An Awakening for America

In the wake of the shooting in Arizona just three days ago that critically wounded a Congresswoman and that slew a federal judge, I would have to agree with seasoned observers that something strange, alongside the frustrations of a sluggish economy, is happening in the United States.  A climate (or upsurge) of hate and deliberate provocation, mixed in with a genuine concern about the direction(s) the country is taking, is emerging and continuing to fester.  

However I will briefly add to the discussion on this development.  Last year, I wrote a bit about the anti-Obama mischaracterization, and a little bit more on growing peculiar anti-Muslim sentiments (1,2,3,4) in the U.S.  It is my understanding that these and other outbursts of frustration or opposition are travelling in different directions, targeting a diverse array of issues.  These venues have included acrimonious town-halls over healthcare reform, the debate over and the reaction to the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell military policy, and the swelling of inflammatory and hyped nativist attitude and physical attacks directed towards American Muslim property and their persons.  But [especially with the surfacing and prominence of various right-wing pundits (such as on Fox News, blogging channels, and radio stations) and various fringes of right-wing groups like the Tea Party Movement---not to forget even some Republican candidates' election campaigns throughout last year---] these outbursts hardly indicate a random or chance congruence.  At the very least, they appear to be shared through broader networks weaving the anti-this and anti-that together.  

When violence and ugly rhetoric---from threats, incitements, and racist and inflammatory slurs to assaults and arsons---coincides with the surfacing of such frustration and opposition, it is a clue that something very serious is lurking around.  All the more when such rhetoric and activity are encouraged by, or when they find a receptive or uncritical ear in, segments of the political establishment and of the media/punditry.  I agree with those who call for sincere and calm soul-searching.  Many of us are facing difficulty and uncertainty regarding financial, job, and other stability.  Many of us are frustrated about the current state of affairs, where progress has seemed very sluggish.  These fears and concerns are understandable and worthy of empathy/sympathy.  But absolutely NONE of these constitute legitimate space for cheap, dangerous, and bigoted opportunistic rhetoric.  Absolutely NONE of these serve as justifications for condoning or acting upon it, either.  

On a similar note, imagery has always been a powerful tool for criticism, sarcasm, and for even having an innocent laugh.  But controversies throughout the last few years---from the bigoted and inflammatory ugliness displayed in the run up to the 2008 presidential election, to the ugliness manifested in the "Ground Zero Mosque" debate, to the continuing increase in physical and verbal anti-Muslim attacks and discrimination, to reported attacks or threats on people merely for attending rallies, to finally the recent episode in Arizona---potentially reveal the dark side to the potency in the imagery of pictures and words.  We must be more thoughtful in the construction and usage of the metaphors and images we call upon.  We need to exercise restraint in our words, attitudes, and demeanor.  We must work to constructively challenge action which fails to hold up to the standards of civility.  And we must demand of those in a position of influence to join the effort to do so (and, especially, to provide a positive example).  

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.