Book a Muslim
I just ran across an interesting post entitled, Book a Muslim. Over in Denmark, there’s an online network that enables people to book a meeting with a young Danish Muslim. I find this to be an intriguing approach to (re)establishing dialogue among Muslims and non-Muslims in the aftermath of the cartoon saga. I could even see myself on the roster of bookable Muslims.
I must admit, my first thought was of the “Congolese Village” (read human zoo) of the 1958 World Exhibition, in Brussels. However, in this case I envision well-to-do, or perhaps liberal Danish intellectuals standing around chatting with their “guest.” What kind of person would book a meeting with a Muslim? I hardly think it would be anyone but a person who, at best, is already inclined to be open and tolerant, or who, at least, is interested in making themselves feel like they are.
On a less cynical note, the kind of person who would “book a Muslim” is not likely to be the kind of person who needs a perspective adjustment, as in the perpetrators in the cartoon case. I would be very interested in learning more about how this unfolds and what lessons get learned.
Technorati Tags: islam, muslim, human zoo, congolese village
April 6th, 2006 at 7:49 am
Michael, I understand the cynicism with which you approach this. Just a glimpse of the title made me react in a similar manner. But I agree with you that it is “an intriguing approach to (re)establishing dialogue among Muslims and non-Muslims.”
I also agree that there’s a self-selection effect: “the kind of person who would “book a Muslim” is not likely to be the kind of person who needs a perspective adjustment” is undoubtedly true. However, consider a case where the person who does the, er, booking isn’t the intended audience. I imagine a situation in which a school brings in people of different perspectives to discuss tolerance with students whose only perspectives on the case have come from the media.
Also, I think you’re quite a bookable Muslim.
April 6th, 2006 at 9:00 am
Thanks Doug.
Your point about schools inviting people in is well taken. As one who has been invited to speak to many different kinds of groups about Islam, I do believe in the importance of such action AND the sincerity of those who invite me. I guess sincerity is the key here. What’s the difference if a single family “books a Muslim” or a school princpal? After I posted this last night, I reminded myself that the initiators of this network are Muslims, and they should know best what their own community needs!
April 6th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Michael, I share your cynicism. Unfortunately, a lot of these so called “interfaith” dialogues are not really aimed at the people who would benefit most. Also, during these sessions I’ve found, many Muslims present a very watered-down version of Islam in order to gain acceptance from their host audience. This in turn, does not really give people a true picture of who we are and what we believe, and tend to lead to more confusion and misunderstandings.
If true dialogue is to take place, then we have to approach each other with complete honesty and sincerity of intention. We have to agree that we will disagree on certain things. In spite of that we should still be willing to listen to, and bear in mind alternative perspectives. The Quran tells us that there is no compulsion in religion – no one can force someone into believing as he does. We all have to choose our own way. But, at the same time, we must learn to coexist and tolerate our differences if we are to live together in peace. Talking honestly and openly with each other might just be the best place to start.