In this piece, American conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh is accused of "racism on steroids" because he said that the Democrats want to stop the Darfur genocide because many of the victims are black, and the Democrats rely on a lot of black votes.
The author doesn't mention anyway what exactly is racist about this comment, but he/she also won't find any disagreement from me that the genocide there must be stopped.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Monday, 3 September 2007
Islam 101 - Part 1
Here it is then, as promised: part one of my series of six articles about Islam, and why it is NOT a Religion of Peace (TM). Learn and enjoy:
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THE EXAMPLE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Hearing and reading the comments of Islamic apologists, one would be forgiven for thinking that Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, was a kind and gentle soul, like Gandhi, who abhorred violence and was a champion of democracy and equality of rights for all. This characterisation, however, is mostly fictionalised. Such apologists are unlikely to tell you about the war and bloodshed in Muhammad's life, and how his example is a key inspiration for jihadists today. This article will explore some of the main developments in Muhammad's life which resonate among his followers today.
Why does the life of Muhammad matter? He was, after all, alive 1,400 years ago; why should his words and actions have any relevance today?
In Islam, Muhammad is seen as al-insan al-kamil - "the Perfect Man". The Qur'an calls him uswa hasana: "an excellent example of conduct" (33:21). Anything that he said or did is seen by Muslims to be good, something that they can legitimately admire and emulate. Muhammad's behaviour was typical of a seventh-century Arabian warrior, but because of his status as the ultimate model of human behaviour, this presents a problem in the modern day where Muslims still believe that his example is a flawless one and should be followed. That is why none of the things I'm about to write about are simple matters of forgotten history: Islamic tradition makes no distinction between then and now - what was good in Muhammad's time is just as good now, especially since it was sanctioned by the Perfect Man.
Muhammad began as a relatively benign man who genuinely respected Jews and Christians. He was a member of the pagan Quraysh tribe in Mecca. Then, in 610 AD, he began to claim that he was receiving revelations from Allah, the one true God, who had made him his Prophet - the latest and last in a line which had included Abraham and Jesus. He began preaching, trying to win his tribe over to his new religion. However, many of them rejected and mocked him, and he became increasingly frustrated. After years of this frustration, Muhammad fled with some loyal followers to another town, Medina, where more followers, the first Muslims, joined his cause. From this new position of strength, the Muslims began to launch raids on Quraysh caravans, stealing booty. Such actions served not only as revenge for the Quraysh's rejection of Muhammad, but the money also kept the Muslim movement solvent.
In Medina, Muhammad also came into contact with several Jewish tribes and Christian groups, whom he tried to convince to become Muslims. He told them that he and they worshiped the same God, and that they had corrupted the true teachings of Abraham and Jesus, who were really Muslim Prophets. He called them back to the "true faith" of Islam. They, of course, rejected him also, and more frustration ensued, later followed by violence. Non-believers would come to be known as "the vilest of creatures" (Qur'an 98:6).
The raids on the Quraysh caravans eventually led to greater resistance from the pagans, resulting in the Battle of Badr in 624. The Muslims were victorious despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered. In the aftermath of the battle, one of the Muslim soldiers cut off the head of a Quraysh leader, Abu Jahl, and brought the grisly trophy to Muhammad - he was delighted.
Tensions with the Quraysh continued for many years after, however, and at one point a Jewish tribe, the Banu Qurayza, allied themselves with the Quraysh to oppose Muhammad. After dealing with the Quraysh again, Muhammad reaped his revenge on the Banu Qurayza. He went after them, calling them "You brothers of monkeys" (leading to modern jihadists' likening of the Jews to apes and monkeys) and besieging them. When they were defeated and thoroughly subdued, he had the men of the Banu Qurayza brought to him one by one, where he personally assisted in beheading them. Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad's first biographer, whose works are widely read and respected in the Islamic world even today, puts the number killed in this fashion at "between 600 and 700". Ibn S'ad, another biographer of Muhammad, goes for the same number.
Such incidents as this and the aftermath of the Battle of Badr explain why modern-day jihadists are so into beheading their victims: they are merely following their Prophet's example. After the American Nick Berg was captured and beheaded in Iraq in 2004, the jihad leader Abu Musab al-Zaqarwi said: "The Prophet, the most merciful, ordered his army to strike the necks of some prisoners in the Battle of Badr and to kill them...And he set a good example for us". The Qur'an verse al-Zaqarwi is citing here is 4:74 - "When ye meet the unbelievers in fight, smite at their necks". This is just one of many examples of how jihadists today use Muhammad's specific example to justify their actions.
Another morally problematic event in Muhammad's career was an attack on the Jews of the Khaybar Oasis. Muhammad was reacting to no provocation, and the attack seems to have been committed simply to collect the Jews' booty, and even women. Ibn S'ad says that 93 Jews were killed in the raid. Muhammad had one of the Jewish leaders tortured to extract information about where the treasure was being hidden, and soon after married one of the Jewish women - a widow of one of the men killed in the raid - against her will. Today, "Khaybar, O Khaybar" is still a popular chant, particularly among Palestinian jihadists, who see their ambitions of destroying Israel as inflicting more of the damage that the Khaybar raid inflicted on the Jews.
Muhammad did not just fight wars and battles against his enemies - he had them assassinated, too. After the Battle of Badr, Muhammad was incensed by a Jewish poet, Kab bin al-Ashraf, who, according to Ibn Ishaq, wrote insulting songs about Muslim women. Muhammad had him killed for this, and gave the assassin permission to use deceit to achieve the murder. Other enemies also suffered his wrath, including a Jewish merchant, Ibn Sunaya, and 'Asma bint Marwan, a poet who had mocked the Prophet in rhyme.
In the aftermath of contemporary Muslim terrorist attacks, Islamic spokesmen in the West today often maintain that Islam forbids the killing of innocent non-combatants. However, this is not as certain as they seem to believe, as demonstrated by one incident during the early raids on Quraysh caravans. Muhammad was asked whether the Muslims could mount an attack at a time which would put the Quraysh's women and children in danger. He replied, "They [i.e. the women and children] are of them [i.e. unbelievers]", which seemed to imply that because they were not Muslims, they could legitimately be killed (Bukhari v.4, b.56, no. 3012). I will be explaining the position Islamic law holds on this matter in a few weeks.
The final incident from Muhammad's life which I see as relevant today concerns the Treaty of Hudaybiyya. This was a treaty which was concluded between the Muslims and the Quraysh. The treaty astounded and angered many of Muhammad's followers, for it seemed disadvantageous to the Muslims. It declared that Quraysh who left the tribe to join Muhammad must be returned to the Quraysh, but any Muslim who left to join the Quraysh would not be returned to the Muslims. Despite his followers' surprise and indignation, Muhammad insisted that they had won a great victory.
Two years later, a Quraysh woman joined the Muslims. Her two brothers came to Muhammad and asked that she be returned, in accord with the terms of the Treaty. However, Muhammad had received a revelation from Allah, which told him not to return the woman (Qur'an 60:10). In refusing to send her back to the Quraysh, Muhammad broke the Treaty and tensions resumed.
Since then, Islamic jurists have built upon this to create the principle of Islamic law that peace treaties between Muslims and non-Muslims should only be concluded for a maximum of ten years, and only in order to allow weakened Muslim forces to regain their strength. When Westerners today assert that we can "negotiate" with the terrorists, they do not realise their own naivity - Islam has no interest in indefinite peaceful coexistence; its only concern is its own well-being.
As you can see, the example of Muhammad which jihadists invoke today is not a peaceful, tolerant one. All of the deeds of Muhammad described above are seen as virtues in Islam, and jihadists today, as throughout history, use them to justify acts of violence not just against military targets, but against innocent civilians. Moderate Muslims must be aware of these examples and actively reject them as being admirable or compatible with modern society. Ignorance or denial is not an excuse. Muslims must work hard to reject the idea that Muhammad is the Perfect Man in these and other instances. If they don't, the jihadists will continue to have the theological upper hand, and violence in the name of Muhammad will continue.
Next week: Incitements to violence in the Qur'an and Islamic tradition, and why jihad is such an important part of Islam.
-----------------------------------------
THE EXAMPLE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Hearing and reading the comments of Islamic apologists, one would be forgiven for thinking that Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, was a kind and gentle soul, like Gandhi, who abhorred violence and was a champion of democracy and equality of rights for all. This characterisation, however, is mostly fictionalised. Such apologists are unlikely to tell you about the war and bloodshed in Muhammad's life, and how his example is a key inspiration for jihadists today. This article will explore some of the main developments in Muhammad's life which resonate among his followers today.
Why does the life of Muhammad matter? He was, after all, alive 1,400 years ago; why should his words and actions have any relevance today?
In Islam, Muhammad is seen as al-insan al-kamil - "the Perfect Man". The Qur'an calls him uswa hasana: "an excellent example of conduct" (33:21). Anything that he said or did is seen by Muslims to be good, something that they can legitimately admire and emulate. Muhammad's behaviour was typical of a seventh-century Arabian warrior, but because of his status as the ultimate model of human behaviour, this presents a problem in the modern day where Muslims still believe that his example is a flawless one and should be followed. That is why none of the things I'm about to write about are simple matters of forgotten history: Islamic tradition makes no distinction between then and now - what was good in Muhammad's time is just as good now, especially since it was sanctioned by the Perfect Man.
Muhammad began as a relatively benign man who genuinely respected Jews and Christians. He was a member of the pagan Quraysh tribe in Mecca. Then, in 610 AD, he began to claim that he was receiving revelations from Allah, the one true God, who had made him his Prophet - the latest and last in a line which had included Abraham and Jesus. He began preaching, trying to win his tribe over to his new religion. However, many of them rejected and mocked him, and he became increasingly frustrated. After years of this frustration, Muhammad fled with some loyal followers to another town, Medina, where more followers, the first Muslims, joined his cause. From this new position of strength, the Muslims began to launch raids on Quraysh caravans, stealing booty. Such actions served not only as revenge for the Quraysh's rejection of Muhammad, but the money also kept the Muslim movement solvent.
In Medina, Muhammad also came into contact with several Jewish tribes and Christian groups, whom he tried to convince to become Muslims. He told them that he and they worshiped the same God, and that they had corrupted the true teachings of Abraham and Jesus, who were really Muslim Prophets. He called them back to the "true faith" of Islam. They, of course, rejected him also, and more frustration ensued, later followed by violence. Non-believers would come to be known as "the vilest of creatures" (Qur'an 98:6).
The raids on the Quraysh caravans eventually led to greater resistance from the pagans, resulting in the Battle of Badr in 624. The Muslims were victorious despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered. In the aftermath of the battle, one of the Muslim soldiers cut off the head of a Quraysh leader, Abu Jahl, and brought the grisly trophy to Muhammad - he was delighted.
Tensions with the Quraysh continued for many years after, however, and at one point a Jewish tribe, the Banu Qurayza, allied themselves with the Quraysh to oppose Muhammad. After dealing with the Quraysh again, Muhammad reaped his revenge on the Banu Qurayza. He went after them, calling them "You brothers of monkeys" (leading to modern jihadists' likening of the Jews to apes and monkeys) and besieging them. When they were defeated and thoroughly subdued, he had the men of the Banu Qurayza brought to him one by one, where he personally assisted in beheading them. Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad's first biographer, whose works are widely read and respected in the Islamic world even today, puts the number killed in this fashion at "between 600 and 700". Ibn S'ad, another biographer of Muhammad, goes for the same number.
Such incidents as this and the aftermath of the Battle of Badr explain why modern-day jihadists are so into beheading their victims: they are merely following their Prophet's example. After the American Nick Berg was captured and beheaded in Iraq in 2004, the jihad leader Abu Musab al-Zaqarwi said: "The Prophet, the most merciful, ordered his army to strike the necks of some prisoners in the Battle of Badr and to kill them...And he set a good example for us". The Qur'an verse al-Zaqarwi is citing here is 4:74 - "When ye meet the unbelievers in fight, smite at their necks". This is just one of many examples of how jihadists today use Muhammad's specific example to justify their actions.
Another morally problematic event in Muhammad's career was an attack on the Jews of the Khaybar Oasis. Muhammad was reacting to no provocation, and the attack seems to have been committed simply to collect the Jews' booty, and even women. Ibn S'ad says that 93 Jews were killed in the raid. Muhammad had one of the Jewish leaders tortured to extract information about where the treasure was being hidden, and soon after married one of the Jewish women - a widow of one of the men killed in the raid - against her will. Today, "Khaybar, O Khaybar" is still a popular chant, particularly among Palestinian jihadists, who see their ambitions of destroying Israel as inflicting more of the damage that the Khaybar raid inflicted on the Jews.
Muhammad did not just fight wars and battles against his enemies - he had them assassinated, too. After the Battle of Badr, Muhammad was incensed by a Jewish poet, Kab bin al-Ashraf, who, according to Ibn Ishaq, wrote insulting songs about Muslim women. Muhammad had him killed for this, and gave the assassin permission to use deceit to achieve the murder. Other enemies also suffered his wrath, including a Jewish merchant, Ibn Sunaya, and 'Asma bint Marwan, a poet who had mocked the Prophet in rhyme.
