Today’s Washington Post described the increase in unrest over Muslim immigration in European countries like France, Germany, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The strong anti-Muslim backlash is influencing elections and putting leaders in a precarious position.
Last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued her toughest line yet on immigrants. For weeks, Merkel has condemned Thilo Sarrazin, a former Central Bank board member turned folk hero in Germany who penned a shock bestseller arguing that Turkish and Kurdish immigrants are genetically inferior.
But the book also ignited a debate in Germany over the unwillingness of many immigrants – particularly Muslims – to integrate. Merkel on Sunday appeared to side with immigration critics, saying at a party conference that Germany’s experiment to build a “multicultural” nation had “failed, absolutely failed.”
In Scandanavia and Holland, the following is seen:
The long liberal lands of Scandinavia and the Netherlands are also seeing a nationalist party renaissance. Last week, a conservative Dutch government came to power with the support of the anti-Islamic party of Geert Wilders, who is standing trial for inciting racial hatred against Muslims. In exchange for his support, Wilders extracted promises that the new government would take dramatic steps to curb immigration and follow the French in banning full-length Muslim veils.
In recent months, right-wing and nationalist parties have also consolidated or are now poised to expand their power in Denmark, Norway and Finland.
In Italy there is an uprising over a proposed Mosque in Milan. All over Europe, little distinction is made between the debate over Islam and the debate over immigration. Many of the Muslim immigrants are from Somalia, Turkey, Kurdistan, Iraq, and other places in the middle east. Muslims from Malaysia were not mentioned.
Attitudes such as the one below are not unfamiliar:
“It isn’t racist to want to preserve your culture,” said Leif Johansson, a 64-year-old carpenter. “I’m open to immigration, but these people come without a thought to integration, no interest in learning Swedish or being part of Swedish society.”
Sweden, a country that has long prided itself on multiculturalism, is now apparently back-pedaling. 1 in every 9 people in Sweden are Muslim.
Unlike in the United States, where Latinos dominate the immigration debate, European angst is increasingly focused on waves of Muslims – Turks, Iraqis, Somalis and others – who have become the hottest-button issue in recent elections. In Austria this month, the far-right Freedom Party made massive gains in regional elections after an anti-immigrant campaign that included a “Bye Bye Mosque” Internet game. It allowed players to target virtual minarets in elegant Vienna and pastoral Alpine villages with a single word, “stop.”
I am not so sure that people in the United States aren’t every bit as vociferous over Muslims. What saves Muslims in this country, somewhat, is they have to get here by air or water. They can’t drive or swim. There are no common or connecting borders to the home country. However, anti-Muslim sentiments seen very alive here, and on this blog.
Is it possible to discuss this phenomena without sounding like we are European or without going back to the Crusades? Is it possible to discuss the problems without going into what the Koran does and does not say? I don’t believe any of us here are experts on the Koran and I would rather not get in to what it says or doesn’t say. Reason? There is no one really on top of the Koran game who can dispute statements people make.
This thread is not a feel-good thread. Far from it. Are Europeans over-reacting? Do they sound like Americans sound about our illegal immigration? People seem to be worried/angry over the same thing: refusal to assimilate, not learning the language, living in ethnic communities, etc. What advice would you give them?
–How well do you know your European countries? Click the blue. Below is your cheat sheet.
Interactive map
Multi-culturalism and its success depends on many factors. One of those factors is the intention of the immigrant. Most immigrants are grateful to be in their new country and want to contribute. When that is not the intention of the immigrant, there are problems. We’re experiencing it here, and they are experiencing it in Europe.
Multiculturalism is a 2 way street—both sides must change and adapt…. without that willingness—it will fail.
The Prophet Muhammed(pbuh) faced the same problem. When his followers found refuge in Medina from the persecution of the Meccans—He instituted a program of the “Ansar”(helper/mentors). Every Medinian family would help a Muslim family adjust to the society. This also provided the Ansar with the opportunity to know a Muslim personally and understand their traditions as part of their common human brotherhood as well as helping the Muslims adjust to their new society. It also prevented ghettoisation…..
“However, anti-Muslim sentiments seen very alive here, and on this blog.”
