And writing like this, is why:

Many, especially those on the right-wing, are not only correlating but seeking evidence for how the riots and gang-coordinated violence in France is related to Islam.

Correlation, despite our desire for an orderly and understandable universe, does not prove causality.

In this particular case, it is similar to the riots in the late 1960s and early 70s in the US, where there were riots that originated in areas that were predominately inhabited by people whose skin color is what is commonly described as black.

Does this mean that blacks are inherently violent? The predominant view today is only a racist would say so.

However, it is apparently perfectly acceptable to say that since the riots in France are occurring in regions inhabited predominantly by Muslims (many if not most of whom are African and NOT Arab, by the way) somehow proves that Islam is inherently violent.

Yet, somehow, this thinking is acceptable, even though the logic differs not at all from the “logic” of the latter half of the 20th century used to justify all kinds of racism.

I have a theory about racism; it is a way for people to avoid the hard work of thinking.

Jack lives in France, he knows what is going on, and he calls bullshit on a lot of the Right Wing Ranting. I just love that last line... Read the whole thing.

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Posted by: Jack at November 7, 2005 03:15 AM

Posted by: David Anderson at November 7, 2005 09:05 AM