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[Prism]

67. I can criticize Islam and still treat Muslims as human beings

Why is it always all or none in this discussion?

I loathe Islam. I think it a regressive, backwards religion that oppresses far more people than it helps. I think, culturally, much of contemporary Islam is incompatible with the 21st century liberal West. I think the radical components are a major problem that the West must grapple with rather than bury it's head in the sand.

However.

I also treat my Muslim neighbors upstairs with the same respect and courtesy I would any other person. I have never mentioned my thinking to them, and it has never crossed my mind to preach to them. Nor has it crossed their mind to preach at me, a gay man. I will never treat them differently, view them with suspicion, or single them out for abuse. They are my neighbors, just like every other neighbor in my building.

See?

I can hold both these thoughts at the exact same time. It really isn't that difficult.