A Troubled Response
A Opportunity To Challenge Extremism, Regardless of Form, is Being Squandered By Memes And Misinformation. A Opportunity For A Interfaith Response Could Be Wasted In The Process.
In lite of the
shootings in New Zealand, there has been a strong response to extremism,
which is good because it shows that extremism knows no race, gender,
political and/or religious preference. A opportunity has been provided
for a interfaith response to these horrific acts. Despite these
promising signs, something has been troubling me.
The first thing that needs to be established is that extremism is the same, regardless of the group. Therefore, the actions that one takes against one extremist group has to be taken on all of them, regardless of whoever is committing the horrible act. Whenever Muslim extremist have committed violent acts against Christians, they are loudly called out. Rightfully so. However when act of violence against Muslims have been committed by a white-supremacist, the response is very different. There isn't a calling out of white-supremacy, despite that white-extremism and radical Muslims are the same in that they are both dangerous extremist groups.
These groups are not held to the same standard. If people in various walks of life can take the time to condemn Radical Islam, then how come the same doesn't occur when White-Supremacist do the same thing? How can one call out Radical Islam, but yet, when White-Supremacist do a horrible act, one feels compelled to post a meme declaring that what happened was horrible, but they they shouldn't have to apologize for there skin color? How can one constantly focus light on Radical Islam, but ignore White-Supremacy, giving it a pass in the process?
Does one know that if the time is taken to discredit Radical Islam, but ignore White-Supremacy, then that person's views on extremism are contradicted. If one condemns Radical Islam by name, but yet, when a White-Supremacist are described as "troubled people" without calling them out, that's a cop-out. Especially taking in the account that within the past 10 years, White-Supremacist have been responsible for the vast majority of extremist crimes in this country (70%).
The first thing that needs to be established is that extremism is the same, regardless of the group. Therefore, the actions that one takes against one extremist group has to be taken on all of them, regardless of whoever is committing the horrible act. Whenever Muslim extremist have committed violent acts against Christians, they are loudly called out. Rightfully so. However when act of violence against Muslims have been committed by a white-supremacist, the response is very different. There isn't a calling out of white-supremacy, despite that white-extremism and radical Muslims are the same in that they are both dangerous extremist groups.
These groups are not held to the same standard. If people in various walks of life can take the time to condemn Radical Islam, then how come the same doesn't occur when White-Supremacist do the same thing? How can one call out Radical Islam, but yet, when White-Supremacist do a horrible act, one feels compelled to post a meme declaring that what happened was horrible, but they they shouldn't have to apologize for there skin color? How can one constantly focus light on Radical Islam, but ignore White-Supremacy, giving it a pass in the process?
Does one know that if the time is taken to discredit Radical Islam, but ignore White-Supremacy, then that person's views on extremism are contradicted. If one condemns Radical Islam by name, but yet, when a White-Supremacist are described as "troubled people" without calling them out, that's a cop-out. Especially taking in the account that within the past 10 years, White-Supremacist have been responsible for the vast majority of extremist crimes in this country (70%).
Pointless Political Memes
Many have taken to
Facebook. Instead of calling out extremism, many see it as a way of
defending there race. One would encounter a meme declaring the
following: "What happened is unfortunate, but I have nothing to
apologies for. I will not apologize for being white". I consider this
meme very inappropriate. First, nobody is asking anyone to apologize for
there race or skin color. We know that the vast majority of white
people aren't Neo-Nazis. Like any group, extremist make up the minority
of any group. However, if one is posting this, despite there not being a
reason for this post to exist, does that insinuate a guilty conscience?
If there was no guilt, then people wouldn't feel compelled to defend
there race in this rubbish manner in the first place. Also, would this
post occurred if the circumstances were different?
Also, several of these memes have insinuate that helping others is the same equivalent as having many God's. It's a response of ignorance by those who don't understand the issue at heart. Apparently, declaring that someone should be helped regardless of religious affiliation, or having civic equality is the same as promoting various Gods now. These memes are not productive because it insinuates that just acknowledging that other religions exist or that they should be respected is now seen as betrayal of a person's Christian walk. To reinforces the us-vs.-them mentality. This is despite that this is the very thing that Jesus called on us to do.
