Religious scholar Reza Aslan took some serious issue on CNN Monday night with Bill Maher‘s commentary about Islamic violence and oppression. Maher ended his show last Friday by going after liberals for being silent about the violence and oppression that goes on in Muslim nations. Aslan said on CNN that Maher’s arguments are just very unsophisticated.
He said these “facile arguments” might sound good, but not all Muslim nations are the same. Aslan explained that female mutilation is an African problem, not a Muslim one, and there are Muslim-majority nations where women are treated better and there are even female leaders.
Not sure if the lady-host is not understanding what he's saying, purposefully acting that way hoping his tongue slips, or acting that way to get more explanation from him for the viewers.
Nailed it.
+Gavin Hudson No you nailed it.
They were not ready for him
Awesome
Wow. The lack of understanding something put into lay mans terms on her part and any person thinking that way is staggering. This, not so much terrorist groups in this situation, is one of the major problems today. Idiots talking about and making waves about a subject they know nothing about…obviously. How are they paid to bring the news to us when they can't even comprehend what is being explained to them as if they are children. I'm glad aslan called them stupid. Even if they didn't catch it. Why can't news broadcasters be more like or follow the concept of The News Room. News Anchors giving the public the info they need to make informed opinions and decisions. We are lost as a race and man are we circling the drain reeeeal fast. Good day to all who understand what he was trying to covey. To the rest, read a book or so something productive or learn about how to be moral, and understanding of others ways. Stop being STUPID. when do we,as humans, start learning from our mistakes. Another thousand years? CNN you and FOX suck most days. Mike Rowe is the only reason I watch that horrible channel.
Show me where Muslim women are equal to their Muslim men? For their is none folks.
Show me where you're doing something to help better the state of Muslim women. For you do nothing. Per the normal human being today. Stand way back and watch and then when it's safe, put in your opinion based on nothing.
If you're quite retarded and were somehow offended by someone rational, intelligent and moral… Don't look like a fool and post. Just watch the video like your teacher did to you with writing lines…over and over till your simple mind comprehends. It's like talking to children with most of you idiots.
Why was Bill Maher a liberal hero, till he pointed out that they are failing to see (or at least talk about) the truth? I have never been a Bill Maher fan, but I have to respect someone who is willing to go against the grain of his side of the political spectrum to point out its failings on a subject.
But he spoke it allllll wrong. He sounded like the retarded blonde in the clip. You can't just group everyone together. I don't group the smart, educated posters on this string with the idiots who can't wrap their head around a kindergarten concept. Sure he pushes the envelope. It gets dumb viewers. But so does South Park. It pushes it with every new episode. But it's entertainment in the end not truth. Much like ole bills show. If he could understand what he is saying is wrong, then you have an argument. But he is controlled by the higher ups who sign his check, and the lay man viewers who keep watching. It's all money and stupid people. Is that simple enough for you? Push the envelope yes, do it with bias and uniformed or misinformed idiocracy …no little child, no. As I've stated, it's like talking to children 8 and under. I'm done with this thread. If you can't get what the clip is really about you need help and your license suspended. How can you drive a car and not be able to GET simple human communication. Nothing will change in this fucked up US of A or the world we so readly destroy until you morons get in the same level as we informed, sheep against the flock. Call us black sheep if you will. Cause we will never settle for what we are told but rather what we learn and apply to being a good HUMAN. Religion, race, color, geographical location, or our cultural past play no role in being a good HUMAN. Think people, use that brain that has been stifled your whole lives. There is a reason we haven't evolved mentally in almost 2000 years. Good day intelligent individuals.
+Eric Shneebly
What does that overly long comment have to do with liberals ignoring the problem with violent radical Muslims? Other than the fact that once again the question is sidestepped?
This was so good
Does it bother you when Christians think being gay is a sin or discriminate against gays? I'll assume the answer is Yes. Okay, when there's this other religion called Islam that teaches the exact same thing. Not only that, but in a lot of predominantly countries, you will be executed for being gay. Does saying this make me an Islamophobe?