I cannot remember a single example of any anti-muslim sentiment on this blog – nor is it rife within the larger American population. Rather, there has been concern expressed for the political correctness of how we deal with anti-terrorism, national and local security, immigration enforcement and the lack of overt American-muslem protest/support against the likes of al qaeda – or its home grown equivelents and advocates or Sharia – particularly worrisome if the reason for the lack of such support is fear.
One could look at World History, and see many many many times where in the name of Holy Scripture (Christian, Jewish, Islam), reason has been found to go to war or consider a population to be inferior. Each of the Scriptures have portions, that if taken literally, can lead to extremism such as what is occuring with Islam today. The unfortunate issue with Islam is that those who truly believe – like in Christianity and Judism – the message is of belief and peace – do not rally, stand up, and condemn those who have taken one portion and make war on the infidel.
I served in the Army for almost two and a half decades and was assigned to countries around the world. In each of those countries I was in, I understood I was a guest since when the tour of duty was over, I would leave. That said, I made the effort to understand customs and learn some of the language so at least I would represent myself, my culture and my Country in the best way I could. Tried not to be an “Ugly American”.
Now, I use that experience to view our own immigration issue. I learned Spanish in high school, and although very rusty, have used it to speak to neighbors who may not speak English. One neighbor told me I should go back to school and improve; I told him of my efforts in other Countries, so why is it many may come to this Country and not make a similar effort. He had no answer for that.
And my belief is that is a root cause of the backlash – many of us who visit other Countries at least try; and those who come in choose not to and make demands. And let us not forget when walking through the stores there is English and Spanish…and yet there are many more languages ignored. Of course, it was Richard M. Nixon who had the title “Hispanic” coined…ah, politics at its finest!
TP, perhaps you are confusing our blog with someone else’s. There have been people posting some rather strong opinions here that I would say were not exactly pro-Islam.
I have posted this thread so that people have a more natural springboard to express themselves rather than in the middle of Elena’s feel good story.
Obviously the NYC mosque controversy is pro-Islam also. NOT.
@Ray, Thanks for your insights. I had no idea about Richard Nixon coining the term ‘Hispanic.”
I grew up hearing the expression, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” I figured that is a good lesson that bears repeating. Perhaps if more people heeded that advice, immigration and assimilation would not be such hot topics.
@Moon-howler
So we are back to insulting those who do not conform to unrestrained liberal orthodoxy again. You do not have to be pro-Islam to not be anti-muslem. I stand by my statement, which was clear. The NYC victory mosque is not anti-Islam, its anti-in-your-face rude I dare you politics.
I have a more detailed comment about what seems to be happening in Europe for later. Have to find some links, etc.
I’m perfectly fine in admitting that I have spoken out about Islam and Sharia and the problems that those that support Sharia cause for non-muslims, women, children, and some Muslim neighbors. Please point me to the non-Sharia advocating Muslims that speak out against the abuses done by the “fundalmentals” and the Islamists. There are a brave few, but, they are not common place.
So, Moon is right. There have been strong, outspoken anti-IslamIST opinions. I say it that way, because I have also stated that I have met and worked with Muslims that think the Muslims that we call radicals are insane. They are some of the nicest, most generous and peaceful people I know.
I’ll throw in with the strong anti-muslim faction too. Save me a spot. I don’t have anything nasty to say about them right this second, but I would like to be on record as a rabid anti-muslim if there’s a spot left.
One of the problems that jumped out at me summarizing that article for the post was Sweden’s population of what? 9.3 million? 1.3 immigrants? that is beginning to be a mighty big chunk of population. Sweden is a very homogeneous society to start with, unlike the United States which is ethnically and racially heterogeneous.
re: Va man arrested for plotting metro destruction:
Another problem, after listening to the news just now, is you never know who the good guys are. This Virginia man appeared perfectly normal, according to neighbors and was a naturalized citizen, originally from Pakistan.
So you end up either being suspicious of everyone or foolhearty. And if you are suspicious of everyone then the pc police get you.
There folks…I have said it. What is wrong with my observations?
no, the pc police won’t get you if you are suspicious of everyone. they’ll get you only if you are suspicious of a certain ethnic group, as juan williams recently learned
Are there groups who you feel are exept from the PC police protection, e?
When DHS instructs us to be vigilant, what does that even mean anymore? What are we supposed to be looking for that won’t be objectionable to those “PC police”?
