Hirsi Ali presents important questions to the University
By Noor White
Contributing Writer
Ayaan Hirsi Ali was invited to the University as part of the “Global Leadership: Questions for the 21st Century” speaker series to share her views on a very hot, contemporary topic. She spoke about the increasing spread of Islam throughout the Westernized world, the cultural implications such a spread holds and the facets of the Islamic doctrine that can lead to the subjugation of women and violently-expressed fanaticism.
The majority of Hirsi Ali’s speech focused on the first two issues, and she had some very important points to make. Some in the audience expressed their opinion that her views are not only wrong, but hateful, and that in bringing her to campus, the University shows an open intolerance of Muslim students.
I disagree with this statement. Hirsi Ali proved to be an intelligent and thoughtful speaker, not just a sensationalist, and her message was not one of hatred. Hirsi Ali is critical of Islam, but she had much more to say than what was criticized by those upset about her visit.
The issue of an increase of Islamic immigrants into Western societies is a very important one. Hirsi Ali discussed the effect increased immigration of Muslims from North African countries is having on Europe, with European birth rates declining and the immigrant populations being young. She predicted the continent will experience a cultural overhaul within the next 50 years. While Muslim populations in the United States have not reached the proportions of those in Europe, it is important to consider the cultural implications such an influx could have.
Hirsi Ali did not come to advocate the United States close its borders, deny Muslim immigrants entry, or that Western communities practice intolerance towards Muslim families and reject them from their neighborhoods.
She came to bring this major social issue to our attention so we may consider and discuss it.
Hirsi Ali expressed her opinion that reformation of Islam is not possible based on its very nature, and she made a clear distinction between speaking about Muslim individuals and speaking about the doctrines of Islam. The criticisms she had of Islam she attributed to a lack of debate allowed under the major tenets, saying Muslims are told to either obey the Quran in every facet of its writing and every aspect of their lives, or they are not true Muslims and will be punished. Other religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, are hotly debated among members, and this process is considered constructive and normal in Western societies.
Through the question and answer session of Hirsi Ali’s talk, there was repetition of the phrase “brainwashing” among those who disagreed in the audience. Both groups expressed major concern Hirsi Ali was invited to speak on our campus. It is strongly contradictory some students and faculty would advocate the University screen the ideas heard on campus because the nature of the issue could prove to be uncomfortable—would that not be much closer to the true definition of brainwashing?
Not only do I believe the University is right in bringing controversial speakers to campus, I believe it is its duty to do so. The University has a responsibility to us as enrolled, tuition-paying students to lay open ideas and philosophies for us to consider. This will allow us to develop the methods of critical thinking and analysis essential to a successful life.
Without exposure to controversies that are currently brewing and that we will face in our adult lives, how are we equipped to conquer the challenges of the future?
One disgruntled student said at the talk the University would not invite anti-Christian or anti-Semitic speakers to come to campus. I say it would and moreover that it should if those speakers could give us insight into a major social issue such as those Hirsi Ali presented.
Let us not forget that this country was built on open discussion and debate when we may be in favor of closing our ears and eyes to potentially uncomfortable issues. After all, a true measure of wisdom is the ability of an individual to fully and calmly consider an idea without accepting it.
