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Answer
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Name
Douaa
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Profession
Question
Dear Salma, the Birmingham's violence made it clear, it's so called black – black discrimination (between the Asian & the Afro-Caribbean minorities),what are the differences between these problems and the state discrimination ?
Answer
Whilst all black and ethnic communities face varying degrees of institutionalized racism, what happened in Birmingham highlights the prejudices that such communities have within themselves.
Sadly many Asian and Black people have crude stereotypes of each other. This has been compounded by competing against each other for resources, leading to misunderstandings and myths, eg. some black 'community leaders' were claiming that Asian people had more public funding at their expense.
The difference is that the state has real power, whereas these communities do not. But by fighting and division, the power of these communities will be further diminished not enhanced.
Name
John
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Profession
Question
What is the relation between what happened in Birmingham and the youth gangs? and what do you say to the British government to avoid that in the future?
Answer
There are black gangs and Asian gangs operating in the area. There is rivalry related to drugs. Ironically, these gangs share the same language, same music interest, and same criminality!
In this case though, I don't believe that these gangs were at the root of the problem. Their presence just made the situation more dangerous, as they are young people who have knives and guns, and would be prepared to use them.
The attraction of the 'drug-trade' of course is the huge amounts of money involved. It is no accident that in deprived areas, where unemployment is high, more and more young people are lured into drugs - as pushers and users.
The government should take action to ensure that the disadvantage in this area (it has some of the highest deprivation indices in Birmingham) is tackled seriously. This means tackling unemployment, educational standards, as well as health and housing inequalities.
Name
Hany
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Profession
Question
Are there many young Muslims involved in drug dealing and crimes? If the answer is yes, why? How we can face these severe problems?
Answer
Many young Muslims are now involved in drugs and crimes.Whilst Muslims form less than 3 per cent of the population, they form about 9 per cent of the prison population.This is an alarming fact.The severe problems that face the Muslim community need to be addressed both at an institutional level,and within the community itself.
It is no longer enough to say 'drugs and stealing is haraam in Islam' and feel that is sufficient, especially in the face of the reality which we face. These young people need to be engaged with at a very young age, and taught Islam in a way that is meaningful to them, such that they have an inherent moral strength. In this way they will have a deep respect for others, as well as themselves, and be sensitive to the consequences of wrong actions.
As elders we have to acknowledge the very real temptations young people face, and the power of peer pressure.
We also need to remember that in Britain, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis (the majority of whom are Muslim), comprise the most deprived communities, according to official statistics. The link between deprivation and criminality is well documented, and that's why an institutional response to reduce the inequalities these communities face, has to be enacted.
Name
Tarek
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Profession
Question
What can be done to defuse tension between Asians and Afro-Caribbean communities in Birmingham? and how bad is the crime rate?
How can trust be regained among the youth? Do you think sports competitions would help?
Answer
It is important to remember that only a minority of Asian and Afro-Caribbean youth were involved in violence. The majority played no part in it, nor supported it. Also, whilst tensions became high for a short time, they have already diffused greatly. People are carrying on with their normal lives: kids go to mixed schools, and people are shopping at each others' stores as before.
Many people became aware that the situation was potentially very serious, and many different dialogues across the communities - between young people, women, representatives etc took place. I feel they have been successful, and there is a basis for moving things forward.
I feel that each community has to acknowledge its responsibilities, and the hurt, fear and grief of the other community to truly move forward. For example people, houses, and businesses in both communities have been attacked, and this should be condemned by all. Simply holding on to one's pain without recognizing the other's is not helpful.
Ultimately misunderstandings have to be honestly dealt with. I have asked the City Council to publish its funding strategy so that misunderstandings around grants can be overcome.Any activity which brings young people from different communities is positive -including sports.
Name
Heba
- Malta
Profession
Question
What are the problems of Muslim youth which are related or because of Islam?
Answer
There are many young people who are brought up in Muslim homes, but do not have a clear understanding of Islam. There is no clear purpose or direction in their lives. At the same time, they face racism and anti-Muslim sentiment, especially following 9/11 and 7/7. How can young Muslims be confident in their identity, participate positively in society, without compromising important principles? There is a huge challenge that the community as a whole is facing.
Even when young people do turn to Islam, they are often attracted to simplistic understandings. These may give them a sense of confidence and identity in the short term, but the 'us and them' (believer/kafir)mentality often nurtured is actually counterproductive. It is often based on negativity and reactivity, rather than a profound understanding of Islam which allows for discernment of correct attitude and action in differing situations.
At the same time Islam continues to provide the moral compass, and a framework for many young people to negotiate their way through their many challenges.
Name
Mona
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Profession
Question
Cities allover the world are full of violence and Muslims are not an exception, Do you think that Muslims can live Like normal people with the feeling of being watched all the time??
