An elaborate book review of "A Mirror For Our Times: 'The Rushdie Affair' and the Future of Multiculturalism" by Paul Weller.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Contours of the Controversy
- Actions and Reactions in the Controversy
- Through the Looking Glass
- Echoes, Reverberations and ‘Social Policy Shock’
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
Paul Weller’s book, "A Mirror for Our Times - The Rushdie Affair and the Future of Multiculturalism," aims to analyze the consequences of the Rushdie Affair, connecting it to contemporary social issues and offering insights into navigating similar controversies within diverse multicultural societies.
- The impact of the Rushdie Affair on multiculturalism
- The interplay between religion, freedom of expression, and social harmony
- The complexities of managing diverse communities and religious differences
- The role of political and social institutions in addressing interfaith tensions
- The evolution of 'Islamophobia' and its connection to contemporary events
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The book unfolds across four chapters, delving into the historical and social context of the Rushdie Affair, its immediate repercussions, and its long-term implications for multiculturalism. Each chapter offers a detailed exploration of the events, reactions, and key figures involved in the controversy.
- The Contours of the Controversy provides a comprehensive overview of the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses," highlighting its immediate consequences, such as the book burning in Bradford, Ayatollah Khomeini's fatwa, and the global response. The chapter also examines the initial reactions of Muslim communities and explores the intricacies of the fatwa within Islamic law.
- Actions and Reactions in the Controversy delves into the wider societal reactions to the Rushdie Affair, analyzing the responses of various religious groups, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Weller explores how the controversy highlighted interfaith differences and the challenges of navigating such tensions. The chapter also examines the evolving concept of multiculturalism and its limitations in light of the affair.
- Through the Looking Glass examines the legal, political, and social dimensions of the Rushdie Affair, focusing on the themes of blasphemy, minority rights, and the role of law in addressing such controversies. Weller critiques claims of multiculturalism's failure and highlights the emergence of new Muslim political voices in response to the affair.
- Echoes, Reverberations and ‘Social Policy Shock’ examines the ongoing consequences of the Rushdie Affair and its impact on contemporary social and political landscapes. The chapter explores the rise of Islamophobia in the aftermath of 9/11 and 7/7 events, as well as the murder of Theo Van Gogh and the Danish cartoon controversy. Weller emphasizes the importance of addressing extremist views and the role of institutions in promoting peaceful coexistence within multicultural societies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This book engages with key concepts related to the Rushdie Affair, multiculturalism, religious freedom, interfaith relations, Islamophobia, social policy, and contemporary social issues. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the ongoing consequences of the affair and its lasting impact on the future of multicultural societies.
- Quote paper
- Sardar Imran Hussain Bali (Author), 2013, A Book Review of "A Mirror For Our Times" by Paul Weller, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/231799
