Notes for 2nd Assesment (25/11). English III for International Relations.

 

Introduction

• What is the topic?
  The debate asks whether Islam and the West have irreconcilable differences or if the idea of a "clash of civilizations" (a fight between two completely different cultures) is exaggerated.

• What do you need to do?
  You’ll write about whether these differences are real or made bigger than they are. You can argue:

  1. The "clash" is exaggerated, and Islam and the West can coexist peacefully.
  2. The "clash" is real because of deep differences.
  3. A balanced view: Some differences exist, but they don’t have to lead to conflict.

---

Arguments from the Debate (Click here to have access to de debate)

FOR the Motion ("Islam is a Religion of Peace")

1. Zeba Khan’s Argument:

   • Personal story:
     She is a Muslim American who grew up in a peaceful, middle-class family. Her mosque was open and inclusive (e.g., men and women prayed together).
     → What does this mean? It shows that many Muslims practice their faith peacefully.

   • Data from Gallup study:
     93% of Muslims worldwide are peaceful. Only 7% are politically radicalized (supporting violence for political reasons, not religious ones).
     → What does this mean? The majority of Muslims reject violence; radicals are a small minority.

   • Examples of peaceful Muslims:

     • Muhammad Hamdani: A Muslim first responder who died saving lives on 9/11.
     • Indian Muslim community: Refused to bury the terrorists who attacked Mumbai in 2008.
       → What does this mean? These stories prove that most Muslims oppose terrorism and violence.

   • Her conclusion:
     If you think Islam is violent, you are agreeing with the extremists' distorted version of Islam.

---

2. Maajid Nawaz’s Argument:

   • Personal story:
     He used to be an extremist who believed Islam required violence and the creation of an Islamic state. After going to prison, he changed his views.
     → What does this mean? Extremism is not part of real Islam; it’s a political misuse of the religion.

   • Key learning in prison:

     1. Acts of kindness (e.g., Amnesty International supporting him) showed him that peace and dialogue are better than hatred.
     2. He realized extremists have twisted Islam’s teachings for political purposes.
        → What does this mean? Islam has been “hijacked” by extremists, but most Muslims want peace.

   • His conclusion:
     Muslims and non-Muslims need to work together to reclaim Islam from extremists and promote peace.

---

AGAINST the Motion ("Islam is NOT a Religion of Peace")

1. Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Argument:

   • Historical argument:
     Islam has a history of conquest and war. Its founder, Muhammad, led military campaigns and established Islam as a dominant force.
     → What does this mean? From its beginnings, Islam involved both religion and military expansion.

   • Concept of jihad:
     This term, often translated as “holy war,” is central to Islamic teachings about fighting for the faith.
     → What does this mean? Critics argue this concept makes Islam prone to violence.

   • Criticism of Muslims today:
     Some Muslim communities avoid taking responsibility for internal problems and blame outside forces (e.g., colonialism, the West).
     → What does this mean? This "victim mentality" prevents progress and self-criticism.

   • Her conclusion:
     Islam’s history and certain teachings (like jihad) make it incompatible with being a peaceful religion.

2. Douglas Murray’s Argument:

   • Islam is Rigid and Absolute:

     • Murray believes Islamic teachings are seen as divine and unchangeable, which makes adapting to modern values difficult.
     • Example: The Quran is considered by many Muslims to be the literal word of God, leaving little room for reinterpretation.

   • Problems Rooted in Teachings:

     • He argues that issues like extremism stem from Islam’s core teachings, not just political misuse.
     • Example: Some Quranic verses and hadiths (sayings of Muhammad) discuss violence or the treatment of non-believers, which extremists use to justify their actions.

   • History of Violence:

     • Islam’s early history involved military conquests under Muhammad and the caliphs that followed.
     • Example: The rapid expansion of Islamic empires was achieved through warfare, spreading religion alongside political rule.

   • Struggles with Modernity:

     • Murray claims Islam has not undergone reform like Christianity or Judaism, making it harder to adapt to modern values.
     • Example: Many Islamic scholars reject revising traditional interpretations, which can conflict with ideas like gender equality and freedom of speech.

   • Tension with Secular Societies:

     • Murray highlights conflicts between Islamic teachings and Western ideals (e.g., free speech, women’s rights, LGBT rights).
     • Example: The Charlie Hebdo attack, where cartoonists were killed for depicting Muhammad, illustrates this tension.

   • His conclusion:
     He argues that Islam’s rigidity, history, and core teachings make it inherently difficult to call it a religion of peace.

---

Videos and Materials From Moodle

1. Punish a Muslim Day:

   • What is it? A hateful campaign that encouraged violence against Muslims.
   • What does it show? Islamophobia (fear or hatred of Islam) exaggerates differences and fuels unnecessary fear.

2. Young Women Talking About the Hijab:

   • What is it? A discussion by Muslim women about why they choose or don’t choose to wear the hijab (headscarf).
   • What does it show? Muslims have diverse perspectives, and not all Muslims practice their religion the same way.

3. Cartoons and Memes Related to Islam:

   • What is it? Media content that sometimes mocks Islam.
   • What does it show? Satire can reinforce negative stereotypes about Muslims, creating misunderstandings and tension.

---

How to Structure Your Writing

1. Introduction

• Start with Context:
  • Mention the global significance of Islam: "With 1.8 billion followers worldwide, Islam is the second-largest religion, comprising 24% of the global population."
  • Highlight its diversity: "The majority of Muslims (62%) live in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating the religion’s varied cultural contexts."
• State Your Opinion:
  • Example: "While differences exist between Islam and the West, the idea of a 'clash of civilizations' oversimplifies the relationship, ignoring the peaceful coexistence of most Muslims globally."

---

2. Body Paragraphs

1. Cultural and Religious Differences:

   • Discuss perceived differences, such as religious practices, women's rights, or freedom of speech.
   • Use Statistics:
     • "By 2050, India, a majority-Hindu country, will have the largest Muslim population, showing how Muslim communities coexist with other religions."

2. Political and Historical Context:

   • Address misconceptions about extremism.
   • Use Statistics:
     • "A 2017 Pew survey found that 82% of U.S. Muslims believe suicide bombings and other violence are never justified, reinforcing the idea that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful."

3. Media Influence and Discrimination:

   • Discuss how media portrayals and incidents of discrimination shape perceptions of Islam.
   • Use Statistics:
     • "48% of U.S. Muslims reported experiencing discrimination in the past year, yet 89% remain proud to be both American and Muslim. This resilience highlights their successful integration despite challenges."

4. Counterarguments:

   • Briefly address opposing views, such as fears of Islamization or concerns about extremism.
   • Use Statistics:
     • "In Europe, Muslims are projected to make up 10% of the population by 2050—a gradual increase that challenges exaggerated fears of cultural domination."

---

3. Conclusion

• Summarize Key Points:
  • Example: "The global diversity of Islam and its peaceful integration into societies like the U.S. and India demonstrate that the 'clash of civilizations' is a simplistic narrative."
• Leave a Final Impression:
• Example: "Rather than focusing on divisions, acknowledging shared values and the vast majority of peaceful Muslims can foster greater understanding and cooperation."

¿Te gustaron estos apuntes? Comparte la página para que más estudiantes puedan aprovecharlos. Encuentra más apuntes buscando en la web o haciendo clic en las etiquetas. Si quieres apoyar este proyecto, considera hacer una donación por Bizum al +34 618 263 742. ¡Gracias por tu ayuda!

iRENE fIRENZE