In the aftermath of contemporary Muslim terrorist attacks, Islamic spokesmen in the West today often maintain that Islam forbids the killing of innocent non-combatants. However, this is not as certain as they seem to believe, as demonstrated by one incident during the early raids on Quraysh caravans. Muhammad was asked whether the Muslims could mount an attack at a time which would put the Quraysh's women and children in danger. He replied, "They [i.e. the women and children] are of them [i.e. unbelievers]", which seemed to imply that because they were not Muslims, they could legitimately be killed (Bukhari v.4, b.56, no. 3012). I will be explaining the position Islamic law holds on this matter in a few weeks.
The final incident from Muhammad's life which I see as relevant today concerns the Treaty of Hudaybiyya. This was a treaty which was concluded between the Muslims and the Quraysh. The treaty astounded and angered many of Muhammad's followers, for it seemed disadvantageous to the Muslims. It declared that Quraysh who left the tribe to join Muhammad must be returned to the Quraysh, but any Muslim who left to join the Quraysh would not be returned to the Muslims. Despite his followers' surprise and indignation, Muhammad insisted that they had won a great victory.
Two years later, a Quraysh woman joined the Muslims. Her two brothers came to Muhammad and asked that she be returned, in accord with the terms of the Treaty. However, Muhammad had received a revelation from Allah, which told him not to return the woman (Qur'an 60:10). In refusing to send her back to the Quraysh, Muhammad broke the Treaty and tensions resumed.
Since then, Islamic jurists have built upon this to create the principle of Islamic law that peace treaties between Muslims and non-Muslims should only be concluded for a maximum of ten years, and only in order to allow weakened Muslim forces to regain their strength. When Westerners today assert that we can "negotiate" with the terrorists, they do not realise their own naivity - Islam has no interest in indefinite peaceful coexistence; its only concern is its own well-being.
As you can see, the example of Muhammad which jihadists invoke today is not a peaceful, tolerant one. All of the deeds of Muhammad described above are seen as virtues in Islam, and jihadists today, as throughout history, use them to justify acts of violence not just against military targets, but against innocent civilians. Moderate Muslims must be aware of these examples and actively reject them as being admirable or compatible with modern society. Ignorance or denial is not an excuse. Muslims must work hard to reject the idea that Muhammad is the Perfect Man in these and other instances. If they don't, the jihadists will continue to have the theological upper hand, and violence in the name of Muhammad will continue.
Next week: Incitements to violence in the Qur'an and Islamic tradition, and why jihad is such an important part of Islam.
Sunday, 2 September 2007
Raisin-Head
Since I'm going to start my six-article series on Islam tomorrow, I thought I would post this gem of a quote from the mouth of Muhammad himself. It is somewhat related to racism, as should become clear:
"You should listen to and obey your ruler even if he was an Ethiopian (black) slave whose head looks like a raisin." (Bukhari v.9, b.89, No.256)
"You should listen to and obey your ruler even if he was an Ethiopian (black) slave whose head looks like a raisin." (Bukhari v.9, b.89, No.256)
Friday, 31 August 2007
Round-up
1. Here's a piece at the ominously titled "Race In the Workplace" website in which a woolly self-righteous liberal explains how we should respond to a racist joke. The most important part of it, we're told, is that we should not do anything to damage the working relationship between ourselves and our "racist" colleague. But inside we're allowed to hate them. Feel the tolerance.
2. Norway's health authority has admitted to racism in the ranks of its emergency services after widely publicized case involving a severely injured dark-skinned foreigner. The admission follows on the case in which medics called to attend to a dark-skinned immigrant injured in an Oslo park on August 8, had refused to help him and left him lying on the ground.
Of course, no one should take this as meaning that the WHOLE Norwegian health authority is racist. And I strongly urge against any initiatives being set up to teach "diversity" to every Norwegian ambulance crewman.
2. Norway's health authority has admitted to racism in the ranks of its emergency services after widely publicized case involving a severely injured dark-skinned foreigner. The admission follows on the case in which medics called to attend to a dark-skinned immigrant injured in an Oslo park on August 8, had refused to help him and left him lying on the ground.
Of course, no one should take this as meaning that the WHOLE Norwegian health authority is racist. And I strongly urge against any initiatives being set up to teach "diversity" to every Norwegian ambulance crewman.
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Round-up
1. Jews in Melbourne feel physically unsafe due to rising violent anti-Semitism.
2. There is not too much fundamentally wrongheaded in this article about the concept of a "racist bone" - that is, people of the older generation passing down their racism to the younger generation. But I did take major exception in particular to the first paragraph:
"Is there such a thing as a racist bone? You hear the saying a lot – “He didn’t have a racist bone in him” – and it’s usually associated with someone who has murdered someone else. In all honesty, it’s usually associated with some white someone murdering some black someone. So it begs the question – is there a racist bone?"
Here the author seems unwilling to consider the fact that there may also be a "racist bone" among black people. Why is this? Does the author subscribe to the tired PC assumption that only white people can be racist? Does she believe that racism is genetically woven into white people rather than black or any other race?
2. There is not too much fundamentally wrongheaded in this article about the concept of a "racist bone" - that is, people of the older generation passing down their racism to the younger generation. But I did take major exception in particular to the first paragraph:
"Is there such a thing as a racist bone? You hear the saying a lot – “He didn’t have a racist bone in him” – and it’s usually associated with someone who has murdered someone else. In all honesty, it’s usually associated with some white someone murdering some black someone. So it begs the question – is there a racist bone?"
Here the author seems unwilling to consider the fact that there may also be a "racist bone" among black people. Why is this? Does the author subscribe to the tired PC assumption that only white people can be racist? Does she believe that racism is genetically woven into white people rather than black or any other race?
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Islam Round-up
1. "Islamophobia" and the defamation of Islam are the most conspicuous forms of racism and intolerance today, and a global U.N. conference on racism planned for 2009 should come up with practical solutions to deal with them, an Islamic bloc representative told a preparatory meeting in Geneva yesterday.
Of course. What race is Islam, again?
2. This opinion piece rehashes the multiculturalist dogma and disparagingly quotes a few right-wing American shock-merchants such as Ann Coulter to make the case that Muslims are the most hard-done-by people in America, and probably the world. It also makes the baffling claim that the mainstream media ignores cases of discrimination against Muslims. Spare me.
This line caught my eye, though:
"The most deafening silence comes from liberals and conservatives who seek true understanding and espouse American values of human rights, freedom and tolerance for multiculturalism"
Apart from the multiculturalism bit, most critics of Islam DO care about the "American values of human rights, freedom and tolerance" - that is why they are opposed to an ideology which is totally intolerant of all but itself, and denies basic human rights and freedom to women and religious minorities. But if you're a multiculturalist, even such blatant human rights abuses and intolerance by Islam pale in comparison to the cardinal sin of suggesting that our culture may be better than another.
Of course. What race is Islam, again?
2. This opinion piece rehashes the multiculturalist dogma and disparagingly quotes a few right-wing American shock-merchants such as Ann Coulter to make the case that Muslims are the most hard-done-by people in America, and probably the world. It also makes the baffling claim that the mainstream media ignores cases of discrimination against Muslims. Spare me.
This line caught my eye, though:
"The most deafening silence comes from liberals and conservatives who seek true understanding and espouse American values of human rights, freedom and tolerance for multiculturalism"
Apart from the multiculturalism bit, most critics of Islam DO care about the "American values of human rights, freedom and tolerance" - that is why they are opposed to an ideology which is totally intolerant of all but itself, and denies basic human rights and freedom to women and religious minorities. But if you're a multiculturalist, even such blatant human rights abuses and intolerance by Islam pale in comparison to the cardinal sin of suggesting that our culture may be better than another.
Monday, 27 August 2007
Coming Soon...
Several months ago I wrote a piece about Islam, explaining why it is not a Religion of Peace. Looking back on it, it was fairly rushed, generalised, and, unfortunately, contained a few errors, too.
Which is why I'm gonna try it again next week. Next Monday I will publish the first of six articles which look in detail at the aspects of Islam which jihadists use to justify their actions. Such examinations of the actual motives and goals of Islamic terrorists are alien to the mainstream media, who continually pretend that the "terrorists" who kill innocent people today don't share any common ideology, and that those who do are "twisting" what their religion actually teaches. My intention with these articles is to bust these kinds of myths, and to call for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to examine these issues honestly and come up with positive ways to deal with them.
The first of the six articles will look at some key incidents in the life of Islam's Prophet, Muhammad, that resonate among his followers today and inspire jihadists to commit violent acts in imitation of him. Tune in this time next week to read it.
Which is why I'm gonna try it again next week. Next Monday I will publish the first of six articles which look in detail at the aspects of Islam which jihadists use to justify their actions. Such examinations of the actual motives and goals of Islamic terrorists are alien to the mainstream media, who continually pretend that the "terrorists" who kill innocent people today don't share any common ideology, and that those who do are "twisting" what their religion actually teaches. My intention with these articles is to bust these kinds of myths, and to call for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to examine these issues honestly and come up with positive ways to deal with them.
The first of the six articles will look at some key incidents in the life of Islam's Prophet, Muhammad, that resonate among his followers today and inspire jihadists to commit violent acts in imitation of him. Tune in this time next week to read it.
Round-up
1. Channel 4 is axing Celebrity Big Brother (about time) because of the Jade Goody incident. Imagine that: axing a whole show just because of one innocuous incident that happened last season. While I am glad that such tripe has been removed from the airwaves, Channel 4's reasoning is pathetic and politically correct. A great shame from a channel that has produced such excellent and un-PC documentaries as The Great Global Warming Swindle and the Dispatches episode about Islamic hate-preaching in mosques.
2. The co-creator of hit BBC1 drama Life on Mars has revealed that politically incorrect character DCI Gene Hunt was given a make-over prior to filming because he was deemed to be too racist. One example that was in an early draft script but never made it to the screen was the character referring to the Caribbean barman at the bar frequented by Hunt and his police squad as "chalky".
The silliness of this is touched upon typically briefly later in the article:
Mr Pharoah described it as a slightly "bizarre conclusion" that the sexist and homophobic elements of the character were found to be acceptable while only racism was "a step too far".
He then also lets loose with this stinker of a line:
Mr Pharoah also admitted, when asked in a Q&A about whether letters had been received about the character's actions, that he had been unhappy with the way the Daily Mail had made DCI Gene Hunt a "pin-up".
2. The co-creator of hit BBC1 drama Life on Mars has revealed that politically incorrect character DCI Gene Hunt was given a make-over prior to filming because he was deemed to be too racist. One example that was in an early draft script but never made it to the screen was the character referring to the Caribbean barman at the bar frequented by Hunt and his police squad as "chalky".
The silliness of this is touched upon typically briefly later in the article:
Mr Pharoah described it as a slightly "bizarre conclusion" that the sexist and homophobic elements of the character were found to be acceptable while only racism was "a step too far".
He suggested that this may have been because "two wars had been won" - meaning homophobia and sexism are at a point in UK culture that they can be featured, albeit carefully, in TV drama - but that racism is still a taboo subject.
The conclusion is indeed bizarre, but then Mr. Pharoah goes on to give a completely cockamamie reason for this political correctness, which doesn't actually explain anything. Since when have homosexuality and sexism not been taboo subjects? And whoever fought, and won, any "wars" against such things? He doesn't explain WHY racism should still be a taboo subject and other controversial things shouldn't, or how removal of this taboo status could be achieved.He then also lets loose with this stinker of a line:
Mr Pharoah also admitted, when asked in a Q&A about whether letters had been received about the character's actions, that he had been unhappy with the way the Daily Mail had made DCI Gene Hunt a "pin-up".
"He became the pin-up boy for the Daily Mail for a few weeks and that was deeply disturbing," he said. "They lost the irony... they knew exactly what they were doing."
The unspoken connotation here is that since the character is a racist (among other things), that therefore makes him extremely popular with the Daily Mail, which apparently shares the same vices. Any examination of the Daily Mail's "lionisation" of Hunt, however, clearly reveals that they appreciated the character's hard-hitting stance towards crime, and his ability to give criminals what they deserve and put them behind bars. This is in stark contrast to the current lily-livered PC police force, which is afraid of doing pretty much everything. But given such a chance to demonise the "evil right-wing" Daily Mail, the folks at the Guardian are hardly likely to shirk the chance, are they?Saturday, 25 August 2007
And Another Welcome Back
Yes, I am back again after my second holiday in two months (some get the luck...). This time I've been on a cruise around the Mediterranean. The ship was superb and we visited some marvelous, and famous, places. I think it's some achievement when I say that - in the space of one week - I saw the Roman Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the race track of Monaco. Not bad for sightseeing. The only problem was...STINKING WEATHER! I understand the weather's been pretty awful here in Blighty while I was away, but the Mediterranean climate was only marginally better (I blame all that global warming...ahem...). Much of the time it was cloudy and overcast, and on a Menorcan beach yesterday it rained! Still, I had a lovely time and would love to do something like that again.