I don’t know and I think that is a good question. That is the conumdrum. We are to be vigilant but …..we aren’t supposed to single out folks.
I like Muslims. I don’t like terrorists.
And I think people are feeling it is getting harder and harder to tell the difference. Nice guys like the dude arrested today really wasn’t such a nice guy.
Hold on now, the universe is in convulsion, the Muselm PC Police are wondering whether they should hide their badges and take a good second look at those quiet young pakistani males named Faroouk mohamed something or other. The reconsideration of their PC rights over our lives – and yes our rights and freedoms – is welcome.
@Moon-howler
Most Muslims don’t carry weapons. Most Muslims don’t fly planes. Most Muslims don’t spout off about western devils. A little education goes a long way.
most japanese americans in wwII were patriotic, but fdr relocated all of them into internment camps
Troll (tp) the cops were part of this sting. No PC police. flap flap flap
Pinko, not sure what your point is. Did you mean pilot planes or fly ON planes?
Most Muslims who are terrorists or would be terrorists also don’t spout off about western devils. They are perfectly nice and seemed to have fit in. Thus, people have become leery of all muslims. Whether that’s right or wrong, it is the reality. When there are very few indicators coming from people who want to do us harm, it stands to reason that people will select the one indicator they can identify–muslim, if that’s the only one available to them.
@Moon-howler
I meant pilot planes.
Perhaps we need to have more faith that Homeland Security is taking better care of us. Perhaps if we’d get out of the Middle East and protect our own “homeland,” we’d feel a lot more secure about sharing our sidewalks with Muslims.
I have muslim friends, and to lump all people in ANY category is simply wrong. I don’t like when it is done to me, and I certainly don’t condone doing it being done to others!
Unfortunately, the post I had planned will be much later.
To summarize: Muslim backlash is happening in Europe to the the lack of assimilation of the African, Arab, and Turkish muslims into their new homes. Unfortunately, the European countries do not help as they make it hard to assimilate. In addition to the “multicultural” failure which emphasized differences, those countries are not “melting pots” as the US and Canada are.
In those countries that develop a large minority in relation to the population size, the Muslims have caused trouble. And the courts have not helped. In Scandinavian countries, many women have been raped, and the perps have gotten away with light sentences, if any, by the canard of how she was dressed in the “muslim” area. When arrested, local muslims have protested. In other cases, throughout Europe, women are harassed if they are not “modestly” dressed. In parts of France, there are no go areas by the police. Riots are routine. Streets have been closed off during prayer times. Not officially closed off, but prayers are conducted on the street. Muslims come from around Paris, congregate, and then begin praying in the street.
Europeans are tired of the religious bigotry, violence, lack of assimilation, and harassment. They are tired of their governments lack of action, or even backbone. Geert Wilders is being tried for speaking out about the horrors of Sharia. Hirsi Ali was a Dutch politician that had to flee the country because of death threats for speaking out against Islam. The Dutch refused to protect her.
The people are tired of seeing the double standard. Muslims seem to get away with actions that get more mainstream citizens punished. If said citizens speak out, they are declared bigots and some are threatened with legal jeopardy. When people see daily news about violence by or proposed by Muslims for “slights” that wouldn’t get a passing glance from Europeans, many Europeans have decided that they do not want such people as neighbors.
And I agree, Elena. But how do you tell who amongst us means to do us harm.
Let’s move the discussion to Israel, where your chance is much greater of being blown to shreds. How do you do that mental screening which is perhaps an unspoken surival technique built in to our species?
Every time you have a guy like Mr. Blow up the Military via the Metro, it reinforces people’s fears. There were no warning signs to the average person. The fact that people can’t determine who might mean them hard feed and nurishes prejudice. And whose fault is this? Terrorist muslims.
“Europeans are tired of the religious bigotry, violence, lack of assimilation, and harassment. They are tired of their governments lack of action, or even backbone.”
HEY! They’re Tea Partiers! And the Muslims are politicians.
Forgot to ask….
Interactive map? What’s it supposed to do? Are we missing something?
I’m happy to hear about the backlash in Europe against Muslim immigration. WHO invited these people into Europe, USA and Australia, anyway? That’s what I’d like to know.