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 The open society and its enemies June 22, 2007
Pieter (Johannesburg)
44 out of 54 found this review helpful
In this perceptive work, Ayaan Hirsi Ali explores a major problem of our times with admirable fluency and erudition. In the preface she points out the similarity in attitude towards the Soviets by leftists then and Islamic culture now by the adherents of multiculturalism. Because of the victim culture, those intellectuals refuse to criticize oppressive practices as Muslims are perceived to be victims of the West. For the same reason, Israel is fiercely condemned because it belongs to the West while the Palestinians get a free pass. She considers this wrongheaded and racism in its purest form, the idea of the "other" that must be shielded at all costs.
She asks the advocates of the multicultural society to acquaint themselves with the suffering of women who are treated as chattels. The notion of "group rights" are detrimental to Muslim women, and without emancipation, the socially disadvantageous position of Muslims will persist. She laments the fact that Muslim women are not listened to and calls for self-examination in the culture. Hirsi Ali also deals with the clash of cultures in Europe and examines the triangles of power in the Muslim world itself: the triangle of the strong leader, the clergy and the army, and the triangle of apathy, fundamentalism and refugees/emigration.
The author provides a brief history of her early childhood in Somalia and her personal emancipation when she emigrated to the Netherlands and explains why she had to leave Holland for the USA. There is also an interview with prominent Canadian Muslim reformer Irshad Manji, a chapter on genital mutilation and 10 tips for Muslim women who wish to leave their oppressive circumstances. A full transcript of the documentary film Submission is included, the movie that led to the death of Theo van Gogh. Hirsi Ali claims that instead of empowering Muslim students through research and training, European universities have become activist centers to further the Palestinian cause.
She considers Muslims in Europe and around the world to fall into three broad categories: the terrorists and the fundamentalists that assist them, the tiny group of reformers that embraces the open society and the large number of undecideds who are caught in a mental vise, the painful contradiction between the harsh tenets of an intolerant religion and the values of the open society. She believes that the first victims of Muhammad are the minds of Muslims themselves as they exist in a situation of cognitive dissonance. Western cultural relativists flinch from criticism of Muhammad for fear of offence, preventing western Muslims from reviewing their own moral values.
This insightful work provides first-hand experience and knowledge of the particular worldview and serves as an appeal for clear thinking, enlightenment and individual liberation. Hirsi Ali nails it when she shows how various evils result from a belief based on fear. Although not flawless, The Caged Virgin is a torch of courage and reason in the darkness of oppression and brainwashing. The book concludes with bibliographic notes and an index. I also recommend Now They Call Me Infidel by Nonie Darwish, Because They Hate by Brigitte Gabriel, Menace In Europe by Claire Berlinski, While Europe Slept by Bruce Bawer and The Force Of Reason by the late Orianna Fallaci.
Everyone must read this book July 22, 2006
Nicola (UK)
39 out of 49 found this review helpful
Ayaan Ali skillfully combines the poignant stories of muslim women's lives together with a compassionate and convincing exploration of the influences on those who are driven to treat women inhumanely. She weaves personal experiences and studies of politics, sociology and philosophy to create a book which encompasses both the individual and the wider picture.
She is clear and constructive in voicing her vision for the world and also how the reader, Muslim or non-Muslim can exert a positive influence.
The style is brisk and accessible to all.
I was left with admiration for this woman and a desire to support the freedoms and principles which we take for granted.
Surprise surprise June 3, 2008
Gobby (Pakistan)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Surprisingly, Muslims don't like this book.....
Seriously, this is an excellent read. Some chapters are a bit hard going, but the conclusions they come to make it worth the slog. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a woman to be admired for her intellect and her courage. Muslims hate this book because they fear it. They fear it because it may cause them to question aspects of their religion, and their religion (which they must neither question nor leave, on pain of death) will only take a few holes poked in it before it's revealed as a tissue paper facade.
The whole book is brilliant, and the highlight is the screenplay for the film that got van Gogh murdered by a frightened Muslim.
Thank you Ayaan for sharing this with us.
No muzz-headedness here :-) April 21, 2007
S Smyth (Belfast, Co Antrim United Kingdom)
17 out of 21 found this review helpful
The title and cover of this book would lead one to expect a fairly hyperbolic read instead of the even-toned and thorough account of Islam, its failings to its contemporary adherents and its comparative failings in the face of western philosophies-of-faith: religion and multiculturalism, for instance. As with Ayaan Hirsi Ali's 'Infidel', much emphasis is placed on the west's wilful misunderstanding of Islam and its dominance over all aspects of a Muslim's life--especially women's.
It was cited that there are non-observant Muslims and Muslims of a reformist mind. A French women's group, for example. Whilst this is encouraging, it does beg the question: since one is not born a Muslim, would it not be simpler to encourage these Muslims to abandon Islam altogether. After all, Ayaan Hirsi Ali has successfully done so. Nothing reforms a philosophy-of-faith faster than a dwindling membership. This would only require western governments to properly defend those who have chosen to, as is their right in the west, from the Islamist hardliners who would threaten them with death.
Excellent, simply and honeslty March 29, 2008
J. Morris (WA USA)
10 out of 13 found this review helpful
Forget the 1 star reviews, these are just the expected views of Muslims who like to keep their woman in an oppressive world, you should be ashamed!
Islamophobia is a myth, get over it!
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