On an unrelated note, while I was there I read and finished the second Deathstalker saga by Simon Green. I reviewed the first series here a while back, and heartily enjoyed it. This trilogy continues and completes the story and brings everything full circle. While I found it to not be as good as the first series, it still has its moments, including some absolutely mind-blowing twists and revelations towards the tail-end of the trilogy, coupled with Green's trademark humour and wit. Deathstalker has actually become my favourite sci-fi series. While many people will see it as pure popcorn fun (which is what it is and what it was primarily intended to be), I actually ended up finding it to be quite emotionally engaging. I would recommend it to anyone.
So that's it for now. Normal race-related blogging will resume on Monday. See ya around.
On an unrelated note, while I was there I read and finished the second Deathstalker saga by Simon Green. I reviewed the first series here a while back, and heartily enjoyed it. This trilogy continues and completes the story and brings everything full circle. While I found it to not be as good as the first series, it still has its moments, including some absolutely mind-blowing twists and revelations towards the tail-end of the trilogy, coupled with Green's trademark humour and wit. Deathstalker has actually become my favourite sci-fi series. While many people will see it as pure popcorn fun (which is what it is and what it was primarily intended to be), I actually ended up finding it to be quite emotionally engaging. I would recommend it to anyone.
So that's it for now. Normal race-related blogging will resume on Monday. See ya around.
Friday, 17 August 2007
Off On Hols Again!
I won't be around for the next week and a bit because I will be on my SECOND holiday of the year, this one with my family (and completely free for me!). So, even though I didn't post yesterday, there won't be any more until next Monday, probably.
Just a warning to all my readers. You can go back to not existing now.
Just a warning to all my readers. You can go back to not existing now.
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
Round-up
1. This guy has written a long piece in which he argues that reverse racism - or positively discriminating in favour of blacks and minorities over whites - is completely justified because blacks used to be persecuted. This bizarre line of reasoning doesn't seem much interested in having everyone be treated equally regardless of race or colour, and his attempts to make comparisons with the Jews are extremely crooked.
2. Time magazine thinks baseball umpires are racist. The writers of the report think that anomalies in decisions made on 1% of pitches is an obvious sign of racism. Ludicrous.
2. Time magazine thinks baseball umpires are racist. The writers of the report think that anomalies in decisions made on 1% of pitches is an obvious sign of racism. Ludicrous.
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Round-up
1. Young people from ethnic minority groups in Scotland believe some actions by the police amount to racism, according to a new report.
Well, they would think that, wouldn't they?
2. Does lurking racism affect the workings of our major institutions - government, the judiciary, medicine, and education? No, but someone thinks it does.
The "unconscious racism" test mentioned in the article may be similar to this one I wrote about a couple of months ago. It wouldn't surprise me if such studies were just as full of spurious science as that one.
Well, they would think that, wouldn't they?
2. Does lurking racism affect the workings of our major institutions - government, the judiciary, medicine, and education? No, but someone thinks it does.
The "unconscious racism" test mentioned in the article may be similar to this one I wrote about a couple of months ago. It wouldn't surprise me if such studies were just as full of spurious science as that one.
Monday, 13 August 2007
Poor Scottish Muslims
"Racist" incidents across Scotland have soared following the attempted terror strike on Glasgow airport on June 30 this year. The idea is that those intolerant Scots have made a connection between Muslims and violence (which is totally unfounded, of course) and are thus being hostile to local Muslims.
Now, no one should be targeting innocent Muslims for hostility and verbal/physical abuse, but I wonder, how much are these Scottish Muslims doing to allay the violent image their co-religionists have created of Islam, and to prevent jihadists from making new recruits among their number? How much are they REALLY doing, and what does it entail?
Now, no one should be targeting innocent Muslims for hostility and verbal/physical abuse, but I wonder, how much are these Scottish Muslims doing to allay the violent image their co-religionists have created of Islam, and to prevent jihadists from making new recruits among their number? How much are they REALLY doing, and what does it entail?
Friday, 10 August 2007
Blacks Need Better Role Models?
A new report says that young black people need to find better role models, as all too often the best they have are rappers who glorify violence and the gun culture.
I don't disagree with this, but the report also suggests that poverty is to blame. Aside from the fact that blacks in these ghetto-like areas seem to do very little to make life easier for themselves, money isn't the real problem. The problem is the breakdown of the family unit within their society. The amount of single parents and teenage pregnancies is soaring. These traditional values used to be a big part of the black community and it is not surprising that when they are in decline, the society is, too.
I don't disagree with this, but the report also suggests that poverty is to blame. Aside from the fact that blacks in these ghetto-like areas seem to do very little to make life easier for themselves, money isn't the real problem. The problem is the breakdown of the family unit within their society. The amount of single parents and teenage pregnancies is soaring. These traditional values used to be a big part of the black community and it is not surprising that when they are in decline, the society is, too.
Thursday, 9 August 2007
CAIR Slanders Robert Spencer...Again
After recently making false claims about Robert Spencer on Fox News the other week, the Council on American-Islamic relations is at it again...attempting to defame him. This time they have posted a PDF document on their website which claims to expose Spencer's "lies" and reveal that he is in fact a conniving hatemonger.
As Spencer himself says at Jihad Watch:
"There's just one problem: as Mary McCarthy famously said about Lillian Hellman, "Every word she writes is a lie, including and and the." This windy hit piece even gets my name wrong, and if there is even one true statement in it, I haven't found it yet.
As Spencer himself says at Jihad Watch:
"There's just one problem: as Mary McCarthy famously said about Lillian Hellman, "Every word she writes is a lie, including and and the." This windy hit piece even gets my name wrong, and if there is even one true statement in it, I haven't found it yet.
By posting this ludicrous piece, CAIR has signed on to the contention that Hugh Fitzgerald and I are one and the same -- which will come as quite a surprise to all the people who met us both at the David Horowitz Freedom Center's Restoration Weekend last year. CAIR has likewise signed on to the pdf's most glaring leap of logic: it contends both that I secretly support Osama bin Laden and the global jihad, and at the same time that I think all Muslims are terrorists who want to kill Americans. Can't have your cake and eat it too, Ibrahim."
Becoming A Minority
White people are a minority in almost 1 in 10 American counties. Black and Hispanic people are outnumbering the white population in once white-dominated areas and increasing numbers of residents are complaining, according to reports. Experts warn that the spread of immigrant communities from cities to the suburbs and beyond is fuelling resentment.
Greg Letiecq, who campaigns against illegal immigration in Prince William County, Virginia, said: "It's not about ethnicity, it's not about race. It's about lawful behaviour versus unlawful behaviour." But illustrating a prevailing resentment, he added: "It's the folks who come in and try to maintain the culture of the country they came from. They don't seem to embrace the American culture, the English language, the social norms of American culture."
Such statements will no doubt be construed as "racist" by liberals, who don't seem to think this kind of thing is a problem.
Given that whites are becoming a minority in these counties, do you think local authorities will enforce positive discrimination in employment and services to make it easy for them, as they do when other races are in the minority? Seems unlikely, doesn't it?
Greg Letiecq, who campaigns against illegal immigration in Prince William County, Virginia, said: "It's not about ethnicity, it's not about race. It's about lawful behaviour versus unlawful behaviour." But illustrating a prevailing resentment, he added: "It's the folks who come in and try to maintain the culture of the country they came from. They don't seem to embrace the American culture, the English language, the social norms of American culture."
Such statements will no doubt be construed as "racist" by liberals, who don't seem to think this kind of thing is a problem.
Given that whites are becoming a minority in these counties, do you think local authorities will enforce positive discrimination in employment and services to make it easy for them, as they do when other races are in the minority? Seems unlikely, doesn't it?
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Round-up
1. A Congolese student is asking for the banning of a 1931 Tintin book in which the character visits the Congo, because it is "racist".
I absolutely agree with the book's publisher, which said that it "must be seen as a document of the time. In his portrayal of the Belgian Congo, the young Hergé reflects the colonial attitudes of the time. He depicted the African people according to the bourgeois, paternalistic stereotypes of the period." Should it be banned? I don't think so, but I can see how it could be offensive to the Congolese. Although as always with these things I wonder, do they have to be so thin-skinned? Does it really upset them THAT much that nearly eighty years ago someone drew some pictures which stereotyped their people? Seems an over-reaction to me.
2. The Finnish government are looking towards zero tolerance of discrimination in the implementing of immigration policy, stepping up action against racism and promoting good ethnic relations. "Even a racist joke meets the criteria of racism", said one of their politicians. Apparently the new immigration policy programme puts the focus on multi-culturalism and anti-discrimination measures. It is committed to "promoting good ethnic relations and preventing discrimination based on ethnic origin".
Stuff like this always sounds noble, but more often than not such measures are generally unnecessary and, as in this country, promote a suicidal hatred of a population's own culture and creates more division than it solves as immigrants are let in uncontrolled with no assimilation or integration. We'll see how such socialist policies work out for the Finns.
I absolutely agree with the book's publisher, which said that it "must be seen as a document of the time. In his portrayal of the Belgian Congo, the young Hergé reflects the colonial attitudes of the time. He depicted the African people according to the bourgeois, paternalistic stereotypes of the period." Should it be banned? I don't think so, but I can see how it could be offensive to the Congolese. Although as always with these things I wonder, do they have to be so thin-skinned? Does it really upset them THAT much that nearly eighty years ago someone drew some pictures which stereotyped their people? Seems an over-reaction to me.
2. The Finnish government are looking towards zero tolerance of discrimination in the implementing of immigration policy, stepping up action against racism and promoting good ethnic relations. "Even a racist joke meets the criteria of racism", said one of their politicians. Apparently the new immigration policy programme puts the focus on multi-culturalism and anti-discrimination measures. It is committed to "promoting good ethnic relations and preventing discrimination based on ethnic origin".
Stuff like this always sounds noble, but more often than not such measures are generally unnecessary and, as in this country, promote a suicidal hatred of a population's own culture and creates more division than it solves as immigrants are let in uncontrolled with no assimilation or integration. We'll see how such socialist policies work out for the Finns.
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
Nightwish - Dark Passion Play: The Review
Towards the end of last week I downloaded a promo copy of Nightwish's upcoming album, Dark Passion Play, and have spent the weekend and the last couple of days listening to it. My conclusion: it's a good album, but it's not as good as I expected, not as good as Once and not as good as they are capable of. One of my main complaints is the lack of bombastic orchestral lines which made Once so brilliant. Moments such as the orchestral part of the intro to Dark Chest of Wonders and elements of Ghost Love Score are surprisingly lacking here. The fact that the album is so dark in comparison to the uplifting sound of most of the previous albums also makes it an unusual and different experience.
On the plus side, there are no problems with new vocalist Annette; she has a good voice and performs well in many of the songs. No criticisms there.
Below is a brief track-by-track analysis:
THE POET AND THE PENDULUM - Songwriter Tuomas billed this as his best ever song. I think it's good, but not great. The intro is exceptional and as good as anything on Once. The first four minutes in general are very good. After that, it's a bit hit-and-miss. There's a really cool dramatic violin part about seven minutes in, but apart from that it's nothing special. Also, the last four minutes of the song (which is fourteen minutes long in total) are a guitarless ballad, which to me seemed unnecessary. A good song, but not everything I thought it would be.
BYE BYE BEAUTIFUL - A song very much like Wish I Had An Angel, with a slight techno edge and bassist Marco singing the chorus. At least as good as WIHAA, maybe better.
AMARANTH - The first single. Catchy. One of the few happy songs on the album.
CADENCE OF HER LAST BREATH - The third fairly straight song in a row; much darker and heavier than I expected. Slight nu-metal influences. Another "good but not great" song.
MASTER PASSION GREED - A very angry, heavy song with some surprisingly blunt lyrics. It doesn't have as much headbanging appeal as Romanticide or Slaying the Dreamer, though, and the structuring is rather random; it jumps about between different parts haphazardly and messily, and some bits are totally unnecessary. Could have been better, but did have a cool orchestral bit at the end that reminded me of James Bond.
EVA - Your typical rock ballad. A nice song, nothing more, nothing less.
SAHARA - One of the best intros on the album, which goes on for much longer than you expect. Egyptian-themed, but not as obviously so as Tutankhamen from their first album.
WHOEVER BRINGS THE NIGHT - This song was written by guitarist Emppu, and is a fairly straight rocker with a dark edge. His songwriting inexperience shows through as this is one of the album's weaker efforts. The vocal parts are decent but there is no real good instrumental/guitar work to hold the interest.
FOR THE HEART I ONCE HAD - The straightest, poppiest song on the album; a typical gothic rock track.
THE ISLANDER - Written by Marco, this is a catchy, folky acoustic track reminiscent of Jethro Tull.
LAST OF THE WILDS - An awesome instrumental and one of my favourite tracks on the album. Riverdance with electric guitars. Celtic instruments vs. guitar solos. Exceptionally good fun.
