USA: “Obsession” Anti-Islam Film Angers Bloggers
![](https://globalvoicesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/405px-obsessionradicalislam.jpg "\\"Obsession\\" the movie poster")
Last week, many newspaper subscribers across the United States were surprised to discover a DVD inserted into their Sunday paper. The video, which can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube, is entitled Obsession: Radical Islam's War With the West and portends to compare the threat of radical Islamism with that of Nazi Germany prior to World War II. The DVD's release was timed to match the upcoming elections, and distribution of the DVD was almost entirely within swing states.
Almost immediately, newspapers began receiving complaints for their inclusion of the DVD, which was funded by The Clarion Fund, a group set up to combat “the most urgent threat of radical Islam.” Bloggers in the U.S. and abroad have expressed anger at both the distribution of the DVDs and the related crime.
Jordanian blogger Ali was understandably outraged at the timing:
While We Arabs and Muslims were busy thinking of food during Ramadan and watching Bab El Harra and Asmahan and the remaining 120 series on TV, having our delicious Sheesha’s (Water pipe) after Iftar, some mysterious group or organization was sending this disturbing DVD. The DVD bashes Islam and Muslims and warning Americans from expected terrorists attacks.
I see this as a typical fear-mongering propaganda that is always targeting the American people around Public Holidays and Anniversaries to remind the average American that those uneducated savage killers are still out there and they are ready to get to you.
Can you imagine the damage that was done to Muslims and Arabs and the lousy image we have in the west and the USA?
Not all Americans are well informed or well travelled, or have even met a Muslim. Therefore such hate DVDs will make a huge negative impact on the way they view Muslims and Middle Eastern. This will not be difficult for the relations between the West and East but also for Americans with Arab background living in America who can be harassed or be involved in hate crimes.
A Tale of Three Beans, also a Jordanian blogger, responded to Ali's post in her own blog. She wrote:
So, while I'm on the topic of misleading and outright lying, I wanted to go back to a post by Ali. I know he thought I missed his comment, but this is one of those conversations that requires thought and mulling over. Ali's post was on the mailing of 28 million copies of an inflammatory movie called Obsession to voters in swing states in the US. Now, long ago in my life, I learned not to comment on something about which I have no personal knowledge. So, I went out to youtube and watched the movie. It's divided into 10 six (ish) minute segments. So, now I've mulled and fermented my ideas and have some thoughts.
She then dug deeper into several of the issues related to the video, debunking myths and correcting poor translations. She also pointed out that there are a few valid points in the DVD, saying:
One fundamental message that followers of Islam would do well to heed is that Americans, average Americans, are scared of you. No, not just the radical Muslims -all Muslims. This is normal, it's natural. We're almost always scared of anything that's different. And, you look different. Sadly, both non-Muslims and Muslims alike get drawn into the trap of focusing on differences. Instead of pointing out the similarities between Ramadan and Lent to help bridge the understanding gap, the message delivered is that Christians wouldn't understand fasting (which says more about a lack of understanding of Christianity than anything). Islam and Christianity may vary widely, but they also share similarities. If you can help Americans (and Westerners in general) see that, you will be doing all of us favor. Each of you can play a role as an ambassador of your faith.
Finally, she concludes:
The reality about Americans is that while we may not be the most aware people in the world (nor are we the least, by the way), it's mostly a country of good people. They get up every morning and eat breakfast. They work hard to provide for their families. They love their children and want the best for them. The more things are different, the more they are the same. Americans are just like Jordanians. They're people who try their best to live life and ensure the well-being of their families. Understanding that whatever differences in tradition are just that – differences in tradition – may help bridge this gap. Remember that while you may even agree that American women are immoral, in the same way Americans agree that Arab women are subjugated and without rights. Neither picture is either wholly true or accurate. I think if we all try to understand each other better (not necessarily become like each other), our conversation will be richer and we may be able to leave fear behind and move forward with understanding and respect.
