In Berlin recently, an audience buzzed nervously when I suggested that Europe can learn from America about integrating Muslims. Afterwards, several people confided to me that they know the U.S. is getting something right. What is that something? As I engage with young Muslims on both sides of the Atlantic, I see three factors: economics, diversity and faith.
Related: Romney Calls Clinton ‘European’
Europeans outraged.
Good article.
I think I might agree with her comparison above- Muslims seem to be treating diversity quite differently in America from the way they treat it in Europe.
If the Pew survey is correct.
But how do we arrive at condemnation of Europe for her second point?
If they refuse to communicate in the language of their chosen new home, what hope is there for them?
And how, please explain to me how, it is seen as a consequence of that refusal to communicate that young Muslim men drift away from moderate religious authorities?
tw united 11. That sounds horribly familiar but it was probably some other flight.
I would guess that that connects with the critique of the welfare state, furriskey. If one can derive benefits without terminus, there’s little impetus to assimilate into the culture. The welfare state will assimilate to you.
But most of them have gone through hell in order to get to Europe, one would imagine so that they can work and prosper- not so that they can sink into a torpor of dependency.
Doesn’t make sense.
They are being led astray by evil men, and although my language may be uncharacteristically biblical, I am not joking.
It’s not the first generation folks, generally, who pose the problem, furriskey.
Dan, speaking of integration and seperation, are going to take a cabinet position in the new government?
Heh…
I wasn’t going to drag it up, Dan, but what generation would you be there now?
Fourth and fifth in the Irish and Norwegian background, longer in the English.
You kept the Norwegian bit very quiet while I was extemporising on Ljutefiske the other day…
Fifth generation herring-humper? That’s a lot of salt.
Freakin’ snow-pounders.
BJ:
“We’re normal human beings,” said Williams, 39, a history professor at Champlain College.
I’m not eligible.
Back home in Wisconsin there are bumperstickers: Legalize Ljutefisk!
Uff da!
Norwegian background
Hmm… haven’t I seen you posting over at Ace’s place? Does he know you’re a closet Scandi?
Ace knows who the Scandis are. He has fully embraced the “keep your enemies closer” philosophy of blog commenters.
Its not like he can’t smell us puffin-porkers a mile away.
Mmmmmm, Kroppkakor.
Ljutefisk goes a long way towards explaining Ikea.
On Assimilation: In America we permit assimilation. In Europe they forbid assimilation. Remember, multiculturalism is Jim Crow for socialists.