Anthropology professor Dale Eickleman, history professor Gene Garthwaite and government professor Anne Sa'adah highlighted the multi-faceted nature of Islam in a panel discussion on Monday night in Carson L02. Following Robert Spencer's controversial speech on Friday about what he termed "Islamo-Facism," the panel discussed the importance of understanding that, like many other religions, Islam has many different denominations and cannot be seen as a single entity.
Sa'adah said that the rapidly increasing presence of Islam in secular America is contributing to many inappropriate stereotypes of Muslims.
"The permeable borders caused by globalization contribute to xenophobia," Sadaah said.
During the discussion, Garthwaite urged the audience to take a more conscious approach to Islam to combat these stereotypes.
"We need to rid ourselves of stereotypes," Garthwaite said. "We see Islam as threatening because of ignorance."
He went on to add that, like all cultures, Islam has evolved over time.
"Islam is not untimely, unchanging or monolithic," Garthwaite said.
Sa'adah also addressed the effects of stereotyping and argued that political struggle would be more effective than litigation for groups fighting against ignorance, although the former method is more prevalent in today's culture. As democracy is based on participation, according to Sa'adah, political struggle would be a better option because it incorporates a larger number of people.
Garthwaite said that Islam and Christianity have more similarities than differences, leading followers of both religions to overemphasize what differences do exist.
Referring to Spencer's speech from last week, Eickleman said that people should avoid the tendency to objectify themselves and judge others as subordinate or inferior. He also said society should promote open debate and discussion to avoid stereotypes caused by ignorance. He emphasized the importance of understanding and mutual respect when dealing with those of different religions.
Eickleman said that factions of the American public, including Spencer's anti-Islamo-Fascism movement, make uniformed generalizations about Islam that hinder a constructive dialogue on the subject. He said that these groups set up phony arguments to distract the attention of those of opposing views, preventing a meaningful discussion.
"As soon as you start asking questions, you're playing the script," Eickleman said.
Linking the growth of xenophobia to globalization and technological development, Sa'adah said that permeable borders force Americans to confront polarized issues that they are not ready to deal with.
Sa'adah also said that while nationalism has historically been a secular concept, in the modern era it has become linked to religion.
"In the modern world nationalism and religion enjoy a cozy and complex relationship," Sadaah said.
These nationalists may use fear to achieve their aims, according to Sadaah.
Eickleman agreed.
"Fear is a potent political force or motivator," Eickleman said.
