A True Scholar

Submitted by Lowell H. Dubrow (United States), Jul 3, 2003 at 15:23

All too often in public discourse today, people declaim on the basis of what they "learned" in their mothers' milk. It is particularly satisfying to read Professor Ahmed's article in this light, because he demonstrates how disarmingly easy it is to rise above one's prejudices and assumptions when one takes the trouble to ascertain the facts. We read so much about Middle Eastern scholarship that really isn't scholarship, but regurgitated judgements formed without meaningful inquiry, so when a Muslim professor does his homework and writes a thoughtful article, it is news, though it shouldn't be. Let us all hope that someday Middle Eastern studies departments have more Professor Ahmeds and fewer of the flame throwers that so characterize the field at present.

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