+pheeel17 I'm Saudi and would like to clarify some facts about Saudi Arabia that have been grossly exaggerated. Homosexuality (both male and female) is very prevalent in the country, due to segregation (I have relatives and friends who are gay). Socially, it is frowned upon (no more than in many parts of the states), and it is punishable by prison and in very rare instances (like homosexual rape), it is punishable by death. I empathize that your facts may have come from biased sources and hope to educated you about the culture and country I grew up in (if you give a damn that is) 🙂
+ssuperheroine Thank you for the info. That's good that they are not killed. however, if they are imprisoned for being gay, I think my overall point remains.
+West Kagle You're sounding a lot like the reporter gal dude. Reza's entire point is that there counties (or factions within them) that do insane shit, that happen to be primarily Muslim. He points out that when they talk about female genital mutilation, that they're trying to pin on Islam) that it takes place heavily in Christian nations…. in Africa. He points out how there are many nations that are Muslim where women have the same rights as men, and many that have female heads of state.
The point is that we live in a big world where people believe a lot of different things. MOST people though want to just be happy, have a job, take care of their family… regardless of religion. In this country we associate terrorism with Islam, but the reality is that most terror activities that have taken place here have been by non-Muslim people. Does that mean ignore ISIL, no… I mean we in part helped create it, I wish we could stop with our mentality of being the worlds police. Are those extremists dangerous? Absolutely. Do they represent all of Islam? Let me ask you this… does Honey Boo Boo represent most of America? No… they just lots of air time.
In my perfect world religion wouldn't exist, it's a silly notion after all, and further divides us.
+ssuperheroine Thanks for chiming in; I appreciate your comment. Homosexuality is prevalent in ALL countries. It happens with other animals in nature. In parts of the US it's still frowned upon and people get beat up and sometimes killed over it (thankfully not as a national policy!). It's just one more thing that people use to hate on other people… senselessly.
+Paul Spoerry
As usual, I can't completely disagree with what you said, nor completely agree (one of the reasons I enjoy reading your G+ page, I don't get a string of agreement, but don't have to be completely berated with the other sides narrative).
….and I do have to admit that I jumped into this one with out listening to the interview, or what Bill Maher actually said. I Just thought it interesting that those on the firm left turn on him as soon as he deviates one millimeter off the main line. This after being like the Patton in their fight.
Yeah, it's one of the reasons I dig you too +West Kagle. You should watch the video, Reza destroys the reporters efforts.
In my experience, most people who I know that are left-leaning/liberal might think Maher is funny but most think he goes way over the top too. Then again… I consider myself a moderate so the people I surround myself with are probably not the uber lefties anyway. ;O)
Bottom line is that hajies attacked the U.S. on 9-11 and Ass-lan is a haji therefore he is the enemy…
is the same lady who sez jesus is white? the easter bunny is white? santa is real??
+Kelly Hill The oklahoma city bomber attacked america, so all white people are the enemy of the usa, according to your logic if I were to exclude your bigotry that is..
The point is that religions and religious people appropriate the customs and prejudices of the cultures in which they reside. However, these customs and prejudices are not necessarily endemic to these religions nor their adherents.
Also. the talking heads on television do not just 'ask questions.' They promote a point of view that is often ignorant if not bigoted.
+Paul Spoerry
Islam is an f…wit Cult left over from the dark ages that
masquerades today as a religion of peace.
Islam, just as oil and water will never ever mix, will
never accept or mix with any other religion.
For world peace keep the East in the East and the West in
the West and stop trying to mix the two it really is that simple.
Facts?? LOL. Aslan said "nowhere in a muslim majority country is FGM a problem"
– in egypt, 90% of the girls are circumcaised!!!
+Truthstillcomesout You dumb fuck. You watched the whole video and you missed Reza' s point. Egypt like Somalia, is in Africa.
+Truthstillcomesout How do you know that 90 percent of the girls are being circumcised? You believe yourself here? Think about it, 90 percent? It is statistically impossible for this to be significant regarding the whole Egyptian population…
Perhaps you should fact check before posting +Truthstillcomesout… Egypt is part of Africa. Though the Sinai Peninsula in northeastern Egypt is part of Asia; but proportionately that's a small part of Egypt. src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt
So as far as facts go he's accurate and it's a primarily African problem: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_genital_mutilation#Prevalence
+Paul Spoerry
Perhaps my atlas is out of date but Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and, and India aren't in Africa on my maps. It must be a big "African" problem if even the continent of Africa isn't big enough to contain it.
