A response to Karen Armstrong's claim that the Crusaders were the first Christian group in history to demonize Muhammad as a way to justify the First Crusade. (My original, nearly 20 year-old, written response here). … [Read more...]
But Why Saladin? The West’s Low Standard Bar for Islam
The Stream We recently discussed the concept of Fake History in the context of Saladin (1137-1193), the Muslim hero who conquered Jerusalem from the Crusaders. We saw how, on the one hand, Westerners have long presented him as a paragon of virtue, moderation, and magnanimity; on the other — and in reality — he was the quintessential “Muslim extremist”: Saladin oppressed and … [Read more...]
Islamophobia vs. History
The Stream On December 12, the White House announced its release of “the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate.” This document asserts that “Islamophobia” in America is a byproduct of “hate” for and “racism” against Muslims. Thus, the first of the document’s four strategies to counter Islamophobia, is to: Increase awareness of hatred … [Read more...]
Media Employs Fake History to Demonize ‘Crusader Fanboy’ Pete Hegseth
The Stream Yet another example of the ill effects of Fake History is manifesting itself. Because Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense in his incoming administration, is a “crusader fanboy,” the media alleges that once in office, he may, like his heroes, usher in an age of religious violence. One of the media outlets suggesting this is The New York … [Read more...]
