Trying to define attitudes in the West towards attitudes in the Middle East is an immensely complicated task. And right now as we try to sift our way through the controversies over the Danish cartoons and the Dubai ports deal, there are accusations of racism flying around from all sides. But ‘racism’ is too often a cop-out. It becomes short hand for something different. On the left, the principles of free expression, freedom of inquiry, freedom from dogma, separation of church and state, and even cultural pride come into conflict with the principles of religious tolerance and cultural sensitivity. On the right, issues of free trade and free markets come into conflict with issues of sovereignty. Religious absolutism come into conflict with a competing
absolutist monotheistic tradition. And fear of the ‘other’ and outright racism have their part across the board.
Take a look at Stirling Newberry’s piece today. Maybe we can discuss these issues from his perspective. And while we’re at it, someone explain to me why Stirling we was banned [see UPDATE] from Daily Kos. I still don’t know.
Update [2006-2-28 15:9:36 by BooMan]: This explains Stirling’s departure.