Also, several of these memes have insinuate that helping others is the same equivalent as having many God's. It's a response of ignorance by those who don't understand the issue at heart. Apparently, declaring that someone should be helped regardless of religious affiliation, or having civic equality is the same as promoting various Gods now. These memes are not productive because it insinuates that just acknowledging that other religions exist or that they should be respected is now seen as betrayal of a person's Christian walk. To reinforces the us-vs.-them mentality. This is despite that this is the very thing that Jesus called on us to do.
Cognitive Bias
As with secular
media, fake news is a serious issue within Christian media as well. Many
viewers on Facebook will automatically assume that any blogger or
website that has the word "Christian" in the title won't lie to
them. Many of those operating these sites know this too, so in many
cases, they will create content that will generate click-bait that
exploits the current social climate and the anxiety from it. Many will
post articles on there Facebook timelines on impulse without researching
the validity of the article. "They won't lie to me, because they are a
Christian source. They have my best interest in heart!" is the thought
that one assumes when going to these sights. A lot of sensationalist
click-bait is passed off as actual news. Many claims, several of them
with a conspiracy slant, are promoted.
Cognitive bias, is essentially confirmation bias. People will look for articles to post that confirm there world view. This is regardless of whether the information presented was taken out of context or fabricated altogether, or whether the article in question has a political or conspiracy slant. When American Christianity, confirmation bias usually conforms to "this horrible event occurred to Christians and the media ignored it!".
For example, the terrorist attack in the Philippines that occurred a couple of months ago (and not yesterday) that killed 20 Christians that the media supposedly ignored. This attack really did occur. However, the terrorist attack was also heavily covered by all the major news outlets as well. This event was not ignored. The vast majority of the crimes committed by Boko Haram have received massive media coverage as well. The Christians that suffered in Mosul, Iraq during the ISIS occupation has also received significant media coverage.
Another claim made to push this idea was that 120 Christians have been killed within the past two months in Nigeria, that the media ignored. Most of these deaths have been confirmed. However, what's not reported is that the vast majority of these deaths are are result of those participating in the land wars happening there. Even though religion is used as a pretext in several cases, this conflict is being fought over the control of property. Breitbart News, which broke the story, ignored this detail. Another detailed that Breitbart also ignored was that there was a recent massacre that occurred recently where around 130 Muslims have been killed. These details were left out to present the conflict as a religious assault instead of what it really is, a war over the control of property.
In fact, in many cases, when extremist Muslims have engaged in acts of violence in this country, the media spends far more time covering the story than when a white-supremacist performs the same act. This again is despite that within the past 10 years, white-supremacist have been responsible for the vast majority of extremist crimes in this country. It's important that the media coverage for crimes committed by Radical Muslims needs to be extensive, but at the same time, there has to be that devotion when white-supremacist commit the same acts.
The dangers of cognitive bias is that many find articles that conform to there world-view will post these articles on there feed, regardless of whether the information in them has been validated or not. No fact-checking is performed. Cognitive bias essentially leads to misinformation.
Cognitive bias, is essentially confirmation bias. People will look for articles to post that confirm there world view. This is regardless of whether the information presented was taken out of context or fabricated altogether, or whether the article in question has a political or conspiracy slant. When American Christianity, confirmation bias usually conforms to "this horrible event occurred to Christians and the media ignored it!".
For example, the terrorist attack in the Philippines that occurred a couple of months ago (and not yesterday) that killed 20 Christians that the media supposedly ignored. This attack really did occur. However, the terrorist attack was also heavily covered by all the major news outlets as well. This event was not ignored. The vast majority of the crimes committed by Boko Haram have received massive media coverage as well. The Christians that suffered in Mosul, Iraq during the ISIS occupation has also received significant media coverage.
Another claim made to push this idea was that 120 Christians have been killed within the past two months in Nigeria, that the media ignored. Most of these deaths have been confirmed. However, what's not reported is that the vast majority of these deaths are are result of those participating in the land wars happening there. Even though religion is used as a pretext in several cases, this conflict is being fought over the control of property. Breitbart News, which broke the story, ignored this detail. Another detailed that Breitbart also ignored was that there was a recent massacre that occurred recently where around 130 Muslims have been killed. These details were left out to present the conflict as a religious assault instead of what it really is, a war over the control of property.
In fact, in many cases, when extremist Muslims have engaged in acts of violence in this country, the media spends far more time covering the story than when a white-supremacist performs the same act. This again is despite that within the past 10 years, white-supremacist have been responsible for the vast majority of extremist crimes in this country. It's important that the media coverage for crimes committed by Radical Muslims needs to be extensive, but at the same time, there has to be that devotion when white-supremacist commit the same acts.