+Brian Clark
I could be wrong, but when I have ever heard, read about, or watched anything on the subject of female circumcision, it has always been presented as being primarily practiced in sub-Saharan Africa. That's not to say that it's completely devoid in the rest of the world, it's just where it's mostly to be found.
It also happens in Iraq and Yemen a lot so Reza is lying. Just like when he lied about Indonesia.
+Brian Clark he meant specifically that female genital circumcision is an African problem. FGM is not widely practiced in Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia or Pakistan, but more so in sub-Saharan Africa.
+izz3vibt Actually FGM is largely practiced in Egypt. http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/fgm/fgm_prevalence_egypt/en/
The fact of the matter is100% of those who FGM their children are Muslims, with the Christians living right next door to them not mutilating their children. The sole motivation of so many atrocities being carried out by Muslims is their Iron age book with supernatural beliefs not existing in a vacuum: Fact! We all know the last words of the 9/11 terrorists, so said a great man said. Moreover and on a side note Aslan's books are historically inaccurate rubbish.
Does anyone else find it richly ironic that Reza Aslan went after Maher for having an "unsophisticated" view about his unsupported Bronze Age superstition?
+Paul Spoerry The problem is you don't have to go far to find muslims who argue that FGM is warranted under Islam. That's because religion is culture and culture is religion. There isn't a religious person in the world who thinks that their action contravenes the tenets of their religion. So the fact that FGM is primarily an African problem is neither here nor there. Last time I checked there were plenty of muslims and Islamic States in Africa.
It has been done a lot by Muslim immigrant communities in places like the UK too. It is also done a fair deal in Iraq and Yemen so Reza is full of shit.
+Brian Clark If you'd followed the link I posted in that comment you would have been taken to a link that displayed a giant map of Africa. As +West Kagle pointed out, it's not that it isn't practiced anywhere else but that it is predominantly an African thing.
+Timothy Gale That's not factual. "In Niger, for example, 55 percent of Christian women and girls have experienced FGM, compared with two percent of their Muslim counterparts." src: http://www.unicef.org/media/files/FGCM_Lo_res.pdf
Additionally, if you want to throw Islam under the bus because of people who follow "their Iron age book with supernatural beliefs" please be sure to toss Christians, Jews, and all the other silly religions in there with them.
+Derrick Knight You're falling prey to the exact thing Aslan is arguing against by lumping all Muslims in the same category. There is atrocious ass shit in the Bible but not all Christian countries follow those practices, the same goes for Islam.
"So the fact that FGM is primarily an African problem is neither here nor there. " Actually, if you watch the video that's exactly what it's about.
+Fancymanofthedeep You clearly didn't watch the video or didn't get it…. and again, just because it's been done in Muslim communities in the UK doesn't mean every country that follows Islam does it. Again, that's his point.. they're trying to paint everything with a very wide brush.
+11B30Inf go to uae and Qatar and you'll find women driving ferraris
+Abdirahman Ware
You name just one or two countries while most of the Muslim Middle East don't allow Muslim women to drive. Remember this I been over there Abdirahman!
+11B30Inf that is completely not true. Only Saudi Arabia doesn't allow women to drive. Everyother muslim country in the world women are allowed
+Abdirahman Ware
B U L L C H I T! Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Most of Pakistan, Oman. and now lands under control of ISIS…. Don't pull the wool over my eye kid when I been to some of those places.
A) "ran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Most of Pakistan, Oman. and now lands under control of ISIS" – …. "and now lands under…" doesn't even make grammatical sense.
B) Seriously!? Did you just use ISIS control as an argument. How long have they been having an influence on much of anything? Not very long.
+Paul Spoerry +11B30Inf
I tell folks all the time (even those attacking me), read your comment out loud to yourself after you've typed it, and before you post it. The impact of your point gets diluted when it's structured poorly. And don't be afraid to type a word you're using into Google, to make sure it's the word you should be using. Unlike the spoken word, you're afforded the opportunity to clean up your message before you deliver it, so you get to sound a lot smarter than you actually are.
……..I mean just look at me ;P
+Paul Spoerry
When you butt in someone remarks that have nothing to do with you its understandable you don't know what the f – – k is going on Paul.
+11B30Inf I think you meant to say, "When you butt in on someone's remarks….". (+West Kagle sounds like you dropped some solid advice.)