7 DAYS TO THE WOLVES - An epic and powerful song with a good guitar solo and bridge instrumental section. Perhaps the ending goes on for a bit too long but this is a minor criticism.
MEADOWS OF HEAVEN - A soft ending to the album. The first few minutes are fairly nondescript but towards the end the guitars and orchestra blend with a gospel choir to produce a powerful climax.
In summary, this is a good album. It's just not a brilliant one, and not one that matches up to the, admittedly very high, standards Nightwish set for themselves with Once. The removal of the bombastic orchestras is somewhat puzzling since the orchestra for this album was bigger than the last one. But I recommend listening to it a few times before you make any final judgments. It grows on you.
On the plus side, there are no problems with new vocalist Annette; she has a good voice and performs well in many of the songs. No criticisms there.
Below is a brief track-by-track analysis:
THE POET AND THE PENDULUM - Songwriter Tuomas billed this as his best ever song. I think it's good, but not great. The intro is exceptional and as good as anything on Once. The first four minutes in general are very good. After that, it's a bit hit-and-miss. There's a really cool dramatic violin part about seven minutes in, but apart from that it's nothing special. Also, the last four minutes of the song (which is fourteen minutes long in total) are a guitarless ballad, which to me seemed unnecessary. A good song, but not everything I thought it would be.
BYE BYE BEAUTIFUL - A song very much like Wish I Had An Angel, with a slight techno edge and bassist Marco singing the chorus. At least as good as WIHAA, maybe better.
AMARANTH - The first single. Catchy. One of the few happy songs on the album.
CADENCE OF HER LAST BREATH - The third fairly straight song in a row; much darker and heavier than I expected. Slight nu-metal influences. Another "good but not great" song.
MASTER PASSION GREED - A very angry, heavy song with some surprisingly blunt lyrics. It doesn't have as much headbanging appeal as Romanticide or Slaying the Dreamer, though, and the structuring is rather random; it jumps about between different parts haphazardly and messily, and some bits are totally unnecessary. Could have been better, but did have a cool orchestral bit at the end that reminded me of James Bond.
EVA - Your typical rock ballad. A nice song, nothing more, nothing less.
SAHARA - One of the best intros on the album, which goes on for much longer than you expect. Egyptian-themed, but not as obviously so as Tutankhamen from their first album.
WHOEVER BRINGS THE NIGHT - This song was written by guitarist Emppu, and is a fairly straight rocker with a dark edge. His songwriting inexperience shows through as this is one of the album's weaker efforts. The vocal parts are decent but there is no real good instrumental/guitar work to hold the interest.
FOR THE HEART I ONCE HAD - The straightest, poppiest song on the album; a typical gothic rock track.
THE ISLANDER - Written by Marco, this is a catchy, folky acoustic track reminiscent of Jethro Tull.
LAST OF THE WILDS - An awesome instrumental and one of my favourite tracks on the album. Riverdance with electric guitars. Celtic instruments vs. guitar solos. Exceptionally good fun.
7 DAYS TO THE WOLVES - An epic and powerful song with a good guitar solo and bridge instrumental section. Perhaps the ending goes on for a bit too long but this is a minor criticism.
MEADOWS OF HEAVEN - A soft ending to the album. The first few minutes are fairly nondescript but towards the end the guitars and orchestra blend with a gospel choir to produce a powerful climax.
In summary, this is a good album. It's just not a brilliant one, and not one that matches up to the, admittedly very high, standards Nightwish set for themselves with Once. The removal of the bombastic orchestras is somewhat puzzling since the orchestra for this album was bigger than the last one. But I recommend listening to it a few times before you make any final judgments. It grows on you.
Laughing At Racism
A Mexican company called NACO - that word itself being a derogatory term in Mexico - is printing T-shirts which are designed with slogans that mock the reputation the country is getting across the border. So they're essentially not taking racism too seriously and are in fact laughing at themselves.
It's nice to see that some "persecuted" minorities are able to manage it.
It's nice to see that some "persecuted" minorities are able to manage it.
Monday, 6 August 2007
Jade The Bigot
Believe it or not, some people are STILL going on about the whole Big Brother Jade vs. Shilpa episode. Consider this piece of invective from the Sunday Mirror.
Now, there are many reasons to dislike Jade Goody. But this racism stuff has gone past the point where anyone should care. She has apologised for her actions; leave her alone - pity her if you must, but stop exhaling precious breath on an incident which is long gone, and does not prove anything except how uneducated and uncultured the woman is - something we all knew anyway. Take a lesson from how Shilpa Shetty herself dealt with the incident: with dignity and forgiveness.
Meanwhile, as I predicted when I first posted this, the question of whether Miss Shetty is in fact also a racist (and I don't believe she is) has never received the same media attention.
Now, there are many reasons to dislike Jade Goody. But this racism stuff has gone past the point where anyone should care. She has apologised for her actions; leave her alone - pity her if you must, but stop exhaling precious breath on an incident which is long gone, and does not prove anything except how uneducated and uncultured the woman is - something we all knew anyway. Take a lesson from how Shilpa Shetty herself dealt with the incident: with dignity and forgiveness.
Meanwhile, as I predicted when I first posted this, the question of whether Miss Shetty is in fact also a racist (and I don't believe she is) has never received the same media attention.
Friday, 3 August 2007
Round-up
Two ridiculous racism allegations today:
1. Religious newspaper claims 'Yemenites walk around with cloud of pungent odor' because of certain spices dominant in their cuisine. Two men of Yemenite descent demand apology and $11,500 in compensation.
"The characterization of the Yemenite sector through the smell of their sweat and the crass words used to describe that scent are outrageous and stain an entire, honorable community. The publication humiliated
the sector and made them the target of scorn and ridicule, it did so because of the color of their skin, their race and ethnicity and it has damaged their reputation," said the complainants.
Oh, come on! There is nothing in this article which either isn't true or isn't a simple statement of opinion: the writer didn't like the smell. To call it racist is beyond absurd, and so is the attempt to win money.
2. The Yellow Pages says it can not believe someone has found its latest television commercial racist. The advert which shows black hands doing the walking has been labelled as racist by The Herald's Sideswipe column.
The columnist says having black hands doing tasks for white people to an African beat is racist and rainbow hands should have been used instead. Yellow Pages marketing director Blair Glubb says the Yellow Pages' logo has always included a black hand and there's nothing racist about it.
I have not seen the ad but I agree with Blair Glubb that the charge is ludicrous, especially in light of the fact that, as he points out, the Yellow Pages logo has a black hand in it, and always has. And what on earth are "tasks for white people"? Are black people really this desperate to put down whitey these days?
1. Religious newspaper claims 'Yemenites walk around with cloud of pungent odor' because of certain spices dominant in their cuisine. Two men of Yemenite descent demand apology and $11,500 in compensation.
"The characterization of the Yemenite sector through the smell of their sweat and the crass words used to describe that scent are outrageous and stain an entire, honorable community. The publication humiliated
Oh, come on! There is nothing in this article which either isn't true or isn't a simple statement of opinion: the writer didn't like the smell. To call it racist is beyond absurd, and so is the attempt to win money.
2. The Yellow Pages says it can not believe someone has found its latest television commercial racist. The advert which shows black hands doing the walking has been labelled as racist by The Herald's Sideswipe column.
The columnist says having black hands doing tasks for white people to an African beat is racist and rainbow hands should have been used instead. Yellow Pages marketing director Blair Glubb says the Yellow Pages' logo has always included a black hand and there's nothing racist about it.
I have not seen the ad but I agree with Blair Glubb that the charge is ludicrous, especially in light of the fact that, as he points out, the Yellow Pages logo has a black hand in it, and always has. And what on earth are "tasks for white people"? Are black people really this desperate to put down whitey these days?
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Ayaan Hirsi Ali - My View of Islam
Some bigoted Islamophobe is at it again; ranting about how evil Islam is. Vile, vile racism.
Wait a minute, this was written by Ayaan Hirsi Ali? And she used to BE a Muslim? And she left the faith because she couldn't reconcile its traditions with her conscience? And because she is an apostate, she now faces death threats from Muslims who are following Muhammad's command that, "Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him" (Bukhari vol.9, book. 88, no. 6922)?
Chances are it will be mostly ignored, then.
Wait a minute, this was written by Ayaan Hirsi Ali? And she used to BE a Muslim? And she left the faith because she couldn't reconcile its traditions with her conscience? And because she is an apostate, she now faces death threats from Muslims who are following Muhammad's command that, "Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him" (Bukhari vol.9, book. 88, no. 6922)?
Chances are it will be mostly ignored, then.
Welcome The Ghurkas
Given the unrestrained flow of Eastern European immigrants allowed into Britain in recent years, one would expect that the government would let any old Tom, Dick or Sergei into the country. But no, they are denying some people entry...
...and those people happen to be Ghurka veterans who have honourably served this country on the battlefield, and deserve to live here.
Talk about getting your priorities mixed up.
...and those people happen to be Ghurka veterans who have honourably served this country on the battlefield, and deserve to live here.
Talk about getting your priorities mixed up.
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
CAIR Slander Robert Spencer
If you want more evidence of how loathsome the Council on American-Islamic Relations are (aside from their numerous links to terrorism and their bully-tactics for silencing their critics), take a look at this video from CNN, which is about a recent incident in which someone put a Qur'an down the toilet, and is now facing TWO felony charges. Among the debatees is CAIR representative Ibrahim Hooper. Towards the end of the debate, he slanders Jihad Watch's Robert Spencer by attributing a comment from one of the site's readers to Spencer himself. He claims Spencer said that all Muslims should be killed.
In fact, the genocidal opinion was left in the comments field and Spencer immediately deleted it and banned the user upon finding out about it, as he has NEVER shared such extreme views.
But it gets worse when you consider the full implications. The comment was up on the site for about an hour before being deleted, and during that time someone from CAIR just HAPPENED to be looking at the website? Far more likely is that the comment was posted by a CAIR provocateur who deliberately did it in order so that Hooper could recite it on the news that night and try to damage the reputation of Jihad Watch. Such shenanigans aren't surprising to me. Such are the lengths this wolf-in-sheep's-clothing organisation will go to to slander their critics. Jihad Watch has experienced such things before. Disgusting.
And while we're on the subject of disturbing comments, still don't forget that Ibrahim Hooper himself once said: "I wouldn't want to create the impression that I wouldn't like the government of the United States to be Islamic sometime in the future." - Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1993
In fact, the genocidal opinion was left in the comments field and Spencer immediately deleted it and banned the user upon finding out about it, as he has NEVER shared such extreme views.
But it gets worse when you consider the full implications. The comment was up on the site for about an hour before being deleted, and during that time someone from CAIR just HAPPENED to be looking at the website? Far more likely is that the comment was posted by a CAIR provocateur who deliberately did it in order so that Hooper could recite it on the news that night and try to damage the reputation of Jihad Watch. Such shenanigans aren't surprising to me. Such are the lengths this wolf-in-sheep's-clothing organisation will go to to slander their critics. Jihad Watch has experienced such things before. Disgusting.
And while we're on the subject of disturbing comments, still don't forget that Ibrahim Hooper himself once said: "I wouldn't want to create the impression that I wouldn't like the government of the United States to be Islamic sometime in the future." - Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1993
Racism Evil?
The trailer for the new Xbox game Resident Evil 5 has caused some controversy because it is set in Africa, and the trailer depicts the game's (white) main character shooting black people who are zombies. The linked article quotes the hysterical reaction of a blog devoted to African women, but thankfully the article itself it a lot more reasonable. It points out that the previous Resident Evil games have taken place in different settings and not had black people as "the enemy", as well as disputing the idea that all computer games are created for impressionable young children.
It seems pretty clear to me that the reaction of the Black Looks blog is over the top and that this article is quite fair in its assessment. I would disagree that the trailer is going to give the game a bad reputation among those who are unfamiliar with the context and setting of the previous games - the violence and gore were always enough to draw complaints before.
It seems pretty clear to me that the reaction of the Black Looks blog is over the top and that this article is quite fair in its assessment. I would disagree that the trailer is going to give the game a bad reputation among those who are unfamiliar with the context and setting of the previous games - the violence and gore were always enough to draw complaints before.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Muslims Protest Over Pet Food
A group of Muslims have opposed plans for a pet food factory to be built as possible pork emissions will violate their religious rights.
I urge Butchers to stand firm and build their factory in the face of this intolerance, and not to grant the Muslims special privileges at the expense of the indigenous population.
Butchers Pet Care could shelve plans for a factory in Coton Park, near Rugby, because angry Asian families have complained to their residents' association about pork smells drifting into their garden.
Muslim residents in the area also claim the pork will effectively "rain down" on their homes and gardens after the factory's 100ft chimney has pumped the meat extracts into the atmosphere.
Note that this complaint is actually being taken seriously. We are so eager to cave in to Islamic intolerance these days that it can even deprive indigenous and local residents of employment opportunities, just so a small group of people don't have to smell pork sometimes.I urge Butchers to stand firm and build their factory in the face of this intolerance, and not to grant the Muslims special privileges at the expense of the indigenous population.
