I wrote another letter to the editor of the Daily Bruin recently. Of course this didn't get published either.
I read your article "Professor discusses nature of Islam" regarding
the discussion "Extremism and Islam", which I also attended.I am surprised that there was no mention of the way the professor responded to the first question posed during the question and answer portion of the talk. The professor's response was, to say the least, belligerent and confrontational. I do not think it was a coincidence that the moderator decided to end the question and answer portion after just one question, claiming time restraints.
It was difficult for me to reconcile his speech claiming that "The core values of Islam are mercy, compassion and humility" while his response was so much less than exemplary. Personally I was shocked and felt that the outburst detracted from the professor's credibility. To make no mention of this in your article makes me wonder about the objectivity of your report.
Kip L. said...
ReplyDeleteBravo, Vic! I think you are on the right track in expressing yourself to the paper. I am ~150 pages into "The God Delusion" (very busy with moving, unpacking, work, family, etc...but I will finish and blog) and certainly agree with him regards to religion and the hypocrisy of religion. This seems to serve as another example. I wish I knew some muslims. Then I could gain a better perspective on the religion and the people. I want to believe that there are those who love peace, but I need to see it.
Unfortunately, this typifies the muslim dialogue (in my opinion): if you make the muslim angry, you are wrong and the conversation is over.