Islam, thereby helping to further polarize a poisoned atmosphere.

Quran-Burning: Freedom of Speech/Expression, Unnecessary Rhetoric

Here's a thought, or a few, to consider.  Undoubtedly, the Dove World Outreach Center's plan has by now reached the four corners of the media world and has been thrown in discussions, protests, and in other private and social gathering spaces.  I will keep my comments brief because, in spite of short-term upsurge in coverage, the proposed protest (marked by the Quran-burning) is but a footnote in the rashness of human actions.  Yet with similar dilemmas and problems, a still-sluggish economy, and a fevered election cycle confronting Americans, this footnote could jump onto the main paragraphs.   

The State Department, the White House, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and U.S. religious leaders have all weighed in on this issue with increased pressure on the Center to avoid the dangerous rabble-rousing.  In spite of these warnings, the defiant pastor apparently vowed not to "back down" to "radical Islam."  The pastor conveniently forgot--or ignored--to take sight of the fact many more Muslims will be hurt by this action---much more than those he claims to be standing up against.  And in light of reported stances on Islam itself being evil, his action will be interpreted as being directed--not towards extremist Muslims---to Muslims en masse.  


Deliberate intimate provocation by some Non-Muslims could be met by equally unnecessary overreaction from some inflamed Muslims.  Then there is the question of opportunism and the space or the extent within which that could take place.  Will extremist Muslims be just as prone to exploit the emotions of Muslims abroad----upset at seeing unnecessary dramatic imagery (like the Quran burning)----as Non-Muslim provocateurs have been doing here?  If this provocation is made, Muslims would be wise to keep their cool and confront hatred with level-headed speech and confront ignorance with knowledge.  Muslims would be wise not to repeat the mistakes of some earlier in the Muhammad cartoon and other controversies.      

As for the pastor's conduct I think he's way in over his head, to put it diplomatically.  According to news reports, the pastor says he will 'pray' about his decision (regarding the Quran-burning).  What in the world is there to "pray about" regarding a decision the pastor has himself stated he has made and that he reportedly won't back down on.  How do you "pray" (or seek spiritual consolation)  about a decision---already made---to take highly inflammatory action that in a sensitive time like this could have the effect of inciting further inflammatory action (and even violence)?  And what "prayer" or spiritual comfort could be derived while planning to commit behavior (which is reckless and irresponsible at best, and maliciously incendiary at worst) such as this?  If he really prayed, he would realize that it is not about "backing down," but about behaving responsibly and reasonably in leading his congregation away from needless inciting and provocation and inflamed rhetoric.   If he really cherished his freedom of speech/expression, he would think several times before cheapening his freedom for a few moments in the national spotlight.