Muslims, Coexistence & The Media

By Mass L. Usuf –July 26, 2016

Mass L. Usuf

On 20.07.2016 TV Derana in their programme Aluth Parlimenthuwa (New Parliament) discussed the subject “Is global terrorism a challenge to co-existence in Sri Lanka?”. The panel featured Mr. Ali Sabry, President’s Counsel, Mr. Mohan Samaranayake, Mr. N.M. Ameen and Mr. M. Dahalan.

The entire panel did a wonderful job analysing the subject under discussion with clarity and precision. There was no ambiguity or vagueness in the position of each of the panellists. Most importantly, they disassociated Islam and Muslims from this murderous, blood thirsty, barbaric terrorist outfit which calls itself ISIS, ISIL, IS. The panel was unequivocal in their condemnation. President’s Counsel Mr. Ali Sabry said that the meanings of the word Islam is ‘Peace’ and ‘Submission’. Therefore, these inhuman terrorists have nothing to do with this religion of ‘Peace’. Mr. Mohan Samaranayake dismissed as nonsensical the exaggerated false claims by some vociferous fringe groups that Sri Lanka was a hub for these terrorists.

In relation to coexistence, the ensuing discussion revealed that the Muslim community is seriously lagging behind in this effort. The proverb that it takes two hands to clap is apt here. It is not enough that the Muslim community keeps whining about being targeted. True, greater responsibility lies on those who are numerically larger but that does not exonerate the numerically lesser folks from taking that extra step to bridge the gap. The incisive, timely and smart questioning by the programme anchor, Mr. Sanka Amarjith should make the Muslim community to sit back and take stock. He even mentioned that nothing much is known to the people about Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). I had earlier emphasised in these Columns the need for openness and less insulated inclusiveness. See, “The Tide Is Turning, Muslims Cannot Live Cocooned” (CT : 05.11.2015). Below is an excerpt:

“In this milieu, the Muslims, apart from a few activists, have held themselves aloof from the mainstream of almost every activity. Their distinct religious needs compel them to live in community. Historically, they were a contended people with their main focus on business, religion and their community life. The Muslim community is not organized and matured enough to engage in civil activities. Most are indifferent to their civic roles or those who are knowledgeable keep away without attracting trouble to themselves. These factors have contributed to the failure by the Muslim community to demonstrate their presence in society effectively. The Muslims are cocooned within the confines of their community resulting in alienating themselves from inter-communal interaction and on national issues.

The time has come for the Muslims to shift their mind-set to be inclusive and, if they are as some may argue, then to be more inclusive. Little wonder they have been mistreated not only by the majority community but by the Tamil minorities too. Their cocooned disposition has not brought to them any positive yield except disappointment and hopelessness. Come out of your cocoons, the tide is turning, is the call for them”.

Dialogue

This cocoon mentality paves the way for speculation in the minds of others due to uncertainty. Misinformation leads to misconception which in turns leads to misperception. All of these are not helpful for reconciliation and coexistence. They comprise the negative tools that sow the seeds of suspicion from which germinates distrust between two peoples. This fact is very well known to the anti-social forces which continue to deliberately and maliciously indoctrinate the innocent people through misinformation.

Among the different types of biases listed in psychological studies, cognitive bias is considered to be the tendency to think in certain ways that can lead to systematic deviations from a standard of rationality or good judgment. The forming of misperception emanates from such bias. This phenomenon when applied to what again in psychology is called the ‘herding behaviour’ – the herd mentality, it disseminates fast. The source of this cognitive bias is extremely relevant. If it is directed via a religious institution or a religious personality or a socially accepted person, then naturally it adds value. Herd mentality works very well in this case. Here is a classic example.

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