THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Islamophobia: SE Asians must declare war on ignorance

Islamophobia: SE Asians must declare war on ignorance

Islamophobia is on the rise across the world. Joseph Goebbels' dictum that a lie, if audacious enough and repeated enough times, will be believed by the gullible masses has produced a plethora of bully-rag anti-Arab bigots, subject to brainwashing by the

In the US Islamophobia is stoked by right-wing talk-show hosts, firebrand bloggers, evangelical religious leaders and politicians, all united by a shady motive to exhume the ghosts of 9/11 and convince their compatriots that Islam is the enemy, undermining a safe and secure future. 
The flippancy with which “terrorism” and “violence” are being associated with Muslims is accompanied by smear-and-fear tactics and nasty epithets. When Arabs fight against Israelis, Arabs are deemed guilty of “terrorist violence”. When Israelis attack they are engaging in “military reprisals”. 
In the past, similar scare tactics have been used to create a climate of fear and repression via slogans warning of “reds under your beds” (communism) or the “yellow peril” (China and Japan). 
In Thailand and Asean the need for compassionate kindness, fair-minded tolerance, respectful dignity and decency is essential. We must work together to curb distorted views, slander, libel and pure inventions that are fuelling everything from hate speech to arson to fire-bombings against our Muslim friends and neighbours. Newborns do not have innate fear or hate. We must re-teach and re-learn ethical and moral imperatives to ensure a safer, saner and more sustainable peaceful future for one and all.
No Holds Bard Charles Frederickson
nationthailand