ena wrote:

“what I love about your piece is that while he failed to see or acknowledge your different but valid humanity, you have not fallen into the same trap. You allow us to see Mustafa's confusion and turmoil and you have attempted to understand what triggers his extreme behaviours. He remains human to you in a way that you never did to him.”

Country Gal wrote:

“While it’s couched in examples from Mustafa’s life, it can be read into the wider community. This is what happens when people feel powerless, particularly when they witness others around them wielding power.”

Mecurius wrote:

“The support and understanding of the community is vital to bring alienated young men round to being productive and useful members of society.”

Logic wrote:

“Why suggest that Mustafa was a loser? We could all be losers if put in the appropriate situation.”

Fencepost wrote:

“But more broadly we all need to aim for a society where we minimise the numbers of rebels/misfits/disadvantaged people who are ripe for exploitation looking for a cause to explain their misfortune and gain an ascendancy.”

Maximus wrote:

“Young men of the world MUST be engaged in it or they'll rise to conquer it with as much mercy and care as Genghis Kahn. Do not treat young men lightly.”

Kenny wrote:

“To the Author very insightful thank you.
White Anglo Atheist male.”

Not much more I can add to the above. Thank you to all, and to the Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V buttons on my computer.

I like this article - while I've been accused of being an apologist for Islam, I've never denied there is a very real problem of culture clash, my argument is that it isn't necessarily the monolithic threat we are being led to believe it is.

Pretty powerful stuff here, and it goes right to the heart of the matter. Question is, what can we (sensibly) do about it?

I reckon for starters, we should look at how we deal with these ostracized people. If this article has pointed out anything, it is that people who are treated as outcasts will behave like outcasts.

Those pushing for values assimilation should p'raps think about doing it on a grassroots level. Invite em to a barbecue for christ (and allah's) sake! Put a bit of thought into what you cook, and she'll be right.

There is more than a little of irrational hatred here. I thought Shakira's article was moderate and thought provoking, worthy of discussion, but wow the response. Unbelievable.

And to Benjamin with his belief that multiculturism is a leftist idea. What is the alternative to a culture that was varied as soon as the First Fleet arrived?

Do you want a monoculture? That is the only logical alternative, in which case which one? Do you want aboriginal culture amongst all of us, after that was first, or Irish, or Jewish? Perhaps Chinese or Hindu or Buddist. Make up your mind.

Good article Shakira,

As usual, OLO posters are polarised between the reasonable majority and the deaf mosque-teers!

Logic,

Your nickname articulates your thinking. Keep it up,

Peace,

If we stir the pot vigorously enough,then perhaps the the moderates will let their voices be heard.The extremists have gone to ground and have called off Saturday's show of strength in support of the vile and repulsive views of Sheik Hilali.They know that they have shown their hand too soon.It is better that they continue their undermining of our society with all the usual tactics that have worked so well in the past,ie selling drugs,theft,fraud,pack rape,skippy bashing,all whilst collecting an array of tax funded pensions.

Having said that,there are many good Muslims who are responsible ,good hard working citizens.I want to hear their voices.

Fellow Human,
I cannot agree with your assessment of fellow poster, Logic... the alternative to Multiculturalism is NOT monoculturalism [repression of the individual by the group] it is PLURALISM... in which the individual is paramount. The repression of individual differences at the whim of the group, IS THE PRIME CAUSE OF ALIENATION... which is what we are all talking and worrying about.