I'm a very tolerant person, I would say that I'm a liberal. As such I have no issues or prejudices with immigrants, gays etc. so I do sometimes find it hard to deal with situations, conversations or people when such prejudices arise.
Living in Devon I have come to learn that people here are really quite conservative in their outlook. Despite the fact that in recent years the ethnic diversity of the South West has increased massively, the mindset of many people seems to have been stranded in the 60s. It is perhaps true of course that racism has changed since then but only in so far as the target; years ago it was people of African descent (yes I know "we all came from Africa") but now mistrust, dislike or even hatred is directed mostly and Arabic groups, namely the Muslim community.
I have no issue whatsoever with the growth of the Muslim faith and culture in Britain. I take issue with extremists and terrorists but it pains me that the need to clarify the difference is even existent. But alas it is true that the evil deeds of the few have caused many to suspect and fear a mostly innocent community.
It arose in conversation recently that Muslims are apparently trying to impose their beliefs and customs on non-Muslims, I strongly challenge this suggestion. I do not feel that anyone is obligating me to praise Allah or that my wife (not married) should be covered in public. I believe that most Muslims are happy for non-Muslims to live as they please so long as they are afforded the same courtesy. It is true though that many of the same people who claim to be oppressed by Muslims will, in the same breath, seek to condemn Islamic traditions, and as such they themselves are then oppressing Muslims.
Another recent example is that someone cited as complaint that if we, as non-Muslims, were to visit an Islamic country then we would be somewhat obliged to conform to their standards of dress. I then thought to myself "do you oppose to Muslim women wearing the veil?" a question to which, if I had asked it, the respondent would have said yes. I considered then that this person was not content to have imposed on them the Islamic standard of dress but at the same time they would openly impose European standards of dress on Muslims.
I think perhaps that I should leave this here for fear that I might upset or anger too many people, particularly those who's views I have cited, and this is something that I most definitely don't want to do. I just needed to vent my thoughts as I don't want to have to argue this with the people concerned.
I'm not religious but the Bible taught us to love thy neighbour, but failing that I'd hope we could at least tolerate them.