Writer and blogger Laila Lalami expresses few feelings toward the DVD but states that it won't make a difference anyhow:
I don’t, however, think that the DVD will have any effect on swing voters. We are so awash in Islamophobia in the States that any voters likely to be swayed by yet another Muslims-equal-terrorists rant are likely to have already made up their mind by now (and it’s not for Obama, let’s face it.)
Global Voices Morocco author Lalla Lydia explains why we should all watch the video:
I've noted that a lot of you are recognizing this sweet and unseasonal valentine as propaganda and tossing it in the trash.
I wish you wouldn't. Watch it. Like I did. And take notes.
I think it's well done. It reached its goal of scaring the crap out of viewers with all its rising crescendos of fear mongering, driving music and fast-paced images of terrorist attacks around the world.
Less than a week after the DVDs were distributed, children at a Dayton, Ohio mosque were the victims of an apparent hate crime in which gas was sprayed through a window of the building. Bloggers immediately connected the two incidents, despite the mainstream media's denial.
KABOBfest, a blog written by a group of mostly Arab-Americans, reported on the incident:
Is it mere coincidence that this attack comes after the “Obsession” DVD was distributed in the area? It just may be, and hopefully the policy investigate this vigorously enough to give us an answer.
This alarmist, Islamophobic video has been sent to swing states by a shadowy non-profit, the Clarion Fund. It is claiming to have sent 28 million copies. Most of the recipients will recognize it as the hate-ridden drivel it clearly is; but others may be inspired to secure the homeland and attack the enemy within — and this senseless attack may be one such case.
Interestingly, none of the mainstream media have covered this story. Perhaps if a Muslim committed a parallel attack at a church or synagogue, it would be newsworthy. What ever happened to the “man bites dog” theory of media interest? Perhaps we should update the adage to reflect the modern ethnogeography of violence: “White man attacks Muslims, that's not news. But when Muslims attack Whites, now that's a story!”
A Diamond's Eye View of the World, an American who blogs about Lebanon, reminds us that we have the right to protest the distribution of this DVD, sharing the Clarion Fund's address and urging us to write polite letters:
And if you want to contact the Clarion Fund, the address given on the DVD packaging is:
255 W. 36th Street, Ste. 800
New York, NY 10018
(646) 308-1230Just remember: be polite, be professional, and articulate your position using evidence, not personal insults.
Also of note is that a group called Obsession With Hate has been set up to combat the propaganda perpetuated by the film.
103 comments
Jesus was a coward!! that is why he had no sword. We forget that jesus was betrayed by his fellow jews.(although as a pork eater and lover of non-jews, he was NOT technically a jew when he got ‘baptized’. Jews DO NOT baptize their kids.
‘David slew 10,000 Philistines’ is a quote from the bible. is that not violence?
The first modern terrrorist was David Ben Gurion who was ‘elected’ Israeli pime minister. Can you imagine Bin-Laden being elected president in Saudi Arabia?
By the way i am a Christian and christianity demands fairness.
mmxz,
First of all, apologies if I accidentally sent you a bizarre blank e-mail; I was on my mobile and meant to reply here.
Second, you said: “A religion than condones/encourages sexual mutilation of girls and the selling (marriage) at 9 years old to a pedofile chosen by their pimp/father … an in the name of God… is evil and an abomination.”
That’s untrue, and you have clearly not been doing your reading. Islam does not condone sexual mutilation of girls; in fact, the majority of FGM occurs in Sub-Saharan African countries (which are often nominally Christian) and is a traditional, rather than religious, practice. Almost every Muslim country has laws against such practices (those which don’t did not have a problem with it in the first place).
Second, Islam does not condone marriage of 9-year-olds. Yes, the Prophet’s wife was nine, but there is no evidence that their marriage was consummated when she was that young, and the majority of Muslim countries today have laws that prevent minors from marriage. Morocco is a great example; a recent case of a Sheikh promoting the marriage of 9-year-olds resulted in public outrage. And the 2004 Family Code there set the marriage age at 18.
