The English defence league (EDL) are an extremist group who are attacking who they think are Muslim...be it personal attacks including violence or attacks on mosques. These events are well documented, as they are happening, on twitter. It is also well known that BNP (british national party. perhaps not extremists but are renown for racism and homophobia) and EDL have been inciting violence and hatred against Muslims...also showing their level of ignorance towards Islam in the process.
After the initial attack, the trigger for this violence, as I didn't know (and in many respects still do not know) much about Islam I asked my Muslim followers on twitter for information. I'm mature enough to admit when I'm ignorant and to then find out about what I'm ignorant about before I form an opinion. Usually I listen to both sides of the argument.
I can understand that EDL and BNP are concerned for our country, losing our national identity, our traditions and concerns for future generations. Such is also my concern. But is violence the answer? What will it solve?? Nothing but create more problems. Violence should only ever be a last resort when all other methods have been exhausted.
I've also had UKIP supporters turn this attack into propaganda for their campaign for Britain to leave the EU. Thankfully I have silenced the one's who tweeted me by linking to definitions of dictatorship, democracy, communism and various other things including an Euler diagram showing how nations of Europe interact with each other.
My best friend is a UKIP supporter also...although we disagree on things, both of us are opinionated and in many respects opposites, we want what's best for the country. Such a relationship by most people's standards shouldn't work. Yet with mutual love, respect and understanding such is possible. I also know we can share brutal honesty and side splitting silliness.
This morning I tweeted (and reposted to my facebook) the following:
Violence is not the way to deal with insecurities. People claim Muslims are violent. Yet they are not returning the violence. Are people so blind with rage and fear they no longer see sense? What makes this country so great is our diversity. Differences are not a threat. They allow us to grow stronger. By sharing new ideas and healthy questioning of debates we can come together to form a better country. Not just for today but for our children and their children. With education and interaction can prejudice be reduced. Such is possible. Remember: how you treat others is how you treat yourself. Harm others and you harm yourself. Love others and you love yourself. I'm aware that Islam does not look favorably on lesbians, however, I wish for peace, love, respect and safety for Muslims.
We can still retain our British identity while sharing other cultures. Traditions change, as does everything, over time. Granted it's a gradual shift. By absorbing different cultures into our society we can improve and enrich our own. More tolerance, more understanding, more respect. To do otherwise would be detrimental to our development. Not just as individuals but as a country.
What do we wish our identity to be? What do we wish the world to see us as? What do we wish to leave our children? What do we want our country to be - divided tribes or a untied kingdom?
Finally, I would like to commend the Police forces, throughout the country, for their hard work and dedication to upholding the law, seeking justice and serving the public. You routinely put your lives on the line to protect us. Thank you.
When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. - Thich Naht Hann
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. - Edith Wharton