The dangers of cognitive bias is that many find articles that conform to there world-view will post these articles on there feed, regardless of whether the information in them has been validated or not. No fact-checking is performed. Cognitive bias essentially leads to misinformation.
Misinformation
Many spiritual
leaders are using other events to promote the idea that the media is
ignoring the suffering of Christians. For example, it was recently
claimed that Boko Haram recently burned dozens of Christians alive in
Nigeria. The purpose of this claim is used to insinuate how this
horrible thing occurred recently, but yet, the media failed to report
it.
Pictures were used to illustrate there aftermath with charred bodies everywhere. With that mentioned, there was though a reason why this particular event was not reported, and it wasn't because of this conspiracy of the main-stream media hiding the suffering of Christians. It was because there is no evidence that this particular event occurred! There was nothing to report about this incident as it didn't happened.
The picture used to illustrate it were taken after a diesel gas tanker exploded in the Congo in 2010, killing 235 people, and injuring 196 overs. Those burned beyond recognition are the results of a industrial accident, and not a intentional slaughter motivated by religion. Many unfortunately have spotted a opportunity to create fake atrocities to highlight the crimes even more. The huge danger with this is that when a very real issue, persecution of Christians, is being highlighted by crimes that never took place, then this real topic becomes discredited, and many won't take them seriously as a result, falling on deaf ears. When it really does occur again, it ignored because "the boy cried wolf" and the event is being faked again.
Now, don't get me wrong. Boko Haram have committed various crimes against Christians other the years. Acts that have also been widely reported by the major media outlets too. In fact, I have the Wikipedia page linked below to highlight the crimes that they did commit. However, this particular incident being highlighted never occurred, using pictures from a diesel explosion to illustrate this crime.
The major issue presented is that those posting these accounts onto there Facebook feed (in virtually all these cases) didn't research the claims presented before positing these pieces in there feed. I will admit that given the past history of Boko Haram, this seems like something that they would do. Boko Haram have committed horrific acts against Christians in the past. Despite this though, a real cause is discredited when events are fabricated, using images that has no connection to the supposed event.
Cognitive bias plays a huge part in that many people will link to these stories, regardless of whether the information is taken out of context or fabricated altogether, because it confirms there particular biases. When one incorporates these events in there speeches or sermons, there is a huge responsibility on the speaker to check whether the information incorporated is factual and being used in its correct context. One can't just use any random article found on there FB feed and incorporate them without checking the validity of the article in question. This makes one question whether many will just automatically believe anything that they read on the Internet without researching it.
In previous articles, there isn't a problem with incorporating social and political commentary into a sermon or speech as long as that information is well-researched and valid. If the sources are random bloggers or news sites that have a known political bias or political slant though, then that source shouldn't be used. This is why I often link to Snopes, PolitiFact, the BBC, and others. These organizations strive for objective and rational reporting that try to avoid a political bias.
Pictures were used to illustrate there aftermath with charred bodies everywhere. With that mentioned, there was though a reason why this particular event was not reported, and it wasn't because of this conspiracy of the main-stream media hiding the suffering of Christians. It was because there is no evidence that this particular event occurred! There was nothing to report about this incident as it didn't happened.
The picture used to illustrate it were taken after a diesel gas tanker exploded in the Congo in 2010, killing 235 people, and injuring 196 overs. Those burned beyond recognition are the results of a industrial accident, and not a intentional slaughter motivated by religion. Many unfortunately have spotted a opportunity to create fake atrocities to highlight the crimes even more. The huge danger with this is that when a very real issue, persecution of Christians, is being highlighted by crimes that never took place, then this real topic becomes discredited, and many won't take them seriously as a result, falling on deaf ears. When it really does occur again, it ignored because "the boy cried wolf" and the event is being faked again.
Now, don't get me wrong. Boko Haram have committed various crimes against Christians other the years. Acts that have also been widely reported by the major media outlets too. In fact, I have the Wikipedia page linked below to highlight the crimes that they did commit. However, this particular incident being highlighted never occurred, using pictures from a diesel explosion to illustrate this crime.
