BY Emily Gonzalez
Ernest’s overarching argument is that Islamic civilization is a “Western civilization” due to the shared characteristics presented by civilization, and the difference between Western civilization and “Eastern” civilization is a result of differences in religion. The incorporation of religion in these civilizations’ ultimately divides these countries.
The three claim he makes are:
- The definition of the word “west” is convoluted, but if we are going to use the word “west”, we must understand that the foundations for both the “west” and the “east” stem from Israelite prophecy, Revelation, and Greek democracy.
- The prejudices against Islam are a result of colonization. Religion has been used as a means to justify colonization. As a result of colonization, stereotypes have been established in European countries, causing anti-Muslim sentiment. The use of religion as a political agenda has created a divide between what people classify as “west” and “east”.
- The globalization of American and European cultures has led to the belief that the languages of first-world countries need to be established in curricula that teach about the “east”. The globalization of European nations and their religions has created the preconceived notion that “European culture and science are the apex of human progress.”
In his assertion that prejudices against Islam are an effect of colonization, he talks about how religion has been a means to justify colonization. Ernest discusses how the crusades and the Spanish Reconquista were a result of anti-Muslim sentiment as evidence. He then presents that America’s relationship with Islam begins through slavery by explaining that 15% of slaves brought from West Africa were Muslim and how religion is used to justify slavery. Later on in the article, he discusses how Muslims are portrayed as violent and oppressed due to the stereotypes created in European countries as a result of religion and political agendas. Ernest then explains that religion can be used as a political agenda to create a divide between different countries. He explains that, due to the many interpretations of Islam, we must set aside our differences in religion and use critical thinking. The evidence he presents supports the claim because, at this point, he uses historical events to discuss how religion was used as a means to justify colonization, how religion was used to support slavery, and how religion has been used as a political agenda to create a divide. Earnest further backs himself up by saying that the only thing that divides the “East” and the “West” is their foundation in religion. Overall, the claim supports the larger argument because it explains, defends, and ultimately is the foundation for his overarching argument that the “East” and the “West” are merely separated due to their religion and the incorporation of this religion and how the incorporation of these religions creates a divide.