Considering this is my post it has everything to do with me, I didn't butt in, and I can do whatever I want. You're more than welcome to create your own post and tag the person you'd like to speak to if you'd like a one-on-one conversation with that person. Also, you can feel free to say "fuck" on my posts as long as it's not used as a direct attack against someone else. I don't give a fuck about anyone cussing on my posts.
+Paul Spoerry
I know that the Political Correctness have dumb you down…BUT! OOPS! Did it again Mr. Soup & Grammar Nazi. If I need someone to correct me on my grammar, you be the first one I will call upon. So suck it up if you can't take criticism. For if you can't you can always go back to MSNBC forums.
Sure np +11B30Inf…
"I know that the Political Correctness have dumb you down…" Unless Political Correctness is a proper noun it shouldn't be capitalized. Additionally, it should be "… has dumbed you down..".
"If I need someone to correct me on my grammar, you'll be the first one I will call upon."
Beyond that you're just spouting drivel and continue to make yourself look foolish. MSNBC forum? Is that a jab or supposed to hurt my feelings? I don't watch MSNBC so that's not really applicable. You might have been able to be funny if you'd referenced CNN considering that's the news organization in the video that this thread is about. You could even have reached as far as making a Bill Maher joke since the people on CNN are referencing his show. Again, I don't watch his show so that would have been entirely inaccurate as well but at least relevant to the post.
Telling me to "butt out" isn't criticism; that's not what that word means.
"Criticism is the practice of judging the merits and faults of something (or somebody) in an intelligible (or articulate) way." – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism
Considering your statement didn't judge my merits or fault, and certainly wasn't done so in an "intelligible (or articulate) way", you've again not used the English language properly and continue to make yourself look like a fool.
+Paul Spoerry
NO SOUP FOR YOU! Thanks for proving my point Mr. Soup and Grammar Nazi. You have a nice day being troll king for a day Paul. You earned it!
+11B30Inf I didn't ask for soup nor can I troll my own post. YOU came to MY post so… trolololololol Troll Song
+Paul Spoerry
Just proving my point Mr. Grammar & Soup Nazi.
Just proving mine +11B30Inf. http://i.imgur.com/RCXUmJP.jpg
+Paul Spoerry
Sorry Paul but I am not the one that is living in the basement with their aging parents. Hows that tin foil hat working out for you?
+11B30Inf WHAT???????????
+Paul Spoerry Islam is the problem, the countries which he referred to like Indonesia and turkey are secular countries that do not practice Sharia Law therefor from an Islamic Point of view they are not "Muslim Countries" they are actually considered Infidels, also I laughed my ass off when he said Indonesian women are 100% equal to men, Indonesian men are allowed to marry 4 women, how many men are Indonesian women allowed to marry?
+Kelly Hill so by that logic, all Germans are enemies of the jewish people?
LOL right?! +Hellen Anoosheh. You're just being desperate now and clearly know nothing about my life. Nice grade-school-level jab +11B30Inf. Stay classy.
Reza Aslan engages in half truths, one should be smart enough to realize that. FGM certainly is a cross culture problem, but it's important to point out that Islam is the only religion that codifies it into religious practice. Muslim countries might be different but Sharia always looks the same. Some countries might be moderate now, but large segments of that population will be of the extremists variety. The closer Muslims are to Mohamed's practices the closer they are to extremism. Mohamed practiced beheadings, assassinations, he was a Jihadists himself, and so was every single one of his companions.
+Paul Spoerry
When post BS… Expect more people to laugh at you Paul.
I think they're laughing at the moron who keeps trolling on another persons posts +11B30Inf. Perhaps you could post something interesting on your own profile? Oh nobody would pay attention.