The major issue presented is that those posting these accounts onto there Facebook feed (in virtually all these cases) didn't research the claims presented before positing these pieces in there feed. I will admit that given the past history of Boko Haram, this seems like something that they would do. Boko Haram have committed horrific acts against Christians in the past. Despite this though, a real cause is discredited when events are fabricated, using images that has no connection to the supposed event.
Cognitive bias plays a huge part in that many people will link to these stories, regardless of whether the information is taken out of context or fabricated altogether, because it confirms there particular biases. When one incorporates these events in there speeches or sermons, there is a huge responsibility on the speaker to check whether the information incorporated is factual and being used in its correct context. One can't just use any random article found on there FB feed and incorporate them without checking the validity of the article in question. This makes one question whether many will just automatically believe anything that they read on the Internet without researching it.
In previous articles, there isn't a problem with incorporating social and political commentary into a sermon or speech as long as that information is well-researched and valid. If the sources are random bloggers or news sites that have a known political bias or political slant though, then that source shouldn't be used. This is why I often link to Snopes, PolitiFact, the BBC, and others. These organizations strive for objective and rational reporting that try to avoid a political bias.
Conclusion
Christian
persecution is a real thing. However, when this topic is referenced from
sources that take the given events out of context or report fabricated
events all together, there is a real danger that this important topic
would be discredited. Those getting the information from these sources
are playing into there cognitive biases and interpretations. They're
also playing into the political slants promoted by those writing and
pushing these articles. Places that are known to promote conspiracy
theories that contain a lot of misinformation.
Sources that should be used to reflect the serious state of universal persecution, like hate crime statistics, are largely ignored. If these sources were used instead of believing whatever random meme of what one random blogger post, then the topic of persecution would be treated much more seriously. By believing anything that is read on Facebook, many spiritual leaders might have unintentionally done far more harm than good in addressing the topic of persecution when sensationalist sites known for click-bait were used instead of reliable sources.
Anyone whole have been physically or verbally assaulted because of there religious or political affiliation, racial background, or sexual orientation have been a victim of persecution. This is why a interfaith response to religious violence is necessary, especially after the New Zealand shootings. All extremism is the same, regardless of the group. The act of inflicting pain is the same as well, regardless of those inflicting that pain. The pain felt is the same, regardless of whoever is receiving that pain and suffering from it. As the result, the response should be the same, regardless of the religious affiliation. As horrible as this event is, a opportunity to challenge hatred has been provided. Jesus compelled us to provide love to those in suffering.
The biggest challenge facing Christianity today is we, ourselves. This is the case when we start passing conspiracy theories and rhetoric as the gospel. The enemy becomes though who look at themselves in the mirror. When we throw logic and reason out the window, we then cause far more damage to Christianity than anything secularism could ever do.
A opportunity for interfaith unity is under threat of being squandered by memes, cognitive bias, and misinformation. I problem which won't get any better. I already know what the response would be if I presented these articles from Snopes to those making the claim: Snopes is lying and they're part of the grand conspiracy run by a super-villain!
A insulting response to say the least. A super-villain isn't necessary because just living life day to day is a massive struggle. Life and its unfortunate circumstances are the ultimate villain here, and as such, the ultra-rich guy where the fancy business suit pulling all the strings isn't needed. Yet, believing at vast conspiracy theories strikes at those who are rational and logical.
We need to show solidarity to those who go through religious violence, because others go through that pain as well. Stronger bonds are formed and our commitment to our spiritual and religious ideals are strengthen through community spirit and on the global scale as well. We gain a mutual respect for others and have a deeper understanding of the challenges on both ourselves and others. Awareness also needs to be reflected to those that inflict this pain, regardless of whether they're Radical Muslims or White Supremacist.
We called to represent those Christians who are suffering. We also also called on uplifting those also suffering as well, regardless of there religious affiliation. Love thy neighbor!
Sources that should be used to reflect the serious state of universal persecution, like hate crime statistics, are largely ignored. If these sources were used instead of believing whatever random meme of what one random blogger post, then the topic of persecution would be treated much more seriously. By believing anything that is read on Facebook, many spiritual leaders might have unintentionally done far more harm than good in addressing the topic of persecution when sensationalist sites known for click-bait were used instead of reliable sources.
