View from Britain - the problem with Islam

Submitted by tim edwards (United Kingdom), Jul 8, 2005 at 05:28

I, as the vast majority of British citizens do, take great pride in the eclectic and diverse society we live in. We live in harmony with our neighbours - regardless of skin colour, ethicity, beliefs whatever - under the premise that collectively we are all the same - British.

Yet however tolerant and liberal this ideology is, some seem intent on not following its collective aims of welfare for all; driven by prosperity and economic develpment.

Failure to integrate into British society by not learning the language or joining the labour force is a complaint I would levy at Islamic society. Islamic nations unfortunately evidence some of the poorest economies in the world - simply due to the fact that women (half of the labour force) on the whole do not work. This inequity is also sadly evident in Britain where Islamic women appear just to be hidden slaves to their husbands and families without an identity of their own.
Religion, even in its mildest forms, is in my view an unnecessary tool to differentiate people from one another. Whilst not wishing for a homogenous society - religion should never impinge on society to the extent that people's beliefs determine who they are, merely compliment the individual. Doing so reduces the probability of all living in harmony as sections of society exclude themselves and at times seem to justify violence by believing that retribution and retaliation is wholly warranted for 'self-interest' or simply following the Koran.

Let us remind ourselves that the British have also entered into Military campaigns to free people from tyranny and never with the sole aim of violence. If people die it is justified because more people in the long-run are saved. This is the cruel working of war.

Whilst I accept that a small minority of deluded Muslim's are responsible for the cowardly, pathetic terrorist attacks of the past few years it appears apparent that much of the Muslim community is supportive of much of the actions in the name of fowarding Muslim intentions. This brings me back to my point - if this section of society would integrate and become 'British' this feeling of being an outsider and repressed would diminish. They might also then comprehend the values of democracy and economic dynamism and open their small minds to the notion that this staus quo is ultimately to the benefit to themselves and to their own peoples. Otherwise I fear the almost cult-like nature of much of Islam will continue to be despised by much of British society.

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