If anything this demo will also drive the more gullible into the arms of extemist parties like the BNP, which I sincerely hope is not the case.
I feel that is exactly what the whole thing was designed to do. Actions of a tiny group of people have taken up column inches and given massive exposure that this story simply does not warrant. It was exactly the perpetrators aim. These people want to radicalise the young and the vulnerable by making a minority group feel marginalised and excluded from British society. There is no better way to do this than this kind of direct action.
I feel that this event was simply staged to get a reaction from the public against Muslims and Asians in general. If people are pushed towards the BNP, and hatred fueled against Muslims, they have achieved their aim of division. The protest has played on concerns about the wars in Iraq and the conduct of our government abroad, and used it for the agenda of extremism.
It has given yet another platform for people such as Anjem Choudary. His latest contribution to the issue:
“On 10th March 2009 200 pathetic and cowardly British soldiers from the second battalion, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, pompously marched through Luton to demonstrate their skill at murdering and torturing thousands of innocent Muslim men, women and children over a 24-month period”
The use of emotive language is designed to bring as much condemnation, division, hatred and separation as possible. I argue that it is his and other groups aim to encourage this hatred of Muslims and Islam to aid radicalisation and their own ends. It is much easier to preach hatred than give motivation in any way to become involved in the Political process or your local community.
I do of course realize the paradox of writing about something criticising other for writing about it, therefore giving it yet more exposure.
totaly agree. the BNP get condemned left, right and centre for being rascist. firstly, if the BNP were in control, these "protests" would not take place. secondly, these crazed idiots makes a normal person feel hatred towards not just these "protesters", but everything they are affiliated with, but trust me, you will never get the muslim community coming out and condeming these actions. never.
I really don’t think that is the case Graysblue. Having lived in Leicester for over 10 years, which is a city where around 15% of the residents are Muslim, and around 40% of the population is non-white, you will find that the protesters will have no support. I have worked for a Housing Association in an area where 90% of the tenants were Muslim, and I can tell you the reaction this would have in the local Community Groups and Tenants Associations, and it will not be one of support.
The key point is that 15/20 people were involved in this protest, in an area where the Muslim population is around 20,000. That tells it’s own story.
I have linked an article written by
Inayat Bunglawala who works with ENGAGE, which is an initiative designed to encourage British Muslims to interact more effectively in politics and the media in the UK, which I found an interesting read.
A big point is the actions of GMTV, who originally asked Inayat to appear on their program to provide a balanced viewpoint, then cancelled him in favour of, yep, Anjem Choudary. Speak volumes about the standards of the media.