Anyone whole have been physically or verbally assaulted because of there religious or political affiliation, racial background, or sexual orientation have been a victim of persecution. This is why a interfaith response to religious violence is necessary, especially after the New Zealand shootings. All extremism is the same, regardless of the group. The act of inflicting pain is the same as well, regardless of those inflicting that pain. The pain felt is the same, regardless of whoever is receiving that pain and suffering from it. As the result, the response should be the same, regardless of the religious affiliation. As horrible as this event is, a opportunity to challenge hatred has been provided. Jesus compelled us to provide love to those in suffering.
The biggest challenge facing Christianity today is we, ourselves. This is the case when we start passing conspiracy theories and rhetoric as the gospel. The enemy becomes though who look at themselves in the mirror. When we throw logic and reason out the window, we then cause far more damage to Christianity than anything secularism could ever do.
A opportunity for interfaith unity is under threat of being squandered by memes, cognitive bias, and misinformation. I problem which won't get any better. I already know what the response would be if I presented these articles from Snopes to those making the claim: Snopes is lying and they're part of the grand conspiracy run by a super-villain!
A insulting response to say the least. A super-villain isn't necessary because just living life day to day is a massive struggle. Life and its unfortunate circumstances are the ultimate villain here, and as such, the ultra-rich guy where the fancy business suit pulling all the strings isn't needed. Yet, believing at vast conspiracy theories strikes at those who are rational and logical.
We need to show solidarity to those who go through religious violence, because others go through that pain as well. Stronger bonds are formed and our commitment to our spiritual and religious ideals are strengthen through community spirit and on the global scale as well. We gain a mutual respect for others and have a deeper understanding of the challenges on both ourselves and others. Awareness also needs to be reflected to those that inflict this pain, regardless of whether they're Radical Muslims or White Supremacist.
We called to represent those Christians who are suffering. We also also called on uplifting those also suffering as well, regardless of there religious affiliation. Love thy neighbor!
Articles of Interest
‘The Ladder Down to Hell’: How Social Media Breeds Hate Speech
Snopes
WWW.SNOPES.COM
Snopes
WWW.SNOPES.COM
Does This Photograph Show Nigerian Christians Burned Alive by Muslims?
(Warning: Several of these pictures are graphic in nature. Caution advised)
Snopes
WWW.SNOPES.COM
DR Congo fuel truck victims buried in mass graves
BBC
WWW.BBC.COM
Did ‘Muslim Militants’ Kill 120 Christians in Nigeria in February/March 2019?
Snopes
WWW.SNOPES.COM
Did Muslim Terrorists Bomb a Church in the Philippines “Yesterday,” Killing 30 Christians?
Snopes
WWW.SNOPES.COM
Did a Muslim Student Set Fire to a Christian School to ‘Protest’ Trump?
Snopes
WWW.SNOPES.COM
State of Universal Persecution (Part 2)
Kixmiller Pigeon
RKIXMILLER.DUDAONE.COM
Kixmiller Pigeon
RKIXMILLER.DUDAONE.COM
Victims
FBI:UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting)
UCR.FBI.GOV
FBI data shows sharp rise in US hate crimes
The Guardian
WWW.THEGUARDIAN.COM
Growing Religious Persecution In China A Symptom Of Xi's Consolidation Of Power
EN.FORBES.COM
Religion in China
Council on Foreign Relations
WWW.CFR.ORG
China Must End Its Campaign of Religious Persecution
POLITICO
WWW.POLITICO.COM
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
(Human rights abuse and war crime findings)
Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Human rights in ISIL-controlled territory
Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Human rights in ISIL-controlled territory
(Religious and minority group massacres, forced conversion, and expulsion)
Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Persecution of Christians by ISIL
Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Genocide of Yazidis by ISIL
Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Persecution of Shias by ISIL
Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Wahhabism
WIKIPEDIA
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
2017 Rohingya persecution in Myanmar
WIKIPEDIA
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Uganda Christians face Muslim persecution at record levels
APR
WWW.APNEWS.COM
WWW.APNEWS.COM
FBI: US hate crimes rise for second straight year
BBC
WWW.BBC.COM
WWW.BBC.COM
2016 Hate Crime Statistics
The FBI’s latest hate crime statistics report includes information detailing
the offenses, victims, offenders, and locations of 6,121 criminal incidents
reported in 2016.
FBI.GOV
U.S. hate crimes rise for second straight year - FBI
The number of hate crimes committed in the United States rose in 2016
for the second consecutive year, with African-Americans, Jews and Muslims
targeted in many of the incidents, the FBI said on Monday in an annual report.
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