I think I "get" why some of the Muslims are twitchy and there is discontent about "la-ilaha-illallah" not being acceptable to "seculars" or comments about appropriation.
I think that is because the voices being heard are not the voices providing the momentum.
I think that is because the voices being heard are not the voices providing the momentum.
We have been compiling posters and listing events nationwide for a while now, and the vast majority of protests are powered by a) students and b) Muslim organizations.
Those happy to tweet and RT humongous crowds don't seem to recognize that a majority of those ARE Muslims.
Those happy to tweet and RT humongous crowds don't seem to recognize that a majority of those ARE Muslims.
The opinions of leaders being quoted are largely from among those who have beein doing humanitarian work for a long time. Some may be Muslim, but are not associated with a religious public image.
Not seeing mass recognition of people calling for protests attended by lakhs.
Not seeing mass recognition of people calling for protests attended by lakhs.
I am atheist and no particular fan of Islam, but respect is due here. Those people hitting the streets in the lakhs are motivated by religious leaders and for the RIGHT reasons.
We seem to be enjoying the results of their work, but grudging them the respect for it.
We seem to be enjoying the results of their work, but grudging them the respect for it.
Slogans like "la-ilaha-illallah" being seen as "not representing" a secular movement, is a kind of bigotry, when you also point out to the massive protests as secular dissent.
IMO whoever end up leading (inevitable) should ensure a few major religious leaders present.
IMO whoever end up leading (inevitable) should ensure a few major religious leaders present.
Also IMO, no harm if religious leaders of all religions are included, but definitely those mobilizing people by the lakhs. They are already leaders. Not recognizing them over religion achieves nothing.