Maher is a peace of shit and he is bad news for the Good Jewish people
11B30Inf
I am not quite sure where you have been to, but let me tell you this. I am from Oman , ISIS is not in control in Oman nor is any other military or religious group. People have been and are still living normally as in any other peaceful place. I am a woman, I own and drive a car. I have a land that I bought with my own money, I have also applied for ( a free land) that the government distributes for Omani people aged 24 and above. I graduated from SQU ( which is a public university and the gender distribution among the students in it is almost 50-50% between males and females) . I have a job and I am seeking higher qualifications in my career funded by the Omani government ( and so are doing the 30 female friends I have). I have a bank account where my salary and savings go. I own few pits and pieces here and there. I have a family of my own including a daughter who is doing well in all aspects. I am not the exception to the norm but my situation is actually the norm. So please, do not make generalisations about any group controlling my beloved country and do not make comments like ( women are not allowed to drive in most muslim countries including Oman). Even my own mother drives and owns a car. And I am not sure if this will surprise you or not, but many girls drive cars in certain parts of the Saudi Arabia. I know that for fact because I do have Saudi friends who drive cars IN the Saudi Arabia. Also there is no Act in the whole Saudi Law that says WOMEN ARE NOT TO BE GIVEN A DRIVING LICENS OR WOMEN ARE NOT ALLOWED O DRIVE. Yes, ther is no such a thing, if a women seeks a driving license in KSA she will get. But I am not going to act smart and explain to you why majority do not drive because I simply do not know the reason behind that. I actually kind of do, but I can not be bothered.
+amalmandhari
Really??? Not ISIS?!! Okay…….NURSE! More likely a troll boy just blowing ga damn smoke up everyone skirt. Your puppet masters don't pay you enough to ba a useful idiot!
+De Ruiz " But large segments of that population will be of the extremists variety" . Do you have a proof Sir?
+11B30Inf I do not need to be paid to write what I wrote. Yes, the country is not controlled by any military or extremist group . I am not sure why you can not hold a sophisticated conversation.
+amalmandhari
You have a nice day pajama boy….
+11B30Inf I think you were just not ready to be confronted and told that what your claims are false. I will give you few tips Mr:
1) Do not make generalisations.
2) Do not claim to "know" about people cultures just because "you have been there". I mean if you spent 2 hrs transit in Muscat International Airport that does not mean that you actually have been to Oman. And same applies for all other countries.
3) If you state an opinion and try to sell it as a fact to other people, then be prepared for confrontations and arguments. There is nothing personal. It is the internet and everybody is entitled to an opinion but others are entitled to comment on and question as well.
4) Play it safe and try to have some background information before dragging yourself into an argument that you are not well prepared for, it was clear that you had no clue about what your were saying before.
5) When you feel threatened ( in internet arguments), try to be classy and address the other person's point +/- apologise for your previous ignorance and lack of knowledge. Pulling the stupidity and name calling card only proves your ignorance. You can not support your claims and can not hold a decent conversation. And to be fair with you, i would not have commented into your comment if you have not mentioned Oman in it.
6) I am not a nurse, I am not a boy/man. I have the XX chromosome .
7) You have a nice day, I hope you can get some education and learn some manners.
+amalmandhari
Their is nothing to discuss… take your bullchit and stuff it!
It's absolutely hilarious to watch +11B30Inf continue to make a complete ass of himself over and over again and continue to come back for more. You're like a child with an abusive parent, "he hits me because he loves me!". All these intelligent people and you continue to act and speak like a child. You look more and more like an asshole with every post. Sadly, for you, you keep coming back for more like an obsessed 12 year old girl dumped by her first crush but unable to let go. Your sad need for attention, compelling you to continue to engage, must be a tiring little world to live in. It must suck to be you man… Nobody paying attention to your views, no attention given to your posts, so you come back again and again hoping you'll somehow one-up anyone in a pathetic attempt to seem manly and "right". Keep posting though… please… because you're comments aren't backed by anything factual, you won't cite anything you state, and you clearly are just here for the attention (my money is on daddy issues). Even when I feel sad for you because of your ignorant statements I don't feel bad for pointing out what an epic asshat you continue to show yourself to be to all the people reading this….
+11B30Inf you keep taking about things you obviously know nothing about. What I said can be quickly confirmed by someone doing their research. It is a fact that the only country is Saudi that don't allow women driving. Using capital letters and claiming you've been to these countries doesn't make it less true.
+Mohammed S. Al Sahaf CNN anchors don't get a lot of guests with independent thinking. I think Reza just blew their minds. Free speech? what are these words he's spewing out of his mouth without the help of a teleprompter?, It's dark-sided!
+amalmandhari Pick a predominantly Muslim country, or any country for that matter with a large Muslim population and we will talk about how many lean towards Sharia, Salafism or Wahhabism.