Proud and Prejudiced

If you have just watched Proud and Prejudiced on Channel 4(or +1) I guarantee that you will have an opinion. The documentary follows two Luton-born political extremists; Tommy Robinson of the English Defence League and Saiful Islam of a group of fundamentalist Muslims (frequent name changes make this group difficult to title). A documentary that bares the ugly extremism of a divided town is not for the feint hearted. Sayful expresses his desire to overthrow UK democracy in favour of Sharia Law, whilst Tommy seeks to prevent what he believes is becoming the total Islamification of his community. Both groups make more than distateful references, the EDL's favourite being suggested and actual violence against Muslims (amongst others), and the Muslim fundamentalist's appearance at the American Embassy in London on the anniversary of 9/11, declaring that they do not care for the victims of 9/11 (amongst others).

Saiful Islam, fundamentalist Muslim

Tommy Robinson, EDL

If witnessing brawling, alcohol-fueled EDL members come head to head with Muslims holding plaques with 'Islam will dominate the World' leaves any emotion, let it be gratuity that these dangerous people can express their views- because if they didn't what would happen? How can we separate whose views are dangerous and whose aren't- and who is to judge this? This is what makes democracy beautiful and simultaneously terrible. It costs a lot of money to police these demonstrations- but if that was used as a reason to prevent public demonstrations, would the majority of people have any voice at all? Offensive as both the EDL and fundamentalist Muslims' voices are, listening to them is the price we must pay to have our own voices heard- as they are guaranteed to, in turn, offend others.

And the choices are; despicable reference to tragedy and threats to an entire race (hmm)...

Or would you rather get your head kicked in by some angry, Carling fueled pre-teens

Ooh, I pick this one

Perhaps the most obscure point to make is that both the EDL and fundamentalist Muslim groups promote mainly intolerance (in their own ways), yet it is only the tolerance of the country, exactly as it is, which allows them their platform. If their suggested changes were implemented (whether it be nation-wide Sharia Law, or tighter controls on the 'Islamification' of the country), far reaching political ideologies would cease to be alowed to exist.