They’re lucky to be here

Vincent J. Curtis

20 Apr 23

RE: Islamophobia widespread in Canada, Senate committee study.  CP story by Fakiha Baig.  The Hamilton Spectator 20 Apr 23.

Little contributes to Islamophobia in Canada more than Islamic ingratitude of Canada.  Let’s compare the fate of Black Muslim women in a Muslim country, like Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Afghanistan to their miserable existence in Canada.

In these Muslim countries, in addition to being subjected to morality police enforcing Islamic morality laws, a Black Muslim woman would be subject to the misogynist rules of Islam, and be held in contempt for being Black; and subject, therefore, also to enslavement.  In Canada, the treatment of Black Islamic women ranges from sympathy, through indifference, to hostility; but hostility as compared to what?  White men of certain political persuasions get treated with fierce hostility.

Only in Western civilization can a Black Muslim woman complain publicly about her plight and be taken seriously.

An examination of the people mentioned in the story indicates anti-Western self-dealing.  The writer is Fakiha Baig, and the committee chair is Salma Ataullahjan, not exactly Anglo names.

If a Black Muslim woman wants to avoid anti-Islamic reactions, she should ditch the tribal dress and the hijab.  Blend in.  Look like you’re trying to be Western.  Shoving your difference into people’s faces doesn’t always produce a friendly reaction.  And bellyaching about Western society wins a Muslim few points in Canada.

Nobody’s asking a Black Muslim woman to give up her religious beliefs, but she ought to consider the alternatives before she criticizes her host society.

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