Creating an atmosphere of tolerance for a dialogue of cultures:

To stop obscurantism, it is important to come to an understanding of several key aspects and potential actions. First, sophisticated communication techniques are employed by politicians to manufacture Islamophobia. It includes “perception manipulation” used by Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda J.Gebbels: “The more you repeat a big lie, the more people believe it is a truth”. Therefore, the question is how effective is political correctness observed by those who try to combat Islamophobia at the “Islam-the West” discourse on all levels (the OIC Observatory Report on Islamophobia, expressing “a kind of pity” because Islam is paralleled with fascism or cancer in the West is indicative).

Second, in the 1930-1940s the entire world deprived Nazis of their self-identified name – the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, and called them fascists. Likewise, the main terrorist organization must be deprived of its self conferred “title” and called something like the International (Anti-religious) Terrorist Gang. It is unlikely, politicians and media would call this group the “Christian State in Iraq and Syria” if it chose to identify itself that way.

Third, given the scale of sheer religious ignorance the focus should be shifted from experts’ interactions to the enlightenment of general public about the basics of the religions. In addition to the Chairs of Inter-Religious Dialogue being developed by the UNESCO and the ISESCO, their e-platforms and programs should include “Religious literacy corner” with concise, clear data – from “A” to “Z”. The UN Alliance of Civilizations, the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding/ British Council, the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Coexist Foundation and other partners could adjust their important programs and raise the issue on a global level. Also, Al Jazeera could become even more relevant as an example of a “proper media” promoting this noble cause.

Fourth, persistent demands open letters from groups of citizens, NGOs to political leaders, constituencies and media owners to take appropriate measures on the exposed lies and distortions will indeed make a difference. This is also the case with the potential calls to the Council of Europe/European Monitoring Center on Racism and Xenophobia, the ODIHR/ OSCE and the OSCE/ Mediterranean Partnership for Cooperation to ensure balance between a free speech and “free advertisement of terrorists” – by making relevant recommendations.

Fifth, just like concise, sticking stereotypes are being hammered into the unconscious by the 25 Islamophobic “gurus”, facts-based, clear-cut messages need to be worked out to rebuke them. So far, polite elaborations of Muslim scholars on Western TV channels, with due respect to their importance, miss “the target.”

Finally, the real force able to change status-quo is the youth with its favorite tool – social media. If the “official declarations” of the Youth Forums against hatred and for the Dialogue are not implemented, then politicians and media should be aware of the alternative – a “Western Spring,” a peaceful current stirred by young people against lies, arrogance, information terror and fear. While extremists call to follow the “axiom”: “Use social media to inspire sympathizers abroad to violence” the youth should be inspired to employ, reshape it and communicate a “culture of peace message”:

Do what you can, with whatever you have, wherever you are, whenever possible to fight stereotyping, debunk religious myths. “The best hope we have to counter the lure of …(International Terrorist Gang) and its ilk in the long run will come from a global push for community-based initiatives led by trained young activists who are equipped to offer an alternative expression of idealism founded on adventurous, festive and glorious forms of “peace-building” as enticing as war.”

Hollywood, sport and entertainment celebrities can and already do (Muslim rappers such as Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain) make it COOL – fighting Islamophobes and bridging people and cultures. It is also great that well-known multi-national companies Google and Microsoft are ready to rise to the challenge. As Mark Zukerberger stated: “I want to add my voice in support of Muslims in our community and around the world… …If you’re a Muslim in this community, as the leader of Facebook I want you to know that you are always welcome here and that we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you.”

It is time to rebuild bridges and move together in the Path of Truth, the Path of God. 

To contact Jan Dulac: jaandulac@gmail.com

[1]The English Standard Version Bible. Proverb 18:21

[2]ODIHR Advisory Council of Experts on Freedom of Religion, or Belief. Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools pg.4

[3]ODIHR Advisory Council of Experts on Freedom of Religion, or Belief.Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools

[4]ODIHR Advisory Council of Experts on Freedom of Religion ,or Belief. Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools

[5]Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, The Alliance of Civilizations and Building a New World Order. ISESCO publication.

[6]R.Thompson, Women in Stuart England and America, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1974