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August 05, 2009
One of the extraordinary things about human events is that the unthinkable becomes thinkable
In less than a generation, we have come to an extraordinary pass. Once right thinking progressives lined up to purchase copies of The Satanic Verses - my first edition sits untouched and unread - and death chanting rioters in Bradford and elsewhere were called out for the barbarians they so manifestly demonstrated themselves to be. It was the thin edge of the wedge. 9/11 worked as it was intended by its authors, sending every weakling into a panic, lashing out at the men on the walls lest they provoke another raid from the borderlands.
These days, Salman Rushdie would most likely be charged with something by a Commission for the Promotion of Human Rights and Prevention of Hatred. In Ireland they would cut to the chase and press criminal charges. Under the new regime, all demons may be mocked save the one pretending to be God.
These Weimar conditions are a hot house for growing hatred against the people they are ostensibly meant to protect.* In this light, despite whatever criticism we may have to offer (while we still can) and whatever fears we may wish to express (while we still can) it is worth remembering Muslims are the first victims of Islam. If you are a Shia Muslim you can practice your faith freely anywhere it what was once Christendom (pace the animal rights activists) including and especially Israel (a land most of us who still use terms like "Christendom" want to see governed by the people to whom God granted it).
Try worshiping freely as a Muslim in Saudi Arabia. For that matter, try advocating feminism or gay rights are anything else "the left" pretends to care about.**
...
The kingdom is particularly critical of the minority's practice of celebrating the birthday's of Shia figures and their mourning rituals.
Last year, the country's top cleric Abdul-Aziz al-Shaikh deemed celebrating anniversaries, birthdays or mother's day as against Muslim 'righteousness.' The Grand Mufti said celebrating such events would make Muslims like followers of other faiths including Jews and Christians.
No anniversaries, no birthdays and no mother's days. Coming soon to a country near you.
* This is no accident. Human rights commissions have nothing whatsoever to do with human rights least of all the defense of persecuted minorities. On the contrary, they are yet another front in the war on excellence, yet another measure of social control intended to blight whole societies.
** See previous footnote.
Just so we are clear: I am not against book burning in all instances. My fatwa against the Dune "prequels" stands.
Posted by Ghost of a flea at August 5, 2009 08:57 AM
Comments
I am usually the only one in the room who has read the Verses when the question comes up.
A brilliant, brutal book. And most of the heresy must come from giving an insight into the mind of the product of Islam.
When asked, you will ask, won't you, what to do to prepare for Verses, I usually offer John Barth's Giles, Goat-Boy. If you believe that the analysis of Joseph Campbell is helpful in delving into the meaning of metaphore, spending some time reading Barth's work will allow you an easier transition into Rushdie's text.
Then, remain committed to the text. It will take you at least 70 pages before you become conversant with the language chosen by the author.
Finally, after you've completed your first read, take some time away and re-read the work. The first 70 pages are no longer the torture you first expected. And the humour pops off the page.
Endeavour to persevere.
.
Posted by: OregonGuy ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.ghostofaflea.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 5, 2009 03:41 PM
I read it when it first came out.
I think it's time to hit it again.
Thanks.
Posted by: harrison at August 5, 2009 09:09 PM
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