Islam and Stereotypes

One month into the new college, still on the learning track and thoroughly enjoying the fast life here. Most of the professors are good but this blog is dedicated to one Mr. A.F.Matthews, who teaches the course of 'Social Transformation in India'.

Prof Matthews has been teaching about the different 'inconveniences' and blockages in the society today and has so very compassionately spoken about how very backward we are and how very modern we think ourselves to be. To just describe His thoughts, even a huge book wouldn't be enough. His course is probably the only course that doesn't have compulsory attendance, yet sees students rushing in and eagerly awaiting the next class. He doesn't dwell too much on the course and describes it in examples and personal experiences. His knowledge is immense and will make you feel really small with guilt and regret at having wasted so many years without having a slight knowledge of anything. When he is speaking, it is like - Oh my GOD!!! how on earth does He remember the names of all the directors (of many regional and internation movies), authors, writers, historians, rulers, mythical characters, war heroes and non heroes, activists......

He was particularly moved with 'anger' when he touched the topic of religion (on a note, dont argue with Him about religion unless you can take in hard facts and digest it without falling into the pit of disbelief). The topic started with Him stating a couple of myths -- "Islam is the most conservative religion, and Christianity is the most open and advanced religion" and "Islam religion signifies polygamy". The answer the both the statements is totally the opposite. The polygamy was started when the ratio of men to women became so low because of war as a 'temporary' solution. The very idea of no idols to worship signifies the purpose of religion. Prof Matthews' favourite line -- "you are all such wonderful Christian children". The Indian society is so very conservative and we are being RULED by stereotypes. The stereotype of women as meek and humble; black as athletic and 'machine-type' and white as beauty and elegance; the stereotyping of all the religions; of sexuality and orientation; of taboos and sins...and when you look at the facts, the very basis of all these sterotypes is shaken.

I would love to just write and write about Islam and stereotypes, but owing to time and space, leaving it here...just feeling the constraints of the written communication to vocal. And to top it all, it is just more disheartening to realize that none of us is going to be changing anything, and the rush will still be to the company coming on the day zero offering mutiple zeros and people will become the slaves of that very system. Change is inevitable, the time is the constraint. The least I can do now is to gather knowledge and awe at the system and how perfectly imperfect the world is.