I’ve used the term “very militant Muslim” but maybe another term is better. What I mean is a fanatical, very tribal person. Someone who takes offence at seeing me with her hair non covered. (I’m not even Muslim but where I live if you look like me, straightaway people assume Muslim and Pakistani).
I'm always grateful for those who exercise politeness and respect in their day to day conversation. It makes all the difference in the world, in my view; the difference between living in hell, or in an environment that is at least conducive to human flourishing. I reflect that being modest and restrained in one's manners used to be almost the definition of Britishness. Maybe it still is, in some quarters. At any rate, I am sure it is not a sign of weakness, but of strength; of the kind of self-control which leads towards the fullest expression of our skills and God-given gifts. I would that we would remember this virtue, as we endeavour to preserve all that which is still good and wholesome in our land.
I’ve used the term “very militant Muslim” but maybe another term is better. What I mean is a fanatical, very tribal person. Someone who takes offence at seeing me with her hair non covered. (I’m not even Muslim but where I live if you look like me, straightaway people assume Muslim and Pakistani).
There are so many tribes that want us or not, and sometimes our tribe looks nothing like us.
I'm always grateful for those who exercise politeness and respect in their day to day conversation. It makes all the difference in the world, in my view; the difference between living in hell, or in an environment that is at least conducive to human flourishing. I reflect that being modest and restrained in one's manners used to be almost the definition of Britishness. Maybe it still is, in some quarters. At any rate, I am sure it is not a sign of weakness, but of strength; of the kind of self-control which leads towards the fullest expression of our skills and God-given gifts. I would that we would remember this virtue, as we endeavour to preserve all that which is still good and wholesome in our land.
Well said. It’s been lovely to find people who share this attitude.