#TalkToAMuslim: Yay or Nay? Twitter Divided on ‘Patronising’ Trend
Welcome to 2018. Now, we need a campaign to tell humans that it is OK to talk to other humans.
Welcome to 2018. Now, we need a campaign to tell humans that it is OK to talk to other humans.
The latest trending hashtag on Twitter – ‘Talk To a Muslim’ – which started with the intent of curbing Islamophobia and breaking Muslim stereotypes has garnered mixed reactions. Several Twitter users support it, others feel it further promotes the stigma and the rest using it are trolls.
“The idea of #TalkToAMuslim is to engage a discussion. If the powers that be or the media could cross check, speak to Muslims before spreading falsehoods and propaganda, wouldn’t we all be better off?” read one tweet.
Bollywood actresses Swara Bhaskar, Gauhar Khan are few of the prominent figures promoting the campaign.
The Problem With ‘Talk to A Muslim’ Campaign
One of the reasons that the campaign is receiving pushback is due to its patronising undertone. Is barely talking to someone from another religion a good deed enough that needs to be highlighted or is it rather condescending?
The problem can also be seen in the hashtag as it further creates a divide based on religious identity.
Confused? The social media can give you conflicting thoughts over differences in opinions. Does talking to someone from another community put you on a pedestal? Is it that rare a quality that you have to share it on social media? Or have we actually reached a point, where this hashtag is needed?
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