Monday, 30 July 2007
1/3 British Asians Don't Feel British
Or so a BBC poll suggests. Note that it's "Asians"; I wonder if they could be a little more specific...
The wording of the question worries me. Why have they phrased it in such overly racial terms? "Do Asian people need to act and think white, in order to fit in or get on?" Why do they have to think "white"? What does whiteness have to do with it? The question is surely whether they feel that they should integrate into WESTERN values? And does the fact that they reacted so negatively to a question about whiteness indicate their own racist bias?
And note also that the BBC doesn't think this is a problem of any kind - except in the sense that all of this might be down to the fact that we as Brits are too "racist".
Also, isn't "coconut" kind of a racist term?
The wording of the question worries me. Why have they phrased it in such overly racial terms? "Do Asian people need to act and think white, in order to fit in or get on?" Why do they have to think "white"? What does whiteness have to do with it? The question is surely whether they feel that they should integrate into WESTERN values? And does the fact that they reacted so negatively to a question about whiteness indicate their own racist bias?
And note also that the BBC doesn't think this is a problem of any kind - except in the sense that all of this might be down to the fact that we as Brits are too "racist".
Also, isn't "coconut" kind of a racist term?
Friday, 27 July 2007
Laying Guilt On The Wrong People?
Racist attitudes by teachers may be condemning black schoolchildren to an inferior education, according to a Government-backed study.
Black Caribbean pupils are more likely to be expelled from school and less likely to be put in the top set compared to white British children, it said.
Staff may be guilty of "unintentional racism" by stereotyping black children as badly-behaved - and underestimating their academic ability, according to the controversial report.
It is telling how the report-writers give no thought to the fact that black Caribbean pupils on average may simply be worse-behaved and lower achievers than pupils of other races. The study may well be heaping blame on entirely the wrong people by blaming the teachers. One of the biggest problems with the PC mentality is that it strives with all its might to prevent people from taking responsibility for their actions. This is dangerous, and no one will learn anything from it.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Off-topic...
I do not like black metal, but as I have noted here before, I DO like Dimmu Borgir, who bring a more melodic edge to the genre. Check out this live video of them performing the song "Kings of the Carnival Creation". Even if you can't stand the growling vocals, I suggest you skip forward to about 4:45, when the bassist starts to sing clean vocals, immediately followed by a guitar solo. The power of this sequence of music is just awesome. This is one of the few songs I've ever heard that actually sounds MORE powerful live than on the studio album. Although Dimmu aren't to everyone's taste, at least there is POWER and PASSION in their music; compare that to most of the pop and rap crap that comes out today, and anyone with sense can see that even Satanic black metal is better than Usher or Kate Nash.
Round-up
1. The number of racially-motivated attacks in Ukraine has increased noticeably in the last two years, according to watchdogs. At the same time, the number of foreigners residing and seeking asylum in Ukraine has grown in the last three years.
2. A coffee mug which had the Confederate Flag on it is causing a stir in Connecticut, where some have accused its owner, A Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety, of racism.
As far as I can see, there is little to connect him with racism apart from the fact that the flag is used by some racist groups, no evidence existing to suggest that he belongs to any of them. It has also become an emblem of the American South. You know, the south, the part of America that liberals and PC types like to perpetuate lazy stereotypes about and level unfocused discrimination against on the basis of those stereotypes - it's OK because they aren't black or foreign, you see.
First we had the Horrible Ham Hate Crime, now we have mug-related incidents; whatever next - egg whisk racism?
2. A coffee mug which had the Confederate Flag on it is causing a stir in Connecticut, where some have accused its owner, A Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety, of racism.
As far as I can see, there is little to connect him with racism apart from the fact that the flag is used by some racist groups, no evidence existing to suggest that he belongs to any of them. It has also become an emblem of the American South. You know, the south, the part of America that liberals and PC types like to perpetuate lazy stereotypes about and level unfocused discrimination against on the basis of those stereotypes - it's OK because they aren't black or foreign, you see.
First we had the Horrible Ham Hate Crime, now we have mug-related incidents; whatever next - egg whisk racism?
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Round-up
1. Complaints of racism at work have jumped 123% this year. I like this line:
"The tribunal said the growing number of foreign national workers in the labour force had contributed to an increase in the number of race-related complaints."
It does not draw the connection that the more foreign national workers we have in our labour force, the more sympathy-seeking whingers we have in our labour force.
2. This is ridiculous: a story by one of those lefty morally superior types who tells a story about how distressing it was to watch a white woman getting angry with a Sikh shopkeeper - there is no evidence of racism in there at all but she and he eight-year-old son seem inclined to make assumptions and then make judgments on the woman based on those unfounded assumptions.
3. The Rock Against Racism gig, which "rockers" such as Lethal Bizzle dropped out of (who was left???) was apparently a "success". Proof that it has little to do with race and is merely a political movement comes from the fact that one of its main objectives seems to be to defeat the "fascist" BNP.
4. RAW Watch: From the World Peace Herald
"The tribunal said the growing number of foreign national workers in the labour force had contributed to an increase in the number of race-related complaints."
It does not draw the connection that the more foreign national workers we have in our labour force, the more sympathy-seeking whingers we have in our labour force.
2. This is ridiculous: a story by one of those lefty morally superior types who tells a story about how distressing it was to watch a white woman getting angry with a Sikh shopkeeper - there is no evidence of racism in there at all but she and he eight-year-old son seem inclined to make assumptions and then make judgments on the woman based on those unfounded assumptions.
3. The Rock Against Racism gig, which "rockers" such as Lethal Bizzle dropped out of (who was left???) was apparently a "success". Proof that it has little to do with race and is merely a political movement comes from the fact that one of its main objectives seems to be to defeat the "fascist" BNP.
4. RAW Watch: From the World Peace Herald
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
Buddhas and Blacks...
Richard Littlejohn's column in the Daily Mail was great today, and in particular what caught my eye was two stories in a small block near the bottom of the page. In one, a borough council has banned a Buddhist from calling his restaurant The Fat Buddha because it could offend Buddhists. And in the other, a black dustbin man is told that he can't wear a St George's Cross because it might be considered "racist".
Littlejohn concludes with: "You couldn't make it up".
Indeed.
Littlejohn concludes with: "You couldn't make it up".
Indeed.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Islam Is Peace.org
Oh dear. Here it is: islamispeace.org, an attempt to convince non-Muslims that Islam is actually a peaceful, tolerant religion, and has nothing to do with war or violence at all.
Note that for its header it cites the Qur'an:
"Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind, And whoever saves one, it is as if he saved the whole of mankind" (Qur'an 5:32)
This is an attempt to demonstrate that Islam is peaceful. But it doesn't mention the fact that this verse is NOT addressed to Muslims; it is addressed to the Children of Israel. It comes as part of a warning to the Jews not to wage war on the Muslims or they will face terrible punishment. The site makes no mention of Mohammed's commands to wage offensive warfare in order to propagate Islam. It makes no mention of the attitude of Islamic law towards murder: namely that it punishes murder by Muslims against non-Muslims far less harshly than other forms of murder.
The whole site is laden with taqiyya: that is, Qur'an-mandated misleading of non-Muslims in order to cause them to let down their guard. Virtually every word of its "outline" of Islamic teaching is false. It says that the word Islam means "peace", when in fact it means "submission". It whitewashes Islam's bloody history, and pretends that the religion spread peacefully rather than by the sword. It peddles the myth that Islam specifically prohibits the killing of innocent civilians.
The bullet points on the main page spend all their time telling the Government and non-Muslims in general what they can do to cater for Muslims, vis-a-vis "bigotry" and tolerance. No mention of what the Muslims plan to do to stop jihadists from using Islamic tradition to justify their acts of violence. No sign of rejecting the jihad ideology - only excusing it and pretending it doesn't exist.
The whole effort is nothing more than taqiyya, a sham, designed to make it look as though these groups are moderate.
If the Peace Bus comes to your neighbourhood, don't board it.
Note that for its header it cites the Qur'an:
"Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind, And whoever saves one, it is as if he saved the whole of mankind" (Qur'an 5:32)
This is an attempt to demonstrate that Islam is peaceful. But it doesn't mention the fact that this verse is NOT addressed to Muslims; it is addressed to the Children of Israel. It comes as part of a warning to the Jews not to wage war on the Muslims or they will face terrible punishment. The site makes no mention of Mohammed's commands to wage offensive warfare in order to propagate Islam. It makes no mention of the attitude of Islamic law towards murder: namely that it punishes murder by Muslims against non-Muslims far less harshly than other forms of murder.
The whole site is laden with taqiyya: that is, Qur'an-mandated misleading of non-Muslims in order to cause them to let down their guard. Virtually every word of its "outline" of Islamic teaching is false. It says that the word Islam means "peace", when in fact it means "submission". It whitewashes Islam's bloody history, and pretends that the religion spread peacefully rather than by the sword. It peddles the myth that Islam specifically prohibits the killing of innocent civilians.
The bullet points on the main page spend all their time telling the Government and non-Muslims in general what they can do to cater for Muslims, vis-a-vis "bigotry" and tolerance. No mention of what the Muslims plan to do to stop jihadists from using Islamic tradition to justify their acts of violence. No sign of rejecting the jihad ideology - only excusing it and pretending it doesn't exist.
The whole effort is nothing more than taqiyya, a sham, designed to make it look as though these groups are moderate.
If the Peace Bus comes to your neighbourhood, don't board it.
Muslims Whine
A nice piece of anti-dhimmitude from Nebraska, where several Somalian Muslims were fired for praying instead of working.
And get this: the chairman of the Omaha Somali-American Community Organization is named Mohamed Rage. I kid you not.
And get this: the chairman of the Omaha Somali-American Community Organization is named Mohamed Rage. I kid you not.
Round-up
1. Apparently several "rockers" pulled out of a Rock Against Racism gig:
It's apparently a lot easier to get musicians to say they'll play Rock Against Racism than to actually get them up on stage.
Incidentally, two of the musicians above, Lethal Bizzle and Wiley, are black (and they are rappers, not "rockers"). Seems blacks don't care about racism anymore, either...
2. Here is a complex case involving white-on-black racism and the alleged false sentencing of a black boy in a violence case. It's interesting stuff and I hope the truth is finally outed, whatever it may be.
It's apparently a lot easier to get musicians to say they'll play Rock Against Racism than to actually get them up on stage.
Fans were left in the lurch last week at the 30th anniversary of the Rock Against Racism benefit concert when Lethal Bizzle, Wiley and ex-Specials front man Jerry Dammers failed to appear at the gig. While Bizzle pled illness, Wiley and Dammers simply flaked out.
Lethal Bizzle, Wiley and Jerry Dammers! The shame, that such high-profile musicians should pull out of this important gig! What kind of role model are they setting for the public?Incidentally, two of the musicians above, Lethal Bizzle and Wiley, are black (and they are rappers, not "rockers"). Seems blacks don't care about racism anymore, either...
2. Here is a complex case involving white-on-black racism and the alleged false sentencing of a black boy in a violence case. It's interesting stuff and I hope the truth is finally outed, whatever it may be.
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Bonjourno!
Hi, I'm back after spending my holiday inhaling the beauty of Lake Garda. We even went to Venice for the day. It was lovely, thanks for asking.
Anyway, my contribution upon my return is this: a review of the documentary, "Islam: What the West Needs to Know", which I saw just before I went out to Italy.
What a waste. It is tremendously boring. This documentary could not have been any less inspiring if it tried. The editing and pacing are chronic. Rather than flit about between details in a fast-paced and interesting way, the whole documentary is esssentially just a series of interviews with the various experts, interlinked occasionally with overlong archived news clips. The edits between each interview clip, rather than straight cuts, always slowly fade to black and then slowly fade back in again. It all moves at a complete snail's pace.
It's almost as if they TRIED to make it boring. The film offers nothing to hold the interest; just people talking at you for an hour in their most boring voices. Bat Ye'or, as brilliant a historian as she is, is intolerable. Her voice is witchlike and her English is so broken that all of her scenes have subtitles just so we can make it out...if we haven't lost the will to live already. Similarly, passages from the Qur'an and hadiths are read out by a man with probably the most atonal voice I have ever heard. It's just diabolical.
Once again, don't get me wrong. I have awarded the documentary two stars because its message is so important. Westerners really do need to know that Islam commands Muslims to wage war on non-Muslims, that these laws have never been revised by any Islamic authority, and how Islam spread by the sword. But this film will not persuade anyone of that. Of course, many people wouldn't have listened anyway, but I envision people being so bored while watching this that they will just lose interest and not listen.
This film, which features some brilliant and brave scholars of Islam, as well as ex-Muslims who as apostates are putting their lives on the line by being featured in it, is a huge disappointment. I want everyone to know and understand the film's message, but even so I would never encourage them to watch it. It's just too painful.
Normal blogging should resume tomorrow.
Anyway, my contribution upon my return is this: a review of the documentary, "Islam: What the West Needs to Know", which I saw just before I went out to Italy.
