Again and again, the stupid and the ignorant have managed to successfully influence decisions. A recent case in point is the Dunkin' Donuts advertisement in which Racheal Ray wearing what appears to be a keffiyeh was withdrawn due to protests saying that it supported terrorism.



Ultra-conservative Fox News commentator Michelle Malkin, were so incensed by the ad that there was even talk of a Dunkin’ Donuts boycott. ‘‘The keffiyeh, for the clueless, is the traditional scarf of Arab men that has come to symbolize murderous Palestinian jihad,’’ Malkin yowls in her syndicated column. ‘‘Popularized by Yasser Arafat and a regular adornment of Muslim terrorists appearing in beheading and hostage-taking videos

It is appalling how these racist and hate mongers hide behind their title of 'conservatism'. The especially racist among them being labeled 'ultra-conservative' when it should actually be 'ultra-stupid'. How can a piece of clothing be a symbol for terrorist? As mentioned in www.outsidethebeltway.com where the article orginated, the keffiyeh is actually a protective headgear that is commonly used in the middle eastern countries to shield oneself from the hot sunny weather. Another disappointment comes from Dunkin Donut which actually caved in to pressure thus allowing the ignorant another psychological win which will serve to boost their continued acts of racism.

On a lighter note, please do check out Andrew Johnston. He is only 14 and sings in a choir in some church. His voice is simply angelic. I'm not kidding you. He has moved many many people to tears with his performance.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wX0DHtwqmWc

Let me give my two cents worth on the ban on the sale of oil to Singaporeans by the Malaysian authorities. First of all, let me state that the subsidy on oil in the very first place was a wrong move even if it was meant for their locals. I can go on and on into economic theories on why such a precious commodity should not be subsidised but that is not what I am here to talk about.

I feel that the timing of the ban does appear to be very suspicious and might hide more issues.

1. This announcement of the ban came about merely a few days after Pedra Branca was awarded to Singapore by the International Court of Justice. While on hindsight it appears to be a simple retaliatory move, I feel that this ban is actually done more to appease the Malaysian people who might now be feeling resentful especially in light of the political troubles that have been plaguing the country. The loss of Pedra Branca was an event that could have sparked off even more resentment and the ban on the sale of oil could have appeared to be a solution to that.

2. While the possible reason for it has been explained earlier, the timing of it right after the decision by the ICJ does seem to explain why it seems to have been imposed so suddenly. However, I feel that what is important here is the timing of the ban to be right at the VERY start of the school holiday period during which hordes of Singaporeans flock to various parts of Malaysia for holidays. We have read in the news about how several Malaysian retailers have expressed their anger at what could very much affect their business. With the school holiday in full swing and Singaporeans crossing the causeway for holidays and not merely day shopping trips, I have no doubt that the impact of the problem will not be accurately felt until after the holidays and by then, I'm sure the Malaysian authorities hope that some if not all of the resentment by the Malaysian retailers would have subsided by then.

I haven't been updating for the longest time not because I didn't want to but rather the fact that I couldn't. For some apparent reason, I was unable to log in using my normal userID and password. I have tried several times over the last few weeks and today, I was not that surprised when I managed to log in. I guess its due to the purpose of which I came to blog.

I just finished watching the movie 'Ayat-ayat Cinta' and that show really made me think about Islam in general as well as my perception towards it. Especially in this time of 'modernity' and the awakening of what appears to be Islamophobia, what is the real standing of Islam in the world? Do Muslim youths profess their love and pride to be Muslims openly or do they secretly harbour shame at the the thought of being associated with what is seen as 'terrorist', 'draconian' and 'outdated' practices?

I for one may not see the rationale behind some of the rules and practices of Islam. While I usually use reason as a guide for my actions, I think I am humbled by the tenets and teachings of Islam which I continue to understand with time. What I might not understand today, I understand later on and even when I don't, I staunchly believe that the teachings of Islam brings about the best in all of us. While I may have excelled academically thus far, Islam humbles me by showing me how much more I have to learn.

I may not be the best practicing Muslim there is and I may not follow the teachings of my religion through and through. Yes I admit that sometimes, it can be a bother and from time to time, I falter in my strength and give in to temptations. Yet, I believe that despite my faults and my wrongs, Allah SAW has always been there for me and has never given up on me. In the past, I used to wonder if I would be a Muslim if I wasn't born into it. Now, I just see it from another perspective i.e. that I am privileged to be born one.