Liberal inclusion of ‘good Muslims’ requires acquiescence to American empire

Evidence

The Obama era therefore came to be characterized by a shift to liberal imperialism and liberal Islamophobia. The key characteristics of liberal Islamophobia in the Obama era were the rejection of the “clash of civilizations” thesis, the elevation of “good Muslims” both domestically and internationally, and a concomitant willingness to work with “moderate” (or pro-American) Islamists. While Orientalists like Lewis and his neocon associates view the culture of Islam as backward and as instrumental in fomenting political violence, liberals differentiate between the mass of Muslims and “extremists.” They view the latter as driven by a totalitarian ideology. Liberal Islamophobia may be rhetorically gentler than conservative Islamophobia, but it is nonetheless imperial racism in that it takes for granted the “white man’s burden.” It doesn’t occur to the likes of Nye, Albright, and Haass that it is for ordinary people in the Middle East and Central/South Asia to make decisions about their societies. — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 512 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: The good versus bad Muslim label tracks support for US empire rather than facts. — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of…, 87; Good and bad Muslim designations follow support for US empire — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of…, 87; Liberal Muslim-American leaders were co-opted into rebranding imperial policy — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of…, 496 (+12 more)

Broader Connections

• Liberal anti-clash rhetoric remains imperial racism assuming US stewardship of Muslim societies #expands (0.92) — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 512