Perhaps Racism is the correct term

Submitted by Stephen Berman (United States), Nov 22, 2005 at 15:27

At the turn of the last century, Race basically meant the same as nationality. Thus, Russians, Poles, and even the multi-ethnic Belgians were considered different races. Of course the former Soviets determined that Jews were a race. By this broad definition of race, which dates back long before color was an issue, there is no question that Bosnian Muslims are a race.

Furthermore, Muslims themselves consider themselves an Umma, a Nation. They feel that they are the Nation of Islam. So by their own terminology, they are in fact a race.

I therefor suggest that if a person irrationally fears and hates Muslims, perhaps he really is a racist. This raises only a question of judgment, whether the fear and hatred are rational or irrational. If the person can show that a reasonable person would be afraid given a particular set of facts, then the fear is rational. Otherwise it is irrational.

The trouble is that simply throwing the term Racism at people is meant to end any intellectual discussion. I don't think that long term it will be possible to prevent people from discussing whether radical and violent ideologies are in fact dangerous. Freedom of thought is what is at stake.

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