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Entry: The Lie of Assimilation Link: http://www.takimag.com/blogs/article/the_lie_of_assimiliation#8901 Post contents: I am a bit curious as to whether the Muslim's anti-assimilationist stance has more to do with nationalism, religion, or just rejection of modernity. After all, the Muslims here do not run so much into Christianity than across the secular world (which in many quarters is just sleazy). They walk the same streets we do, watch the same TV programs, see the same magazines on display. Then do not discount the pull of nationalism - the unfortunate effect of extended family is that there is at least a member of your family that has access to extremists beliefs and literature, and is too glad to pass it along. And that includes family living in the old country, seeking liberation from what they see as foreign domination (remember the Irish lobby? How many Irish Americans have a warm spot in their hearts for the IRA while fully accepting the ruleof law in the USA?) I think that it is a bit early to attribute all those mixed up motives to religion alone. But, remember, if they assimilate, they will assimilate into modernity. Sent at: 2008 07 24