I am disliked and despised? Fine. No idea who you’re talking about, but go ahead and feel that way.
Jillian
In case any of you are blind and missed it, the Quran is very clear about the duty of Muslims to fight, conquer or kill non-Muslims. There are about 40+ verses that teach this. In some verses there are limits, in other the command is open ended. Mohammad, the man who Muslims love, respect and consider a great moral example, fought war after war against infidels, and undertook over two dozens raids personally, plus another 2-4 dozens that he sent out. Muslims like to say these were defensive but that is not how the accounts read. Of all of these only two battles were defensive. At other times, Mohammad would proclaim that “his enemies” were going to attack and then he would attack first. This happens so often a normal person would be very suspicious. Take the Banu al-Mustaliq – suppossedly they were gathering with other tribes to attack. Mohammad preempted them (so Bush had justification – ha!). It so happens the Banu Mustaliq were in peace and “unaware” when they were attacked. No mention is made of other tribes. The tribe is taken captive but about half were freed when a captive princess married Mohammad after her husband was killed in raid (Hey, doesn’t the Quran say that widowes must wait 3-4 months to marry? I guess the rules don’t apply to everybody). I wont go on about what happened to other captives but it is not a nice story — and then there is the lost necklace, etc…
What I am saying is that violence is part of Islam. It started with Mohammad and continues until now. Look up names like Kharijites, Hashshashin, Ikhwan, Azraqi, Qarmati and so on if you with. Remember the Riddah wars? To give you an idea of the extent of this violence even in the era of the so-called “Rightly guided Caliphs”, in three campaigns (the Battle of Siffin, Nahrawan and Bassorah better known as the the battle of the Camel) Muslim records say that 85,000 Muslim warriors were killed by other Muslims as they cried “Allahu Akbar”. This period is known as the First Fitna, or Muslim civil war. This bloodshed came to a climax at Karbala where a victorious Muslims army carried away the head of Mohammads grandson (and even infant great grandson) as trophies for the Caliph. and continues to today as Muslims sects fight each other and non-Muslims.
I find Muslim history fastinating but I will get back to the topic. If anything, this DVD is too nice and the Muslim response is too predicable. It solves nothing and nothing changes. I just wonder what it will take for Muslims to start reading their own scripture and history with open minds. I fear there is no hope because Muslims refuse to be critical and open about their religion and what they do in their societies. Bad times are coming. You people can blame anybody you want (see comments above) but I blame Islam. I blame radicals for their hate and violence and I blame the so-called moderates for their blindness, denial and never=ending excuses.
Thank you, Jillian, for once again putting up with an old man. You take care. Continue the good work. Who knows, maybe some good with come out of these discussions at GVO but I am both pessimistic and cynical.
Jay kactuz
Doug,
I’ve read your comments and would like answer to a couple of points which are inaccurate.
First: “The shame of the whole situation is that there is a “religion” that justifies the killing of innocent people”. Wrong. Islam is constitued by a body of knowledge, a system of beliefs and a corpus of religious texts which are interpreted by men. Islam, per se, does not justify nothing. Men justify both violent and peaceful acts through the religion. There are Qur’anic verses about violence but they must be interpreted by bearing in mind the historical context in which they were revealed and not only the literal meaning. Just in case you would resort to the use of some Qur’anic quotations about violence, let me tell you that the literal interpretation of Qur’anic verses is heavily used by the bunch of guys portrayed in this video. Are you the same? Note that the majority of simple Muslim believers tries to understand and apply the message fo Qur’an according to actual needs, exigences and contexts. Also, as we’re talking about religious violence, are you Christian? Have you ever read St Paul? He is violent, isn’t he? Does that mean Christians and their own religion are inherently violent? I don’t think so …
Second: “in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul there at 6 Swords of the Prophet. Tell me where there are any Swords of Jesus or Swords of the Buddha.” What does it mean? Do the number of swords determine the level of intrinsic violence? Jesus did not have any sword, but Crusaders did. So, what’s the point?
