The discourse surrounding immigration, international geo-politics, and converging cultures has been deeply entwined with the "clash of civilisations" debate, which perpetuates the notion of an inherent and irreconcilable divide between East and West. This binary perspective often simplifies complex global issues and paints cultures with broad strokes, overlooking the rich diversity and shared human experiences that transcend these supposed boundaries. As we engage in this discussion, it's crucial to question and dismantle these outdated narratives, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the intricate relationships between different regions and cultures, and seeking opportunities for unity, collaboration, and growth.
The Problem
The East-West divide, deeply entrenched in our collective psyche, often manifests itself as fear of the "other" in immigration debates and anti-foreigner rhetoric. In the UK, for instance, the Brexit campaign was fuelled in part by the fear of immigrants from Eastern Europe, with concerns about job displacement and cultural dilution taking center stage. Suella Braverman in her infinite wisdom continues to stoke the flame labelling refugees as “illegal” and claiming they’re arriving in “hoards”. Similarly, across Europe, we've seen the rise of far-right political parties, such as the National Front in France and Alternative for Germany (AfD), which have capitalised on anti-immigrant sentiment by promoting the idea that non-Western immigrants pose a threat to national identity and social cohesion. These examples illustrate how the East-West divide continues to shape our discourse, reinforcing divisions and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
The History
The origins of the concept of the "East" and the othering of different people can be traced back to the early development of human civilizations, where interactions between culturally and ethnically diverse groups inevitably led to the formation of in-group and out-group mentalities. Historically, the idea of the East has been fluid and ever-changing, depending on the perspective and geographic location of the observer. For instance, during the time of the Roman Empire, the "East" referred to the Persian Empire, which was considered a rival to Rome's dominance. This division was further solidified by religious and cultural differences that emerged over time.
As the centuries progressed, the delineation of what constituted the East shifted with the rise and fall of empires and the expansion of geographical knowledge. In the Middle Ages, Europeans commonly referred to the territories under Islamic rule, such as the Arab Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire, as the East, with the term "Orient" gaining prominence in defining these regions. During the Age of Exploration and the subsequent colonial period, European powers expanded their territorial reach, and the East came to encompass the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and eventually China and Japan. With each shift in focus, the othering of people from these regions intensified as European powers sought to assert their dominance and exploit resources.
Throughout history, what has been considered the "East" has been shaped by various factors such as political, economic, and cultural developments. These shifting definitions of the East have led to the othering and marginalisation of different groups of people at different times, reinforcing the perceived divide between the East and the West. As globalisation continues to blur these boundaries, it becomes increasingly important to recognise the fluidity of these categories and question the validity of the East-West divide in contemporary discourse.
The absurdity of this division is further demonstrable by the shared ancient history. The roots of Western civilisation are deeply intertwined with the ancient cultures of the East, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Sumer. These cradles of civilisation laid the groundwork for many of the advancements that have shaped the modern world. From the development of writing systems like hieroglyphics and cuneiform to the foundations of mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture, the intellectual and technological contributions of these ancient societies cannot be overstated. In fact, many of the tools and instruments we rely on today can be traced back to these early Eastern civilisations. By recognising the shared origins of human achievement across cultures and geographical boundaries, we can break down the East-West divide and foster a greater appreciation for the collective history that unites us all.
The explanation
What this all tells us is that the nature of what is considered east is fluid and changing. For the Romans and Egyptians it was the Persians, for the Europeans and British it was the south East Asians, Japanese and Chinese. Right now it’s arguably the Russians who came ‘so close to accepting western democracy’ and turned away from it in favour of attacking ‘our values’ held up by Ukraine. Harking back to the Cold War where east of the wall was ‘EASTern Europe’ or the ‘Eastern bloc’. The constant use of othering to label the nefarious, sneaky, manipulative and ominous easterners can be seen as an attempt to manufacture consent, for war, colonisation or a clash of national interests; whatever the situation it becomes infinitely easier if your countrymen and women are onboard.
(In this cartoon from 1888, the various states of pre-Federation Australia are gendered as endangered white settler-women.)
In pure conjecture we can argue that it has been a most successful tool of divide and rule. This tactic relies on the creation and amplification of divisions among different groups, allowing the instigator to maintain control and exploit the situation for their benefit. The proverb "If two fish are found fighting in the Tigris River, you can be sure the British caused the dispute!" highlights the role that colonial powers, such as the British Empire, played in fuelling tensions and conflicts among various groups in the regions they colonised. By exacerbating the perceived differences between the "East" and the "West" and encouraging animosity between local communities, these powers were able to consolidate their control, manipulate local dynamics, and extract resources for their own gain, leaving a lasting legacy of division and mistrust in their wake. It would be a great shame on us that despite history having told of this in the past; we fall for the same trick and let allow for the powers that be to maintain and assert control.
Are Muslims falling for the trap?
The East-West divide, as we have discussed, is an outdated and simplistic perspective that fails to reflect the complexity and diversity of human cultures and experiences. For Muslims, it is crucial to recognize that adopting this binary view, especially when identifying solely with the "East" and harboring resentment towards the "West," can be counterproductive and alienating. This perspective can perpetuate a sense of cultural isolation and reinforce negative stereotypes, both for Muslims themselves and for the communities in which they live.
Growing up in the West, many Muslims may experience a blend of cultural influences, making their identities multifaceted and unique. Embracing this diversity and fostering a sense of belonging within their Western context is essential for building strong, inclusive, and harmonious communities. By engaging with the broader society and breaking down barriers, Muslims can actively challenge misconceptions and contribute to a greater understanding of the rich tapestry of human experience.
It is important to avoid labelling the West as "godless" or “too far gone”, as this only serves to deepen divisions and misunderstanding. The world's population is diverse, and the spiritual landscape of the West is no exception. There are countless individuals who follow various religious and spiritual paths, including Islam, within Western societies. Recognising the presence of faith and spirituality in the West can help to bridge the gap between different cultures and promote mutual respect and understanding.
Furthermore, the teachings of Islam emphasise compassion, empathy, and the pursuit of knowledge. By engaging in open and respectful dialogue, Muslims can challenge the East-West divide and promote the idea that the values and principles of Islam can transcend geographical boundaries. By fostering connections with people of different backgrounds and beliefs, Muslims can contribute to a more inclusive and cooperative global community, where divisions based on the outdated concept of the East-West divide become less and less relevant.
In conclusion
So, in conclusion, this whole East-West divide thing is just a massive oversimplification that's been used throughout history to manipulate people and create conflicts. It's time for us to recognize that there's so much more to our world than these artificial boundaries, and that our shared humanity is what really matters. We've got to push back against this divide-and-conquer mentality and focus on building bridges instead of walls. After all, we've all got way more in common than we think, and by embracing our differences and learning from each other, we can create a future that's more inclusive, peaceful, and downright awesome for everyone. Let's ditch the outdated narratives and move forward together, because that's how we'll make real progress.
Very good read ur really smart