What a waste. It is tremendously boring. This documentary could not have been any less inspiring if it tried. The editing and pacing are chronic. Rather than flit about between details in a fast-paced and interesting way, the whole documentary is esssentially just a series of interviews with the various experts, interlinked occasionally with overlong archived news clips. The edits between each interview clip, rather than straight cuts, always slowly fade to black and then slowly fade back in again. It all moves at a complete snail's pace.
It's almost as if they TRIED to make it boring. The film offers nothing to hold the interest; just people talking at you for an hour in their most boring voices. Bat Ye'or, as brilliant a historian as she is, is intolerable. Her voice is witchlike and her English is so broken that all of her scenes have subtitles just so we can make it out...if we haven't lost the will to live already. Similarly, passages from the Qur'an and hadiths are read out by a man with probably the most atonal voice I have ever heard. It's just diabolical.
Once again, don't get me wrong. I have awarded the documentary two stars because its message is so important. Westerners really do need to know that Islam commands Muslims to wage war on non-Muslims, that these laws have never been revised by any Islamic authority, and how Islam spread by the sword. But this film will not persuade anyone of that. Of course, many people wouldn't have listened anyway, but I envision people being so bored while watching this that they will just lose interest and not listen.
This film, which features some brilliant and brave scholars of Islam, as well as ex-Muslims who as apostates are putting their lives on the line by being featured in it, is a huge disappointment. I want everyone to know and understand the film's message, but even so I would never encourage them to watch it. It's just too painful.
Normal blogging should resume tomorrow.
Monday, 9 July 2007
Taking My Leave...
This will be my last post for the next week or two as I'm going on holiday. Jetting out to Italia soon with my girlfriend. Should be fun.
Anyway, I thought my last post here at Race Relations before I fly away into the sun should be a completely vacuous, non-racial one. So here it is, one of the funniest BBC headlines I've read in some time:
Tummy Fat "Can Grow Breasts"
Now that's an image.
Arrivederci.
Anyway, I thought my last post here at Race Relations before I fly away into the sun should be a completely vacuous, non-racial one. So here it is, one of the funniest BBC headlines I've read in some time:
Tummy Fat "Can Grow Breasts"
Now that's an image.
Arrivederci.
Round-up
1. Peru cafe closed, fined after racism complaints
2. Part of the cosmetics giant L'Oréal was yesterday found guilty of racial discrimination after it sought to exclude non-white women from promoting its shampoo.
I can see why L'Oreal might do this. It's all about aesthetics and wanting a particular image for your product. There is nothing bad in itself with wanting white-only women to promote their products on the basis of the image of the company. But as we've seen here it can go too far, to the point of what does seem genuine racism ("damn Arabs"). When you have to go to such lengths as deception in order to turn down non-white applicants, that's gone too far.
3. Patients at an Australian hospital have refused to be treated by Indian doctors after a couple of them were arrested in connection with the recent terrorist plots.
This is just stupid. The problem itself is not "Indian doctors" in the first place - it is Muslim doctors. Of course, that does not mean that patients should discriminate against all Muslim doctors either, but at least if they were discriminating under those pretexts I would be able to understand their suspicion.
2. Part of the cosmetics giant L'Oréal was yesterday found guilty of racial discrimination after it sought to exclude non-white women from promoting its shampoo.
I can see why L'Oreal might do this. It's all about aesthetics and wanting a particular image for your product. There is nothing bad in itself with wanting white-only women to promote their products on the basis of the image of the company. But as we've seen here it can go too far, to the point of what does seem genuine racism ("damn Arabs"). When you have to go to such lengths as deception in order to turn down non-white applicants, that's gone too far.
3. Patients at an Australian hospital have refused to be treated by Indian doctors after a couple of them were arrested in connection with the recent terrorist plots.
This is just stupid. The problem itself is not "Indian doctors" in the first place - it is Muslim doctors. Of course, that does not mean that patients should discriminate against all Muslim doctors either, but at least if they were discriminating under those pretexts I would be able to understand their suspicion.
Sunday, 8 July 2007
Completely Misguided
Britain's new security minister, Admiral Sir Alan West, thinks that we can eradicate the 1,400 year old Islamic jihad ideology from Britain - in just 15 years.
Reading the whole article, it is clear that West has absolutely NO clue what he is talking about. A sad symbol of the entire Western leadership's outlook on the jihad problem.
Reading the whole article, it is clear that West has absolutely NO clue what he is talking about. A sad symbol of the entire Western leadership's outlook on the jihad problem.
Ebony And Ivory
I watched some of "Live Earth" yesterday and was astonished my the vacuousness and ultimate nonsense of it all.
Here's a clip of Ricky Gervais and Chris Rock in the studio with Jonathan Ross.
My favourite part:
Ross: Do you think events such as this can really change the world?
Rock: My hope is that this event will end global warming in the same way Live Aid ended world hunger.
*Gervais bursts out laughing*
I didn't see it, but I hear David Baddiel was just as critical, and as one might expect, Jonathan Ross got all defensive on him.
With the modern trendy liberal environmental position as it is, this does not surprise me.
Here's a clip of Ricky Gervais and Chris Rock in the studio with Jonathan Ross.
My favourite part:
Ross: Do you think events such as this can really change the world?
Rock: My hope is that this event will end global warming in the same way Live Aid ended world hunger.
*Gervais bursts out laughing*
I didn't see it, but I hear David Baddiel was just as critical, and as one might expect, Jonathan Ross got all defensive on him.
With the modern trendy liberal environmental position as it is, this does not surprise me.
Friday, 6 July 2007
Indian Doctors...
New terror raids were staged on two Australian hospitals today, in connection with the London and Glasgow terror plots.
And The Times thinks it's down to "Indian doctors".
And The Times thinks it's down to "Indian doctors".
Not In Our Name
The BBC is trumpeting the fact that British Muslims have supposedly united to condemn Islamic terrorism, but as usual with such cases it's all nothing more than weasel words.
The documents does little more than blame non-Muslims for provoking violence and causing British Muslims to feel uneasy. It does very little to refute jihadist interpretations of traditional Islamic theology and teaching, and certainly nowhere outlines what MUSLIMS plan to do about combating extremism. All its "advice" is directed towards what non-Muslims can do to accommodate Muslims in Britain. Until the Muslim authorities confront and reject Islamic theological incentives to violence, and work towards teaching Muslims the same, actions such as this are futile and hollow.
The documents does little more than blame non-Muslims for provoking violence and causing British Muslims to feel uneasy. It does very little to refute jihadist interpretations of traditional Islamic theology and teaching, and certainly nowhere outlines what MUSLIMS plan to do about combating extremism. All its "advice" is directed towards what non-Muslims can do to accommodate Muslims in Britain. Until the Muslim authorities confront and reject Islamic theological incentives to violence, and work towards teaching Muslims the same, actions such as this are futile and hollow.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Round-up
1. Column: Subtle Racism? Here's Racism In The Raw
"Political correctness, to the best I can determine, is code for white people getting the shaft."
Nope. Political correctness is when wet, self-loathing white liberals bang on about how "diverse" and anti-racist they are, because their swollen ego derives satisfaction from the knowledge that as a result other people will look at them approvingly.
2. Student Fights Racism Through His Poetry
Good luck with that.
"Political correctness, to the best I can determine, is code for white people getting the shaft."
Nope. Political correctness is when wet, self-loathing white liberals bang on about how "diverse" and anti-racist they are, because their swollen ego derives satisfaction from the knowledge that as a result other people will look at them approvingly.
2. Student Fights Racism Through His Poetry
Good luck with that.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Round-up
1. Renowned clinical psychologist, Dr Shaun Whittaker has attributed the recent killing of a woman or women whose body parts were discovered next to the B1 road in Namibia to the country's inadequacy to address the problem of racism.
Without condoning that the perpetrator(s) might just as well be of the same color as the victim(s), Dr. Whittaker when approached for comment deduced that the perpetrator(s) were victims of race.
2. A Wigan MP is urging borough groups to come together for a week of action against racism in sport.The Kick It Out One Game One Community Week of Action will see organisations celebrate the contribution all communities are making to the game, while adding their voices to the call to challenge racism and discrimination in football.What is the need for this? They already have the "Kick Racism Out of Football" campaign which has been running for several seasons, what do they expect another campaign, taking place over a single week, to achieve?
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
BBC Discovers Link Between Terror Suspects
The BBC has figured out that the recently convicted London and Glasgow terror suspects have something in common with each other...
... they're all linked to the NHS.
Is that all, Auntie?
Surely it's discrimination to suggest that doctors have anything to do with terrorism?
... they're all linked to the NHS.
Is that all, Auntie?
Surely it's discrimination to suggest that doctors have anything to do with terrorism?
Neville Chamberlain Syndrome
Gordon Brown says we should not say that the terrorist attacks recently have been perpetrated by Muslims.
Yep, I concur. If we try to ignore it the jihadists will get bored and stop. Nothing to worry about.
Yep, I concur. If we try to ignore it the jihadists will get bored and stop. Nothing to worry about.
Freedom of Expression Power
A Microsoft computer game is drawing attention because it allows players to modify the cars that they control in the game - and put racist or neo-Nazi slogans on them.
Big deal. It is not the fault of Microsoft that some players do this. And what's the problem anyway? If they're racist, so what? It just gives the other players an extra incentive to beat them!
Do I agree with "White Power" or neo-Nazis? No, not at all, but I will forever support their right to express themselves as long as they do so within legal boundaries.
Big deal. It is not the fault of Microsoft that some players do this. And what's the problem anyway? If they're racist, so what? It just gives the other players an extra incentive to beat them!
Do I agree with "White Power" or neo-Nazis? No, not at all, but I will forever support their right to express themselves as long as they do so within legal boundaries.
Monday, 2 July 2007
Round-up
1. More investigations against racism are being launched against a fire department, for no apparent reason.
2. RACISM is creeping back into society in Suffolk to the point where it has become “almost acceptable” to “demonise” young black and ethnic minority groups, it has been warned.
Absolute rubbish.
2. RACISM is creeping back into society in Suffolk to the point where it has become “almost acceptable” to “demonise” young black and ethnic minority groups, it has been warned.
Absolute rubbish.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Another Terrorist Attack
A blazing car crashed into Glasgow airport today. Eyewitness accounts suggest it was no accident, as the car was seen heading at speed deliberately towards the doors of the building, and the suspects, one of whom were on fire, were seen fighting with police. Incidentally, those suspects are described as "Asian", and the police are most definitely treating it as a terror case.
Meanwhile, the terror level has been raised to "critical", suggesting that further attacks are suspected.
Meanwhile, the terror level has been raised to "critical", suggesting that further attacks are suspected.
Friday, 29 June 2007
London Police Find Bomb
Police found and diffused a bomb in an abandoned car in London today. Al-Quaeda are expected to have planted it, and it is even expected that it was timed to coincide with Gordon Brown's appointment as Prime Minister.
How long before we start hearing about how British Muslims "fear a backlash" from non-Muslims in the wake of this?
How long before we start hearing about how British Muslims "fear a backlash" from non-Muslims in the wake of this?
Round-up
1. More Blacks Citing Racism Because It's Easy Syndrome: this time it's "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington, who said racism was a factor in his firing from the hit ABC series - when it was because he in fact twice used an anti-gay slur. Reading his comments in the article makes him seem so self-gratifying that I'm almost glad he got fired, even though I've never seen the show. As it happens, if he expressed anti-gay opinions I don't see that as a reason to sack him, either; as I believe that homosexuality is just like race: a target for differing opinions that people need to learn to accept. But no doubt, Washington needs to grow up.
2. RAW Watch (sort of): Racism is Alive...and Unwell
2. RAW Watch (sort of): Racism is Alive...and Unwell
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Round-up
1. Members of the Ball State University men's basketball coaching staff found notes that included racial slurs in the basketball office over the weekend, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tom Collins announced Wednesday.
OK, reading the article there seems to be SOME racism there, as evidenced by the word "nigger". But it really should be pointed out to the Bali State Daily News that "liar" and "cheater" are not racial slurs.
2. Here's a level-headed blog post refuting one of those foaming-at-the-mouth, moral high ground left-wing articles about racism. It's sensible and non-judgmental. Give it a read.
3. Rapper XZIBIT has accused staff on an Australian talk show of racism, alleging an employee told him viewers wouldn't tolerate a hip-hop performance.
Again, this is another case of blacks imagining racism where none is to be found, simply because it is the easiest option and a good excuse to gain sympathy by complaining. It's made quite clear by Mr. X. Zibit himself that he was among a demographic which disdained hip-hop music. Not black people, but hip-hop music. And guess what: there are LOTS of people who disdain hip-hop music. Get over it.
4. This is an opinion piece which helpfully informs us that "Racism still exists". I thought with this one I'd go into a bit more detail on a couple of points.
Scientific studies have reported that all humans are 99.9 percent genetically identical, meaning that physical features such as skin color make up a small difference in our genetic makeup.
