Solidarity with bigots

The Prophet Mohammed cartoon controversy refuses to disappear. While conservative commentators express “solidarity” with Denmark – solidarity with what, exactly? – the country itself is being transformed. If so-called free speech advocates want to offer true support to Denmark, perhaps they should understand what the controversy is doing to the political landscape:

Stop Islamiseringen Af Danmarks (Stop the Islamization of Denmark) organization says, “Muslims make out only 3 percent of the Danish population, but still they are a threat to the national security.”

The extreme nationalist party in Denmark, the Danish People’s Party, has gained eight mandates during the Mohamed crisis and is likely to become the second largest party in Denmark at the next election.

Almost half of the Danes believe that the leader of the Danish People’s Party, Pia Kærsgaard, displays good leadership abilities.

Denmark is becoming a nation that may shun the notion of multiculturalism. If this is something that Islamophobes believe is a positive thing, let them show all the solidarity they want. This issue has never been about free speech. It is, rather, a convenient excuse to damn Islam and claim the religion is incompatible with the West. A future Denmark may be a Christian wet-dream. Some victory, indeed.

Text and images ©2024 Antony Loewenstein. All rights reserved.

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