[lbo-talk] Tariq Ramadan and Islamic Socialism

[BklynMagus]

> The way I look at it, not only Muslim but also GLBT, feminist, and 
other predominantly secular activists have to change.  The former 
have to change their ideas about families, gender roles, sexuality 
outside marriage, etc., for instance, and the latter have to change 
their view of Islam and Muslims (e.g., the views that Islam is a 
religion alien to Europe in particular and the West in general, that 
Muslim women, unlike women of other faiths, cannot but be victims 
unless they renounce their faith, etc. -- the views that some hold 
explicitly and many others subscribe to implicitly).  So, quid pro quo, 
indeed.

Buit I have never felt that Islam is alien to Europe (or anywhere else) 
of that women have to renounce their faith.  But now I need to see the 
same spirit of openness on the part of many Muslims when they speak 
about queer issues.


> In general, though, we won't find out the outcome of collaboration 
unless we begin it, and even if little of substance, in terms of political 
results, comes out of it in the short term, opportunities for debates and 
exchanges among secular and religious leftists are to be welcomed for 
their own sake.

I have never been fond of talk for talk's sake.  If you are not on the same 
page as I am, what is the use (just as if I am not on the same page with 
you what use is there in you collaborating with me)?


> On the other hand, though, debates from which Ramadan, as well as his 
interlocutors and audiences, would most benefit would be not those with 
right-wingers but those with left-wingers, who agree with him on many 
points but disagree with him on some points.  In the future, I hope there 
will be more of the latter.

Be great if they happen (it would also be great for Scorsese to finally win 
an Oscar).

Brian