I would love to see an example of such a study. Certainly depending on geographic area body shape and size can be different for each race. There are also genetic differences, particularly when it comes to the immune system, where Africans, for example, are much more susceptible to certain diseases, and not just because of the conditions they live in but because of their genetic make-up. Not that any of this should influence the way races are treated, but then I'm not the one who brought this up, am I?
For example, why do blacks represent a disproportionately large amount of people living below the poverty line?
I've covered this question before. The answer is BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE TO. They don't put in the effort required to get themselves out of the hole, because they are LAZY. It is far easier to complain it's racism and wait for somebody to help than it is to actually work at it.
Sociological studies have demonstrated that race is a fairly new concept and serves as a false social construction that separates people of different ethnic backgrounds into stratified groups that form an unbalanced social hierarchy.
Again, I'd like to read one of these studies. And the writer of the piece should perhaps try telling more primitive parts of the world, where people get brutally murdered simply for belonging to a different tribe, that race is a "new" concept incompatible with the modern age.
Individuals should accept they have probably developed some type of racial bias, intentionally or unintentionally, and then consciously work to correct that bias.
This is perhaps sensible, but I would just love to know what the author is doing to correct THEIR unintentional racial bias. I'm particularly interested to hear how they will locate it in order to correct it, if it's unintentional and thus harder to find. Or do they claim not to have any racial bias? When analysed, this sounds more like hollow PC platitudes to me than actual practical advice.
OK, reading the article there seems to be SOME racism there, as evidenced by the word "nigger". But it really should be pointed out to the Bali State Daily News that "liar" and "cheater" are not racial slurs.
2. Here's a level-headed blog post refuting one of those foaming-at-the-mouth, moral high ground left-wing articles about racism. It's sensible and non-judgmental. Give it a read.
3. Rapper XZIBIT has accused staff on an Australian talk show of racism, alleging an employee told him viewers wouldn't tolerate a hip-hop performance.
Again, this is another case of blacks imagining racism where none is to be found, simply because it is the easiest option and a good excuse to gain sympathy by complaining. It's made quite clear by Mr. X. Zibit himself that he was among a demographic which disdained hip-hop music. Not black people, but hip-hop music. And guess what: there are LOTS of people who disdain hip-hop music. Get over it.
4. This is an opinion piece which helpfully informs us that "Racism still exists". I thought with this one I'd go into a bit more detail on a couple of points.
Scientific studies have reported that all humans are 99.9 percent genetically identical, meaning that physical features such as skin color make up a small difference in our genetic makeup.
I would love to see an example of such a study. Certainly depending on geographic area body shape and size can be different for each race. There are also genetic differences, particularly when it comes to the immune system, where Africans, for example, are much more susceptible to certain diseases, and not just because of the conditions they live in but because of their genetic make-up. Not that any of this should influence the way races are treated, but then I'm not the one who brought this up, am I?
For example, why do blacks represent a disproportionately large amount of people living below the poverty line?
I've covered this question before. The answer is BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE TO. They don't put in the effort required to get themselves out of the hole, because they are LAZY. It is far easier to complain it's racism and wait for somebody to help than it is to actually work at it.
Sociological studies have demonstrated that race is a fairly new concept and serves as a false social construction that separates people of different ethnic backgrounds into stratified groups that form an unbalanced social hierarchy.
Again, I'd like to read one of these studies. And the writer of the piece should perhaps try telling more primitive parts of the world, where people get brutally murdered simply for belonging to a different tribe, that race is a "new" concept incompatible with the modern age.
Individuals should accept they have probably developed some type of racial bias, intentionally or unintentionally, and then consciously work to correct that bias.
This is perhaps sensible, but I would just love to know what the author is doing to correct THEIR unintentional racial bias. I'm particularly interested to hear how they will locate it in order to correct it, if it's unintentional and thus harder to find. Or do they claim not to have any racial bias? When analysed, this sounds more like hollow PC platitudes to me than actual practical advice.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Outrage of the Year?
A Hamas member is attempting to get captured BBC journalist released from captivity.
But get this, from the first line of the article:
Despite Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) opposition and per the request of the BBC, the coordinator of government activities allowed a Hamas member who works for the BBC to enter the Gaza Strip last week to assist in efforts to release kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston.
What the hell are the BBC doing employing a member of a group which is officially recognised as a terrorist group in this country????? Isn't this against the law, for one thing?
But get this, from the first line of the article:
Despite Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) opposition and per the request of the BBC, the coordinator of government activities allowed a Hamas member who works for the BBC to enter the Gaza Strip last week to assist in efforts to release kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston.
What the hell are the BBC doing employing a member of a group which is officially recognised as a terrorist group in this country????? Isn't this against the law, for one thing?
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Honour Killings Linked To "Terror"
There are links between some cases of "honour" violence in Britain and extremist groups abroad, a BBC investigation has been told.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Islamist terror groups were behind one murder, as well as a case where a woman was threatened and is in hiding.
But the Muslim Council of Britain said "honour" violence was a cultural practice, and nothing to do with faith.
That may be the case, but that doesn't disguise the fact that many Islamists DO commit honour killings, in Britain. There have been many cases of it in the past year. And what are the MCB doing to stop it? Once again we see how rather than specifically condemning violent acts by Muslims in unequivocal terms, and setting up initiatives in schools and mosques to teach against these kinds of actions, the "moderate" Muslim community prefers to bleat about Islamophobia or do everything they can to deny that violence is remotely connected to Islam.
And too many people in the West have been fooled.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Islamist terror groups were behind one murder, as well as a case where a woman was threatened and is in hiding.
But the Muslim Council of Britain said "honour" violence was a cultural practice, and nothing to do with faith.
That may be the case, but that doesn't disguise the fact that many Islamists DO commit honour killings, in Britain. There have been many cases of it in the past year. And what are the MCB doing to stop it? Once again we see how rather than specifically condemning violent acts by Muslims in unequivocal terms, and setting up initiatives in schools and mosques to teach against these kinds of actions, the "moderate" Muslim community prefers to bleat about Islamophobia or do everything they can to deny that violence is remotely connected to Islam.
And too many people in the West have been fooled.
Monday, 25 June 2007
DiscrimiNation
Britain's multicult society reveals its true nature yet again: nothing more than plain old discrimination:
At a time of passionate debate over religious clothing and emblems, a 16-year-old member of an evangelical Christian movement protested in court on Friday because her school has refused to allow her to wear a so-called purity ring, symbolizing her commitment to premarital chastity.
The young woman, Lydia Playfoot, said her school, at Horsham, south of London, had told her that the ring broke the school’s rules on uniforms and jewelry.
At a time of passionate debate over religious clothing and emblems, a 16-year-old member of an evangelical Christian movement protested in court on Friday because her school has refused to allow her to wear a so-called purity ring, symbolizing her commitment to premarital chastity.
The young woman, Lydia Playfoot, said her school, at Horsham, south of London, had told her that the ring broke the school’s rules on uniforms and jewelry.
But Ms. Playfoot argued that the prohibition breached her right to express a religious belief. Not only that, she said in a statement to the court, Sikh and Muslim pupils were permitted distinctive dress to show their religious identity.
Hello, I'm still here...
Yep, I'm back after a week of silence. It's been a week where I've heard people saying they are glad - GLAD - that Bernard Manning is dead because he was a "racist". He wasn't, of course - he made fun of everybody - but even if he was, it is remarkable how those who claim such social tolerance are often the most vile and intolerant of people.
In the news today, the Australian Broadcasting Company's Media Watch is facing charges of hypocrisy because it allowed reader comments to be published which were anti-semitic and spoke of Zionist conspiracies, even though it had the previous day slammed other media outlets for supposedly allowing racist comments to stay up.
In the news today, the Australian Broadcasting Company's Media Watch is facing charges of hypocrisy because it allowed reader comments to be published which were anti-semitic and spoke of Zionist conspiracies, even though it had the previous day slammed other media outlets for supposedly allowing racist comments to stay up.
Friday, 15 June 2007
Night of the Living Dead
I've long thought the greatest threat to Western civilisation is posed by Islamic jihadists, aided from within by PC liberals.
However, it turns out that I was wrong, and that there is a threat far more dangerous to us all than jihad or political correctness:
FBI Tries To Fight Zombie Hordes
Run for your lives!
However, it turns out that I was wrong, and that there is a threat far more dangerous to us all than jihad or political correctness:
FBI Tries To Fight Zombie Hordes
Run for your lives!
Ex-KKK Man Guilty in 1964 Killing
A former Ku Klux Klan member has been convicted by a US jury of kidnapping and conspiracy in connection with the 1964 murder of two black teenagers.
James Seale, 71, a former policeman, was convicted over deaths of Charles Eddie Moore and Henry Hezekiah Dee.
He could face life in prison for the crimes when he is sentenced in August.
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Hispanics Treated Like Sewage?
In May of 2006, the workers in a Houston neighbourhood began relocating the sewer system, putting in a much needed and new 8-inch line. But just a few months into the $1.3 million project, the workers just stopped coming, meaning that even today the road is still half dug up and full of mud. The article asks the "expert" opinion of one of the local residents of the primarily Hispanic neighbourhood - who of course says it's all because of racism.
Seems more like downright incompetence to me. This sounds like something my local council would do in my predominantly white, middle-class area.
No racism here, folks, move along please.
Seems more like downright incompetence to me. This sounds like something my local council would do in my predominantly white, middle-class area.
No racism here, folks, move along please.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Round-up
1. Three local agencies that had applied for federal money to fund programs to fight racism were denied the cash.
Good. You don't need money to fight racism; you either ignore it, since in the majority of cases it is harmless or non-existent anyway, or you fight it in traditional ways such as just getting out there and raising awareness for FREE. Luckily attempts to grab money from the State were unsuccessful this time. But they often work out.
2. Racially-mixed juries in England and Wales do not discriminate against black and Asian defendants, a study suggests.
Good. You don't need money to fight racism; you either ignore it, since in the majority of cases it is harmless or non-existent anyway, or you fight it in traditional ways such as just getting out there and raising awareness for FREE. Luckily attempts to grab money from the State were unsuccessful this time. But they often work out.
2. Racially-mixed juries in England and Wales do not discriminate against black and Asian defendants, a study suggests.
Researchers recreated a real trial but varied the ethnicity of defendants to test juries for prejudice.
Some jurors were more lenient towards a defendant of the same ethnic background in jury-room deliberations, the government-backed study found.
But race did not impact on the verdict of mixed-race juries - not enough is known about all-white juries, it said.
Ministers ordered research into jury attitudes amid fears of institutional racism raised by the inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence.
Now, now; this won't do at all. No racism in evidence against those POOR black people? I think the researchers need to take their report back and do their studies again until they get the result we ALL want to hear.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Round-up
*Sigh* Some people are so paranoid:
1. RAW (Racism is Alive and Well) Watch: Racism Can't Be Ignored
2. Treatment on Beach Smacks of Racism:
During a visit to Browne's Beach, an incident occurred which smacks of racism. We were enjoying a dip in the sea when a catamaran sail boat came towards the shoreline.
3. Research finds that "stealth" racism is everywhere...EVERYWHERE, I tell you!
How do they know, if it's stealthy? It's interesting how they claim that many people aren't even aware that they are racist and yet the researchers claim omnipotence and that they know exactly who is racist and to what extent. These kinds of know-it-alls...those who believe they know best what we are like and how we should live our lives...are what we are dealing with in the West today, folks. PC Culture must die.
1. RAW (Racism is Alive and Well) Watch: Racism Can't Be Ignored
2. Treatment on Beach Smacks of Racism:
During a visit to Browne's Beach, an incident occurred which smacks of racism. We were enjoying a dip in the sea when a catamaran sail boat came towards the shoreline.
To our surprise, the sailor, a Barbadian White, on approaching shouted "Move, move!" to make room for his boat, while gesticulating in a manner in which you would disperse cattle.
Some white expatriates, probably tourists, were using their sun-creams in anticipation of the arrival of the catamaran, which it was later revealed docks at this beach every public holiday to carry expatriates along the West Coast.
Rather than accepting that they were in the way and that the sailor would have treated them the same way whatever colour they were, they decide it's racism. Why am I not surprised?3. Research finds that "stealth" racism is everywhere...EVERYWHERE, I tell you!
How do they know, if it's stealthy? It's interesting how they claim that many people aren't even aware that they are racist and yet the researchers claim omnipotence and that they know exactly who is racist and to what extent. These kinds of know-it-alls...those who believe they know best what we are like and how we should live our lives...are what we are dealing with in the West today, folks. PC Culture must die.
Monday, 11 June 2007
Round-up
1. Lawyers for actor Wesley Snipes, currently charged with federal tax evasion, have filed a motion to dismiss the case on grounds that he is being selectively targeted because he is black.
Waaaaaaaaaaa!!!
2. A test is being developed to detect "hidden" racism in job applicants. It is intended to unmask negative associations that potential employees could have towards ethnic groups. Candidates are asked to put images of black and white faces into categories of "good/positive" and "bad/negative" using arrow keys on the keyboard. By getting them to respond to prompts as quickly as possible, the test aims to side-step what is known as "cognitive control" - the brief, but significant time lapse needed to give an "acceptable" answer rather than an instinctive or "honest" one. The programme then automatically calculates a "response-index" that indicates a level of racial bias.
