What a teacher in hiding can tell us about our failure to tackle intolerance

[Social Media]

 

The story of a teacher forced into hiding after a controversial class on free speech at Batley Grammar School sheds light on our society's failure to address intolerance effectively. Three years have passed since the incident, yet the teacher and his family remain in hiding, a stark reminder of the lingering consequences of the events that unfolded.

 

The debate surrounding the incident has been polarized, with arguments revolving around two extremes. On one side, some attribute such confrontations to the perceived consequences of mass immigration and the presence of Muslims in Western societies. On the other side, there are those who advocate for self-censorship to avoid causing offense, believing it necessary for diverse societies to function harmoniously. However, neither argument holds up under scrutiny.

 

A comprehensive review by Sara Khan, the government's independent adviser on social cohesion and resilience, sheds light on the events at Batley Grammar School. The lesson that sparked controversy was intended to explore issues of blasphemy and free speech, approved by the school leadership and taught without incident in previous years. However, this time, outside activist groups, notably the Muslim Action Forum (MAF), incited fury and protests.

 

MAF, along with individuals like Adil Shahzad, a supporter of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), orchestrated protests and issued death threats against the teacher. Blasphemy, historically used to defend secular political authority, remains a potent tool in some Muslim-majority countries to silence critics and target minorities. Similarly, self-appointed gatekeepers within Western Muslim communities utilize blasphemy claims to reinforce their power.

 

The response from institutions in Batley further highlights the problem. The school suspended the teacher and issued an apology, while local authorities and the police offered little support. This approach, prioritizing appeasement of community leaders over addressing intolerance, silences diverse voices within Muslim communities and reinforces conservative narratives.

 

The assumption that Islam universally prohibits depictions of Muhammad is challenged by historical Islamic traditions that were more open to such depictions. By accepting only the most conservative views as representative of the faith, institutions unwittingly strengthen the control of reactionary groups.

 

Critics argue that the problem lies not in the depiction itself but in its racist nature. However, the manner and context in which material is approached are crucial in determining its impact on racial and religious tensions.

 

The prolonged ordeal of the Batley teacher underscores the failure of institutions to confront intolerance effectively. Opposing anti-Muslim bigotry and challenging blasphemy restrictions must go hand in hand to foster a more inclusive and tolerant society. As we reflect on this incident, it serves as a sobering reminder of the work that remains to be done in tackling intolerance and promoting genuine social cohesion.

 

01.04.24

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[Skipalongcassidy]

Muslims are about hate and terror... nothing else has come out of their society ever.

[sirineou]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

The story of a teacher forced into hiding after a controversial class on free speech at Batley Grammar School sheds light on our society's failure to address intolerance effectively.

could a class on free speech contain intolerance? 

[Emdog]

3 hours ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

Muslims are about hate and terror... nothing else has come out of their society ever.

Ever hear of algebra? Astronomy? Zero? Track record for them hasn't been all that great last thousand years or so.... 😉 But your blanket statement is just a display of ignorance imo. Do you know any Muslims? I would feel safer among a group of Muslims than among a group of Christian nationalists, full stop

[Chomper Higgot]

7 hours ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

Muslims are about hate and terror... nothing else has come out of their society ever.

Being possessed of blind ignorance is one thing, choosing to announce it on the internet is something else entirely.

 

 

Edited April 1 by Chomper Higgot

[Yellowtail]

5 hours ago, Emdog said:

Ever hear of algebra? Astronomy? Zero? Track record for them hasn't been all that great last thousand years or so.... 😉 But your blanket statement is just a display of ignorance imo. Do you know any Muslims? I would feel safer among a group of Muslims than among a group of Christian nationalists, full stop

And I would feel safer among a group of Muslims or a group of Christian nationalists than I would among a group of globalist lefties, full stop period exclamation point