On The Map with Avi Lewis: Ayaan Hirsi Ali & Islamophobia

Avi's encounter with controversial author, politician and born-again America-booster, Ayaan Hirsi Ali who says there's no such thing as Islamophobia. Her extraordinary life story often eclipses the powerful role she is playing in the conversation about Islam and terrorism. As she herself said recently, "Right now the media are still lapping it up: a black woman who criticizes Islam."

• Category

  News & Politics

[simpleplanboy1234]

You are wrong. Try to stay focused on one thing at a time. Yes, go ahead and criticize Islam. But the truth is that FGM is predominant in Africa, it was practiced long before Islam and Christianity infiltrated the continent. However, when Islam did arrive through radical means, the clans/tribes used the religion as an excuse. Not everyone that practices it is Muslim, and not all Muslims practice it. Once again, tell me how many "Islamic" countries outside of Africa practice it.

[simpleplanboy1234]

I hope you're aware that female genital mutilation was practiced in Africa before Islam's influence by clans/tribes. However, the Africans used religion to justify it. If you've ever been to a Muslim nation outside of Africa, you would know that male circumcision is overwhelmingly more predominant than female genital mutilation.

[freezzertime]

"Born again American booster". This is not true. Please go to N. Korea, Cuba, S. Arabia. Anywhere around the world and notice what this great American experiment was all about in the first place. Admittedly, it's not, necessarily your fault. it's the school's fault for selling our our education and consequently our future by teaching the young to openly spit on the American flag. I appreciate this post. She stands alone in all her debates and lets the facts speak for themselves.

[Mrhaoable]

U know why he doesn;t mention circumcision ? Because outside of muslim countries , there are huge numbers of people who practice circumcision . Its like shooting yourself in the leg if u bring circumcision out.

[Sylvia Lam]

She's brilliant. Him...not so much. 

[Elizabeth22413]

You reveal your own true nature through your posted commentary. Projecting much? Just for the record--Islam is desperately in need of a Reformation, such as that which transformed Christianity in the Age of Enlightenment. Islam never has undergone such intense self-introspection & serious, critical scrutiny; this so-called faith is completely incompatible with individual freedoms & liberties, such as "free speech", "personal responsibility", self determination, etc. .

[Elizabeth22413]

In reading the Koran (the pre-PC version circa 1956 Dawood translation) one discovers that Islam is nothing more than a death cult following of a pedophile prophet in pursuit of a "whorehouse paradise" which ostensibly will cater to men whose shortcomings, flaws & frailties are subsumed through the subjugation of all females within their realm of influence.

[Cardinal724]

You are right that the practice started in pre-Islamic Africa but it has been absorbed into Islam over the years. The reasons many Muslims in the region practice FGM are Islamic in nature. Islam places a great deal of importance on chastity, and FGM is seen as a means to achieve this Islamic goal.

[Grey Goose]

Mm right. But I didn't insult your religion.

[Nancy Smo]

whatever your intentions were I'm Black....n unfortunately I'm Somalian as well just like her!

[Grey Goose]

Huh? Where did I insult your religion?

[Nancy Smo]

I see u are insulting my religion. Probably ur Christian and i'm NOT gonna insult yours. I don't like to down put any religion because of few people are attacking mine. However if ISLAM is that bad why it's the fastest growing religion in the world. Especially after September 11. Do ur research. It's true when they say things happen for a reason. Right. I always thank GOD for this beautiful religion, it's truly a blessing to all muslim. Go n read a book about with open heart n mind.