One of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. By the very nature of this test, discrimination will occur as someone may "fail" and not get the job because of their opinions or beliefs - or what the program PERCEIVES to be their beliefs. I would NOT cooperate with such a test and would encourage anyone having to go through this ludicrous farce to hit the buttons randomly.
Also, there seems to be a strong inference in this test that there ARE "good" and "bad" faces, and that people are expected to sort them in this way. So in other words, it is OK to discriminate against people with "bad" faces, so long as you don't do so on racial grounds.
I wouldn't be surprised if the people designing the test deliberately chose pictures of smiling white people and scowling black people - just to catch as many "racists" out as possible.
Waaaaaaaaaaa!!!
2. A test is being developed to detect "hidden" racism in job applicants. It is intended to unmask negative associations that potential employees could have towards ethnic groups. Candidates are asked to put images of black and white faces into categories of "good/positive" and "bad/negative" using arrow keys on the keyboard. By getting them to respond to prompts as quickly as possible, the test aims to side-step what is known as "cognitive control" - the brief, but significant time lapse needed to give an "acceptable" answer rather than an instinctive or "honest" one. The programme then automatically calculates a "response-index" that indicates a level of racial bias.
One of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. By the very nature of this test, discrimination will occur as someone may "fail" and not get the job because of their opinions or beliefs - or what the program PERCEIVES to be their beliefs. I would NOT cooperate with such a test and would encourage anyone having to go through this ludicrous farce to hit the buttons randomly.
Also, there seems to be a strong inference in this test that there ARE "good" and "bad" faces, and that people are expected to sort them in this way. So in other words, it is OK to discriminate against people with "bad" faces, so long as you don't do so on racial grounds.
I wouldn't be surprised if the people designing the test deliberately chose pictures of smiling white people and scowling black people - just to catch as many "racists" out as possible.
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Evict Shilpa!
With the Big Brother racism furore still raging, I thought I'd repost something I posted back in February. It pertains to the story of Shilpa Shetty, who after being picked on by Jade Goody and co was found to have once appeared in an Indian comedy sketch making fun of a man dressed in black make-up and an afro wig. So the question arises: is she a racist, too?
Back then, I wrote:
For the record I don't think this is racist, either. But it will be interesting to see whether this gets the same kind of coverage the Big Brother scandal did. My bet: NOPE.
And I was right.
Back then, I wrote:
For the record I don't think this is racist, either. But it will be interesting to see whether this gets the same kind of coverage the Big Brother scandal did. My bet: NOPE.
And I was right.
Saturday, 9 June 2007
Saturday Share
One of the all-time classics: Guns N' Roses with "Sweet Child o' Mine", featuring one of the greatest guitar solos ever.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Big Brother Update
It turns out that Emily Parr, who was evicted from the Big Brother House for calling someone a nigger, was actually imitating what the black girl herself had said only moments earlier.
So this makes it all the more daft that she should be thrown out for saying something which the black person was quite happy to say herself, and which blacks do in fact use in any number of rap songs.
Political correctness and racial hypocrisy have gone too far. It's time to say ENOUGH.
So this makes it all the more daft that she should be thrown out for saying something which the black person was quite happy to say herself, and which blacks do in fact use in any number of rap songs.
Political correctness and racial hypocrisy have gone too far. It's time to say ENOUGH.
Friday, 8 June 2007
Anti-Muslim Conspiracies
The Governor Punjab Lt. General (R) Khalid Maqbool has said that Islam is the religion of peace, promotes respect and categorically negates tendency of extremism and intolerance...
The Governor underscored the need for the expression of unity and harmony among all the sects of Muslim to stymie nefarious designs of anti-Islamic evil forces saying there have been conspiracies against the Muslims in the world to dub as terrorists with bad intentions to dent the integrity of Islam and its followers...
Of course, Kahlid Maqbool makes no attempt to explain away Qur'anic passages such as: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. (9:29), nor does he venture to suggest a reason why the current spate of mujahideen have apparently got it so wrong about their faith. No, it's all a CONSPIRACY to vilify Muslims!
As Robert Spencer has often pointed out, perhaps if so many Muslims weren't making the connection between Islam and violence and blowing themselves up to prove this connection, perhaps not as many non-Muslims would think there is a connection, also. Unfortunately, many jihadists DO make a case for a violent, supremacist version of Islam and to date no "moderates" have ever mounted a significant theological challenge to this interpretation, except to deny that any commands to violence exist in the teachings of Mohammed at all.
The Governor underscored the need for the expression of unity and harmony among all the sects of Muslim to stymie nefarious designs of anti-Islamic evil forces saying there have been conspiracies against the Muslims in the world to dub as terrorists with bad intentions to dent the integrity of Islam and its followers...
Of course, Kahlid Maqbool makes no attempt to explain away Qur'anic passages such as: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. (9:29), nor does he venture to suggest a reason why the current spate of mujahideen have apparently got it so wrong about their faith. No, it's all a CONSPIRACY to vilify Muslims!
As Robert Spencer has often pointed out, perhaps if so many Muslims weren't making the connection between Islam and violence and blowing themselves up to prove this connection, perhaps not as many non-Muslims would think there is a connection, also. Unfortunately, many jihadists DO make a case for a violent, supremacist version of Islam and to date no "moderates" have ever mounted a significant theological challenge to this interpretation, except to deny that any commands to violence exist in the teachings of Mohammed at all.
Round-up
1. More original racism insight from our media: Big Brother Incident Proves How Deep Racism Is In Society
2. Here Gina Campbell makes the claim that the Bannister Mall in Kansas City was actually closed down because of racism. She goes on to make completely unfounded and unsourced accusations about the racist tendencies of ALL the while shoppers at the mall (apart from her, of course). In fact, the mall was largely closed because of competition from better deployments in the local area and high maintenance costs. It did certainly gain a reputation as a high-crime area, but this had very little to do with racism among most of the shoppers.
But don't tell Campbell this stuff; that would destroy her moral high ground.
2. Here Gina Campbell makes the claim that the Bannister Mall in Kansas City was actually closed down because of racism. She goes on to make completely unfounded and unsourced accusations about the racist tendencies of ALL the while shoppers at the mall (apart from her, of course). In fact, the mall was largely closed because of competition from better deployments in the local area and high maintenance costs. It did certainly gain a reputation as a high-crime area, but this had very little to do with racism among most of the shoppers.
But don't tell Campbell this stuff; that would destroy her moral high ground.
Thursday, 7 June 2007
New BB Racism Scandal
Big Brother has been embroiled in a racism debacle AGAIN after one of the housemates in the new series called someone a nigger. She has since been ejected from the house.
Now, as always, I champion anybody's right to free speech regardless of the content, but I will say that there is a difference between this and the Shilpa Shetty incidents from last year - this one is far worse. I really don't understand what was going through the woman's head using such a word in such a casual manner. I don't know if it is a sign of true racism that it came out so easily (and unnecessarily) but such language was completely uncalled for.
Then again, I've always thought that the use of a single two-syllable world should never be considered a heinous crime, so I'm not big on the idea of her being chucked out of the house, but even so it sounds to me like this Emily is a complete idiot. Perhaps she deserves to be chucked out just for that. But I suppose if that was the case then everyone on this pathetic show would be gone.
Now, as always, I champion anybody's right to free speech regardless of the content, but I will say that there is a difference between this and the Shilpa Shetty incidents from last year - this one is far worse. I really don't understand what was going through the woman's head using such a word in such a casual manner. I don't know if it is a sign of true racism that it came out so easily (and unnecessarily) but such language was completely uncalled for.
Then again, I've always thought that the use of a single two-syllable world should never be considered a heinous crime, so I'm not big on the idea of her being chucked out of the house, but even so it sounds to me like this Emily is a complete idiot. Perhaps she deserves to be chucked out just for that. But I suppose if that was the case then everyone on this pathetic show would be gone.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Is Gingerism As Bad As Racism?
Here is a piece - at the BBC, of all places - which asks the question, Why isn't gingerism (that is, discrimination against/making fun of redheads) seen as equally wrong as racism, when both are forms of discrimination based on physical attributes? It's amazing to see this kind of thing coming out of the liberal PC BBC, but welcome and refreshing. Of course, this should extend to all forms of name-calling and abuse: if one is bad, they're ALL bad; if one is OK, they're ALL OK.
There's something in there I disagree with, though:
Here's a joke. "What's the difference between a terrorist and a redhead?"
There's something in there I disagree with, though:
Here's a joke. "What's the difference between a terrorist and a redhead?"
Here's the punchline. "You can negotiate with a terrorist."
Actually, you usually can't, but otherwise this is a decent article, especially considering its source.
Muhammad Everywhere!
I thought this was very telling of Britain today:
Muhammad is now second only to Jack as the most popular name for baby boys in Britain and is likely to rise to No 1 by next year, a study by The Times has found. The name, if all 14 different spellings are included, was shared by 5,991 newborn boys last year, beating Thomas into third place, followed by Joshua and Oliver.
Overall, Muslims account for 3 per cent of the British population, about 1.5 million people. However, the Muslim birthrate is roughly three times higher than the non-Muslim one.
The Islamisation of Great Britain continues apace.
Muhammad is now second only to Jack as the most popular name for baby boys in Britain and is likely to rise to No 1 by next year, a study by The Times has found. The name, if all 14 different spellings are included, was shared by 5,991 newborn boys last year, beating Thomas into third place, followed by Joshua and Oliver.
Scholars said that the name’s rise up the league table was driven partly by the growing number of young Muslims having families, coupled with the desire to name their child in honour of the Prophet.
Particularly this line:Overall, Muslims account for 3 per cent of the British population, about 1.5 million people. However, the Muslim birthrate is roughly three times higher than the non-Muslim one.
The Islamisation of Great Britain continues apace.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Israeli Journalists Slant The News
I read today that a former news editor from the Israel Broadcasting Agency has admitted that they deliberately slanted the news during the Israel-Lebanon conflict in favour of an Israeli withdrawal - because they had sons there. Dr Chanan Naveh admitted:
In our newsroom, three of the editors had sons in Lebanon, and we took it upon ourselves as a mission - possibly not stated - to get the IDF out of Lebanon... I have no doubt that we promoted an agenda of withdrawal that was a matter of public dispute.
I have suspected for years that Western journalists impose their largely liberal agendas in exactly this way, and it certainly raises the question of whether many others editors out there slant the news in this way and simply don't admit it. At least Dr. Naveh is honest, even if he appears to harbour no regrets about the way he insulted the media's supposed role as objective and balanced. And he SHOULD harbour regrets about it, because his surrender-mongering has undoubtedly aided the jihadists who are Israel's enemies.
In our newsroom, three of the editors had sons in Lebanon, and we took it upon ourselves as a mission - possibly not stated - to get the IDF out of Lebanon... I have no doubt that we promoted an agenda of withdrawal that was a matter of public dispute.
I have suspected for years that Western journalists impose their largely liberal agendas in exactly this way, and it certainly raises the question of whether many others editors out there slant the news in this way and simply don't admit it. At least Dr. Naveh is honest, even if he appears to harbour no regrets about the way he insulted the media's supposed role as objective and balanced. And he SHOULD harbour regrets about it, because his surrender-mongering has undoubtedly aided the jihadists who are Israel's enemies.
Monday, 4 June 2007
Racial Awareness
A ten year old black boy in America has written an essay about racism which earned him a national honour. From what I can see the piece contains a good deal of simple and obvious, but good and righteous, stuff about racism, but it seems clear to me that it only attracted such an honour because the subject was racism. If you say racism is bad you automatically get plaudits from the political elite for some reason.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Sunday Share
My share this week is a bit late but here it is nonetheless. This week it's P.O.D, a band who I can't say I'm a big fan of, but I do at the very least like this song. It's called "Sleeping Awake" and it's from the soundtrack to The Matrix Reloaded:
Friday, 1 June 2007
Round-up
1. A Florida radio station is balking at firing one of its personalities, "Big John", over allegations of racism. The controversy over the talk show host started when he was talking to a caller about the possibility of Daytona Beach Commissioner Dwayne Taylor becoming mayor. "The higher the monkey climbs, the better you can see its ass. And we'd really get to see Dwayne's butt if he gets to be mayor," Big John said.
The use of the word "monkey" is unfortunate, but this phrase could be used just as effectively as a slur against anyone, black or white or Chinese or Martian. Is it not even REMOTELY possible that it was not intended with a racist context?
2. Here's a brand new viewpoint on racism:
Racism is alive and well and living in Canada, and it's time white people started talking about it...
Doh!
The use of the word "monkey" is unfortunate, but this phrase could be used just as effectively as a slur against anyone, black or white or Chinese or Martian. Is it not even REMOTELY possible that it was not intended with a racist context?
2. Here's a brand new viewpoint on racism:
Racism is alive and well and living in Canada, and it's time white people started talking about it...
Doh!
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