The Thinking Muslim Jordan Peterson, White Supremacy & the Perils of Engagement - with Yahya Birt
Jul 24, 2022
Yahya Birt, a research director at the Ayaan Institute and community historian, dives into the contentious role of Muslim public intellectuals engaging with the political right. He critiques the impact of white convert scholars who may unintentionally reinforce anti-Islam sentiments. Birt explores the complexities of white nativism, identity politics, and the responsibilities of Muslim leaders to younger generations facing prejudice. The discussion also emphasizes the need for inclusivity and active political engagement to combat rising authoritarianism.
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Understanding White Nativism
- White nativism fears demographic change and sees non-white peoples as inferior.
- It uses law and politics to exclude non-whites and fuel racial antagonisms among whites.
Risks of Right-Wing Outreach
- Muslim outreach to right-wing figures often softens resistance to Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism.
- Some white convert leaders unintentionally legitimize troubling political agendas under the guise of engagement.
Peterson's Hidden Agenda
- Jordan Peterson promotes personal morality to mask a hard Islamophobic political agenda.
- This politicized morality appeals to orthodox Muslim men but serves white nativist goals.