Another Week, Another Dispatch
This week, we look at two very different stories with a common thread. A chaotic debate at the Oxford Union tested the limits of free speech in one of the world’s most famous debating societies, while Ashura serves as a reminder of how deeply religious belief can shape conflict, ritual, and public life.
Unbelief Brief
The Oxford Union last week hosted controversial right-wing British activist Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) for a debate on the question of whether Westerners are right to be suspicious of Islam. From the beginning, the announcement of the event sparked outcry, leading it to be delayed from May 28th to June 17th.
When the 17th finally came, the event hit additional snags due to nearly 500 protesters outside the venue; most were protesting the platforming of Robinson, clashing with a smaller group of pro-Robinson demonstrators. Police were tasked with keeping the crowds separated, but some physical confrontations still led to arrests. Meanwhile, the heavy police presence was felt in the surrounding area in the form of closed businesses and streets.
Inside the halls of the venue, things were much quieter, as masked “anti-fascism” protesters obstructed the entrance. Attendees described being physically prevented from entering the venue or even assaulted by protesters. As a result of safety concerns, the Union itself apparently temporarily suspended entry to the event, prompting criticism on free speech grounds even as they were excoriated by left-wing protesters for allowing Robinson to speak.
All this led to a remarkably different scene in the debate hall, which was described as “half-empty.” The debate itself seems to have gone mostly without a hitch, though footage will not be posted immediately. One notable moment came when Laurence Fox, a Robinson ally, “brandished a large envelope and announced he was going to open it and display a controversial cartoon.” This turned out to be not a drawing of Muhammad, as was the implication, but instead a cartoon of Jacob Rees-Mogg, a union trustee who opposed Robinson’s position.
Altogether, the event was what one might call a “shitshow”, but the fact that it happened at all in such a tense political climate is a positive note. In the end, Robinson’s side lost the debate in the opinion of the attendees, by a margin of 57 to 41. It seems open dialogue might not be the harbinger of apocalypse the event’s protesters believed it to be.
Finally, today is Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. For Sunni Muslims, it marks the occasion of Moses parting the Red Sea, and it is honored through fasting, prayer, and sometimes celebrations. For Shia Muslims, however, it honors an entirely different event: the death and supposed martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad, who refused to submit to the Umayyad caliph Yazid I.
In addition to providing an example of the absurd sectarian conflicts that plague every religion, Ashura is instructive as a case study in bizarre and unnecessary ritual behavior. Some Shia Muslims even self-flagellate as a means of honoring Husayn, though this is a controversial practice even within the sect. At the same time, it is not uncommon for Shia Muslims to be targeted with violence on the occasion, since Husayn’s death was a catalyzing force in the creation of Shi’ism. Ashura additionally shares a neurosis typical to many religious occasions, both by Shias and non-Shias, namely taking itself far too seriously; this has resulted in ridiculous events like the arrest of Ahmadi Muslims merely for distributing free food on the holiday.
In sum: a great example of the many problems religion causes.
Until next week,
The Team at Ex-Muslims of North America
P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback at [email protected].