When Does An 'Ordinary' Muslim Become An Extremist?

[naomi24]

We're often told that there is a difference between 'ordinary' Muslims and extremists, so ignoring those who call for violence and Islamic domination as they march in support of Palestine, but thinking only of the Muslim school children and their parents and supporters who are making news by intimidating students into adopting the hijab, to observe Islamic fasting rituals, and to withdraw from some school activities because they are considered 'haram';   the student who is battling her school in court (at the taxpayers' expense) for the 'right' to pray during school hours, the protestors outside schools, causing one to close early in order to protect staff and pupils, and those who are threatening teachers to the extent that they fear travelling on public transport, one of whom is still, after a very long time, in hiding.   The people who are responsible for all of this carry on their regular everyday lives living among us.  Are they 'ordinary' Muslims - or are they extremists? 

[ToraToraTora]

Methinks he dost protest too much!

[andy-hughes]

Methnks I couldn't care less what youthinks!

[douglas9401]

"Psychosis is when people lose some contact with reality. This might involve seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear (hallucinations) and believing things that are not actually true (delusions)."

 

 

[andy-hughes]

douglas - // "Psychosis is when people lose some contact with reality. This might involve seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear (hallucinations) and believing things that are not actually true (delusions)." //

Not sure if that was for me, but I do know what 'psychosis' means, thanks anyway.

[naomi24]

Well that's another thread trashed.  

[andy-hughes]

naomi - // Well that's another thread trashed.  //

Can you define 'trashed'?

Does it mean what it usually means when people say that, or something similar - the thread is moving in a way that I don;t approve of, or in which I no longer wish to participate?

If so, feel free to step out and leave anyone else who wishes to contrinbute, a clear path to do so.

Threads don't get 'trashed' - they develop as the contributors develop them, and then they die a natural death.

They don't cease to be of value or interest simply because one contributor finds themselves unwilling or unable to continue.

[jourdain2]

I was just  going to say that, naomi.  There was a chance, early on, of a reasonable discussion - but that has gone.  I'm woozy on painkillers at the moment (have been for a few days so I try not to say too much) but even I can say that serious discussion of points has disintegrated, if not died.

It used to be very interesting and even fun. Sadly, much degraded.

[andy-hughes]

jourdain  - // 

I was just  going to say that, naomi.  There was a chance, early on, of a reasonable discussion - but that has gone.  I'm woozy on painkillers at the moment (have been for a few days so I try not to say too much) but even I can say that serious discussion of points has disintegrated, if not died.

It used to be very interesting and even fun. Sadly, much degraded. //

Then I refer you to my response to naomi.

If you were in a group of strangers at a party, and the conversation you were in became boring or no longer to your taste, you'd simply drift away and find another person, or persons to talk to, and see if their conversation suited you better.

You would not say "Right this conversation is trashed because it no longer entertains me ..." because people would think you were arrogant, and rude, and they'd be right.

I know the ways of discourse in personal space and cyber space differ - but the fundamentals are the same.

If you don't like a disucssion, find another one, don't loftily pronounce that it's beneath you and it's now 'over' bcause you say so.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish to be seen as being so arrogant and rude - would you. 

[naomi24]

Thanks jourdain.  Your extensive experience in this area is always acknowledged, valued and welcomed by me.  

I'm so sorry you're in pain.  I wish you well very soon.

[fripfrip]

Just think andy when you wake up one morning and the penny drops and you realise you have been duped.

[jourdain2]

a-h you are giving me attitudes that I don't have.

[andy-hughes]

naomi - // Thanks jourdain. Your extensive experience in this area is always acknowledged, valued and welcomed by me.  //

Would that be because jourdain's view is identical to yours - the idea that because a thread is not panning out as she would like, or you would like, it should be dismissed and allowed to die a death.

That's not hers, or indeed your, decision to make.

The direction and length of threads are dictated entirely by the contributors, who stay or go as they see fit.

When everyone has said what they wish to say, the thread stops naturally.

Heaven forbid that anyone should think they can appoint themselves judge jury and executioner over any thread, simply because they don't like it any more.

You and I are Moderators, and we moderate content, we do not dictate what it is, or what it is not.

I have never done that, and I have a Moderator a lot longer than you have, and a thread contributor longer than you and jourdain put together.

Something to think about, while you are looking for a thread that is more to your taste.

Obviously, since this thread is 'trashed', you won't want to look foolish by proving yourself wrong and continuing to contribute to it.  

[andy-hughes]

jourdain - // a-h you are giving me attitudes that I don't have. //

No, I am responding to attitudes that you are showing on here.

[jourdain2]

A-h your interpretation of my remarks is faulty.  

[andy-hughes]

fripfrip - // Just think andy when you wake up one morning and the penny drops and you realise you have been duped. //

I have been waiting for naomi's doom-laden prophesies to come true for longer than I can be bothered to remember.

Nothing has really changed in that time.

Don't try and be superior, it doesn't suit you.

[andy-hughes]

jourdain - // A-h your interpretation of my remarks is faulty. //

Since you agree with naomi that this thread is 'trashed' - why are you still contributing to it?

[jourdain2]

I was answering unwarranted criticism.  I have done so and shall now leave.

[andy-hughes]

jourdain - // I was answering unwarranted criticism.  I have done so and shall now leave. //

You haven't actually answered it in any meaningful way.

But that's fine, because to do so, you'd have to act like every other contributor, and say something because you have a point to make to another contributor, a discussion to continue, some information to impart - any of the factors that make a thread continue.

But you can't do that, because that would make you look foolish, having sided with naomi's high-handed nonsense about the thread being 'trashed', and then you continue to extend it, simply becaause it suddenly interests you again.

I admire the courage of your convictions. I know naomi will simply drift off, as she always does when she loses an argument.

I sincerely wish you well with your health issues, and look forward to exchanging with you again on another thread - which either of us will leave when we have had enough.

That's how the AB has worked for the last twenty-four years - no reason for anyone to start making pronouncements about it now.

Sleep well.

[fripfrip]

I've never tried to be superior in my life andy,now you could have been the inspiration for the ian dury song,you know which one .

[andy-hughes]

fripfrip - // I've never tried to be superior in my life andy,now you could have been the inspiration for the ian dury song,you know which one . //

based on the post to which I responded, I would have to argue that point.

I think you were trying to be superior - failing, but still trying.

And yes I do know which song.

In some areas I absolutely AM superior!!!

LOL!!