For the first entry in this blog, I thought the article, "In Europe Angst Grows Over Muslim Presence" by Steven Erlanger neatly and eloquently summed up my own interest in this complex topic.
Plans for the Grand Mosque of Marseilles which can hold up to 2,500 worshipers to be completed in 4 years. Rather than broadcasting the muezzin, (the call to prayer), the mosque will shine a purple light
It was published in the New York Times on January 4, 2010. I read it in Austria, as part of Der Standard, one of the few newspapers here that aren't part of Die Krone hegemony. The article clearly crystalizes the debate evolving in Europe today: the fear which has engulfed so many European countries of identity loss, the the clash of culture currently being experienced my many cities today.
I wonder, to what extent will it be necessary for Muslims to "integrate" into European society? And even, if mosques, such as the one planned to be built in Marseille, shine disco-like purple lights to call their congregations to prayer, will such changes be accepted by Europeans as being signs of integration? And lastly, how much "integration" can happen and still be accepted by Muslims?
Erlanger writes,
as Western Europe is plunged into a new bout of anxiety over the impact of post-colonial Muslim immigration — reeling in varying ways from the implications of a recent Swiss vote to ban minarets altogether — some scholars see a destructive dynamic, with assimilation feeding a reaction that, in turn, spawns resentment, particularly among young Muslims.
As young Muslims attempt to exert their right to freedom of relgion, and seek to define themselves, more drastic changes to Islamic traditions may not be accepted by Muslims who are proud of their cultural and religious identity. At the same time, the presence of this new identity in Europe is the subject of much controversy, from Switzerland's minaret ban, to France's ban on all religious clothing in schools and places of work. One thing is clear:
“There is an angst over identity in Europe,” he said. “There’s a feeling that Europe is becoming smaller and less important. Europe is like an old lady, who whenever she hears a noise thinks it’s a burglary.” This generalized anxiety and fear is translated into a specific one, he argues: Islam, “a box in which everyone expresses their fears.”
While researching this article, I came across a forum in which most comemntators seemed to be welcoming the idea of a multi-cultural Europe, yet there was a significant debate there as well. One poster, proudly announced his house, in the South of Spain was geographically the closest house to Algeria and had often witnessed Algerians being washed up on the shore by his house. Although he was aware of the drastic economic difference between Spain and Algeria, he seemed persuaded that the real issue was Islam.
Tell me, can I build a Christian church in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia or Nigeria ...? Can a European Christian walk with a gold cross on the neck or clothes or Christian symbols in the streets of Algeria, Egypt, Syria or Iraq? Can a Christian eat pork or drink scotch in a bar of a Muslim country? It is very easy to come illegally to Europe and when you're here ask for your religion the same rights enjoyed by Christians. Where is the reciprocity? Muslims in Europe can not ask what they deny other religions in their country of origin.
In light of this comment, I also have to wonder, to what extent are the fears expressed by so many Europeans legitimate? To what extent is the "islamization" of Europe actually occurring? I've heard stories from relatives in Austria that Muslim women don't learn the language, and that they can't integrate because their husbands/fathers/brothers won't let them go to school. In such a case, what right does a state have to intervene? Does it make ethical sense, given such a scenario to discourage the expression of religious clothing (like in France) as to give women a chance?
Obviously, I have to hope that many of these fears will be proven unfounded. I wish for a peaceful co-existence where all seek to be moderate and inclusive. It shouldn't be that, any side feels attacked by the presence of the other. Obviously, this new influx of Muslim immigrants will cause change, yes. But change in inevitable. Just as wars, treaties, and invasions have changed the face of Europe over the past centuries, this too will change Europe. But, despite all of the conflict, Europe has managed to survive, and a common identity has been upheld. But how dramatic, and "damaaging" these changes are will depend on how Europe deals with these issues at hand.
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