Finally, just a brief clarification. As I wrote earlier on, comparing oranges with apples does not help at all. The three historical figures you mentioned are different. The Prophet Muhammad was the Messenger of God, he gave Arabs a message, i.e. the Qur’an; in all classical/religious texts the human nature of Muhammad is constantly stressed. In being a human leader of a community he had to fulfil the political, religious and economic functions of a human being. Jesus Christ was the Message of God sent to earth, not the Messenger. Buddha did not need any sword because he was a well-off guy who decided to investigate the reality through meditation and seek the truth. Most important, he was not a god, nor even a prophet because Buddhism is not a religion.
Please …
Paolo: I will address your first point by supplying you with this appraisal of Mohammad, if you disagree, look some of the facts up for your self.
He was a ruthless mass murderer, a lustful sex maniac, a shameless pedophile, Mohammed was 54 and married Aiisha when she was 6. He consummated the marriage when she was 9, a cunning assassin, a marauding chieftain, a schizophrenic narcissist, a pathetic liar and many other vile qualities that disqualify him from being a decent human being let alone a messenger of God. Having a founder such as Muhammad, it is not difficult to understand how the Jihadist believe that they are on a mission from Allah. The point of the swords in the Topkapi should be obvious to anyone, Islam was founded on violent precepts; therefore the swords, where as Christianity and Buddhism were founded on peaceful foundations. The present day actions of the three faiths demonstrate the differences of this foundation. Then the Crusades must always be brought up: In 1009 the Egyptian Fatimid caliph, al-Hakim ordered the destruction of the Holy Sepulchre and all Christian establishments in Jerusalem. Understandably, this act and subsequent persecutions of native Christians and people on pilgrimages upset the Church and Urban 2 called for a crusade to try to return the area to Christian control. If this action by the caliph had not occurred there probably would have been no need for Crusades. One the last point it is clear that you totally miss the “point”. All three faiths mentioned have evolved into forces that guide peoples lives. Buddhist are peaceful and tolerant people, Christianity was established as a religion of peace but some of it’s adherents have turned it to other ends at times in the past while Islam was established in the very beginning as a cult of violence. I leave this by referring you to JAY KACTUZ post that makes it apparent that he has done some research into this topic and knows what he is talking.
Doug
I have met many Muslim, eaten with them and have had some heated discussions with them. Most of the ones unfortunately that I have met very closely do not accept us as regular people. They are not violent but some of them have changed their ways after Sept 11 and have become more defensive and more ANti-american. Some of them now take any argument as personal. The realtionship with oem Muslims have changed because they ahve changed their relationship with others also. It takes two to tango…
@Doug,
Just because someone has done research on a subject does not mean he knows what he is talking about.
Jillian
Jilian: What a strange observation? Does it mean that some that have done no research on a subject but go with what is fed to them by the media and comment on it anyway know what they are talking about? From what I have read here it would seem not. I assume that your statement is in reference to JAY KACTUZ who has obviously researched this question enough to back up the statements that are presented with some fact and not idle conjecture.
Doug
Doug,
I just saw this comment from you earlier, “Perhaps if you had lost a loved one in one of these senseless acts of violence you would do some study and try to find out what Islam is all about and then have a better understanding of what is occurring world wide.****”
Do you mean to say that if I had lost someone in, for example, the 9/11 attack, I would better understand Islam? Doug, wake up! I’ve lived in Muslim countries, I judge Islam by the Qur’an and by its practitioners, and while I am fully aware that there are Muslims who perpetuate crimes, I do not prescribe to the idea that Muslims are brainwashed or all the same.
JAY KACTUZ may have researched Islamic history; that does not mean his comments are even remotely relevant to modernity.
Doug, I find it difficult to defend any religion, as I personally am not religious. I do not, however, find it difficult to defend the people I love.
Jillian