Posted on 02/13/2007 5:15:16 AM PST by Nicholas Conradin
Dear Mr. Hanson,
I greatly appreciated your just and thoughtful critique in "The Enemy at Home." As a woman from South Asia, originally from a "traditional Muslim" community, and now domiciled in the U.S., I have much to say to Mr. D'Souza — but feel there's no use in doing so. I have seen him on TV and believe he will not be open to a differing opinion, not even if it comes from a Muslim woman from one of the cultural groups at the heart of his thesis. So I address this to you.
My first question to Mr. D'Souza would be: "whom do you mean when you speak repeatedly of traditional Muslim societies, how many women from these societies did you interview in your research for this book?" This is a rhetorical question because I know the answer to it already — hardly any.
(Excerpt) Read more at victorhanson.com ...
ping
Maybe the Muslim guy whose property this woman is has a dish set, a couch or big screen TV that wants to give its opinion on the Muslim versus the rest of the world debate...
Dinesh D'Souza is christian
OK, after reading her missive, I'm confused. What in D'Souza's body of thought on Islam was she addressing?
I was talking about the woman who wrote the letter to Hanson.
I'd be curious to know if Hanson thinks this woman is making a valid point. Because I don't. I think she's missing D'Souza's point. Or taking what he's saying in the wrong way.
Oh, sorry.
Well, she doesn't sound like anyone's property.
Let me know if you want in or out.
Links: FR Index of his articles: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=victordavishanson
His website: http://victorhanson.com/
NRO archive: http://www.nationalreview.com/hanson/hanson-archive.asp
New Link! http://victordavishanson.pajamasmedia.com/
That's what confused me. However, even though she may THINK she isn't anyone's property, she is - because she was born Muslim.
We have a very long tough road to hoe.
If VDH is right about about D'Souza's book "The Enemy at Home" (I have not read it), then I'm with VDH and opposed to D'Souza. Which is disappointing... I've liked D'Souza's writing in the past.
jw
I don't think she is property any longer. Actually; she makes great points;. . .
I am reading D'Souza's book; and while I have barely just begun; I did wonder why he did not acknowledge the issues here in a larger historical context; while offering that his concentration is on an aspect that flames the immediate.
(Or. . .to the point here; while concentrating on the Liberal assault i.e. - as per this woman's example, Brittany Spears - he does not include his acknowledgement that his 'focus' is on the more immediate impact of our Liberal culture - which, no doubt in my mind at least; could move even the worst Muslim slaggard to action. . .)
Perhaps at some point, Dinesh does go there. (?) Do not doubt that our 'culture' as exported/transported today; can be an extra dose of 'fuel' with match; and used to flame passions of hatred and justification for what historically; is embedded in Islamic tradition.
As for moving into the Modern era; embracing the finer of Western sensitivities; I think Jews - orthodox or even less so; can certainly provide a window in what life could be like; living in the 'now'. . . while adhereing to one's religious principles. Or any good Christian family for that matter. . .
And of course, that brings the average Muslim to another problem. . .but not one that cannot be remedied by even greater changes in their education.
(And one that we cannot so easily remedy as well; as we appear to be as well, on the 'slippery slope' of the worst of Liberalism; and are faced with the same problem as to how to save ourselves; without sacrifcing ourselves at the same time.)
Now, does she visit the old 'homestead' with or without a husband, children; she does not say. She does turn off the TV when she knows a personal assault is about to appear - as per mention of Brittany - she does write the letter; and I am assuming the copy VDH has; includes her name and occuppation.
Is this entire article sarcasm? It must be.
Think the woman here; is throwing out the baby - Dinesh's premises/book - with the bathwater. Think she should allow first that he is right; but that he does not going far enough by allowing for historical context. I did wonder why he did not frame this in his introduction; or if I missed it; then in more memorable if not greater length. . .
But as mentioned in earlier post; while I am reading the book; have only just begun; but I do like Dinesh; and would hope that none us as well; make the same mistake of tossing his 'baby' out; while not considering the 'rightness' of his more immediate message. . .
Admittedly I have not read the book, but if VDH and Mark Steyn say it lacks merit then I see no reason to waste time and money on it.
Well, I am huge admirer of Mark Steyn; and loved 'America Alone'; and by now; have shared/gifted more than a few copies of it. Admire, of course, VDH as well.
That said; and I have only just begun the book; but while I did wonder 'where' is his acknowledgement that this is an 'aspect'; not an explanation in total. . .do enjoy; nonetheless; Dinesh's singling out the very people; the very idiology of those who imagine they share an 'empathy'; not realizing, their commanalities lie only their totalitarian proclivities; while failing to see that 'this enemy' has no use for them; for ANY Infidel; whatsoever.
The truth here; as exemplified in so many if not all, of the worst problems we face in our country; is no more than Liberal, Cause and Effect.
Will read on; and see where Dinesh leads; but think there is some misunderstanding here re his premise; at least as framed by what may be his mistake of his starting point.
Do know Mark Steyn addresses the problem of 'radical Islamism' from a noteworthy and well-documented historical perspective - by which he frames the current - and so he may see Dinesh's perspective as limited and/or perhaps, superficial; and therefore, less relevant, less informing. . .
Do think; meantime. . . the Lefties, by turn; are pained to outrage, by ANY light of truth that is directed their way; including that offered by way of Dinesh's book.
. . .and I would think as well and for sure, by Mark Steyn's educated observations as well - many of which do go to the 'heart of darkness' that so identifies and informs 'our' Left.
The most charitable interpretation of this is that it is a gross oversimplification, while others would say it is patently absurd.
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