Answer
I think you have touched on something important here. In today's world, it is difficult for Muslims to just live like 'normal' people. It seems everywhere you go, Muslims are being analyzed and generally 'problematised' - as 'terrorists', backwards, oppressors of women, not being able to 'integrate' etc.!
This of course makes it more difficult for Muslims to integrate, as they are constantly fighting negative stereotypes...However, this is what Allah has placed before us and we have to rise to the tests and challenges. We are not the first people to be caricatured in history, and nor are we likely to be the last. The history of Black slavery and the Holocaust teaches us this.
What we mustn't do though, is to allow such views to go unchallenged. Whilst it is frustrating, and often depressing, we must also see the current debates as opportunities to explain what Islam's perspective really is, and what Muslims are really about. That means engaging in these debates, not simply allowing ourselves to be discussed and analyzed by others without our voice present.
We have to present alternative discourses...This of course is not 'normal' life, but I believe that Allah has entrusted the task of conveying and explaining to all Muslims - we cannot escape responsibility!
Name
Johnny
- United States
Profession
Question
Sometimes Muslims do drugs. Sometimes Muslims do prostitution. Sometimes the actions of Muslims seem to reflect on Islam, which is does not. I just don't understand why with such issues the term 'Muslim' has be made a special point of. Muslims sin, Muslims make mistakes, and Muslims are human. Ever since 9/11 we have been under a microscope.
Answer
I think that is true - it's one of the most frustrating things since 9/11. We cannot just be 'normal' people who have the same foibles, weaknesses, criminality as other people. We are all viewed through the lens of being 'Muslim' even when it is not relevant to the situation.
Certainly it would be unacceptable to label any other faith or race in such a way - eg. we don't hear about 'Christian drug dealers'. I think it is part of the political onslaught on the Muslim world. In order to justify the invasion of other countries, the people there had to be demonized enough to keep public opinion onside in the West- hence the stereotypes around Muslims.
The problematization of Muslims living in the West is part of this ideological 'weapon of mass distraction', so people are kept worried about the 'enemy within' as well as attacks from terrorists abroad. In this politicians hope to distract their own people from the erosion of democracy and civil liberties in the West - whilst preaching about democracy and human rights in the Middle East.
Fortunately there are many non-Muslims in the West who have remained questioning, and have not accepted all the lies and deionization. It is important for Muslims to engage with such people, and form positive alliances to promote truth and justice. Furthermore such actions help combat the sense of isolation and frustration many Muslims feel about being constantly under the 'microscope' - turn it on the oppressors instead!
Name
Zakaria
- United States
Profession
Question
Don't you think that the role of the parents is inexistent. Many parents left their teens for the street instead of just doing the minimum toward their sons and daughters?
Answer
Of course the role of parents is crucial. They should provide their children a strong sense of themselves, and pass on moral guidance, which their children should be able to act on in the differing situations they find themselves in. We should also remember that especially in their teens, young people look to their peers as role models. Hence the company that young people keep is very important, and parents need to think pro-actively about this. Otherwise, even if they talk to them sincerely, their words will not have the impact that is needed.
It is also symptomatic of our society, that often parents are too busy to spend the time needed with their children. Many may not have a choice for financial reasons, but often parents may have to make choices about what is more important - better material things for the family, or sacrificing some material gain for the betterment of their children's social and moral development...
Name
Muslim
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
I did my degree from Birmingham. Yes its Right its big problem when I see and exprienced when Muslim Young Guys trying to steal and fetch things from their Fellow Muslim Brothers.
Answer
Of course it's wrong to steal - from fellow Muslim brothers or any other person! Sadly many people who are Muslim (often by birth) are not necessarily truly Islamic in their character or actions!
Name
Ga3an
- Italy
Profession
Question
What are the real reasons of the ethnic tensions?
Answer
A rumor that a young black girl had been raped by Asian men at a shop was the trigger for the tensions. The rumor was broadcast on pirate radio stations, and black people were urged to demonstrate, and boycott Asian shops.There was anger in the black community at the alleged attack, but many Asians were also angry that no proof had been brought forward.People form the Black and Asian community called for an investigation.Despite a police forensic investigation, no proof was found,and to this day no victim has come forward. However, the shop was forced to close for a while.
There are more Asian businesses than Black businesses in the area, and some people resented this. Indeed this resentment formed the 'kindling' and the rape rumor was the spark.
Sadly some people have inflamed tensions through spreading rumors and misunderstandings about public funding, feeding resentment and envy. There is also the issue of stereotypes and prejudices which different communities hold about each other. For example, many black people felt they were 'disrespected' by some Asians. Clearly prejudice in all communities needs to be challenged.
