Abu Dhabi: People across the UAE are appalled at the opinions of the British author Martin Amis regarding strip-searching people who look like they are from the Middle East or Pakistan.
Briton Roy Richard, 56, an information technology expert, thinks Amis is playing on people's fears.
"That sort of talk just inflames situations instead of calming things down. It's a dangerous game to play because it drums up hatred."
Manager, Teresa Doherty, 50, from Ireland believes security alienates the innocent.
"If racial or religious profiling didn't exist lots of people would go out of their way and help security."
Doherty stressed there has to be grounds for police to suspect a victim not based on race or religion as witnessed in Amis's writings.
Human rights
Professor in Sociology at UAE University, Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Motawa, added that racism, especially in the UK, is only found among small minorities.
"I lived in England for five years during my studies and I didn't feel any sort of racism or religious discrimination."
Al Motawa feels what Amis has said about Muslims in his book is against human rights.
"There's a huge difference between being a Muslim from being a fanatic. Even US President George Bush and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair respect Muslims round the world."
Indian Shailesh Karun-akaran, 27, thinks Amis is insane.
"The guy is nuts. Who is he to judge? No one has the authority to judge or influence others... how can he sleep at night knowing that he's had a negative impact on society?"
Karunakaran added there is no religion, colour or creed for militancy.
"Using the media to influence people is unethical. If he believes every single Muslim should be strip-searched then he should also include strip-searching every other human being including himself."
Abeer Karameh, 23, from Lebanon, a teacher, thinks Amis has a shallow picture of Arabs and Muslims.
"My response to him is expatriates who come to the UAE to work gain more appreciation and respect from Arabs here than they do from their 'fellow' citizens or even governments in their own countries."
Sarah Taylor, 39, a British nurse is angered by any racist or religious comments.
"It just creates too much harm, blame and religious barriers."
Have your say
Are you familiar with the author? Do you think Martin Amis should make a public apology? Do literary figures have a moral obligation to promote positive dialogue? Share your thoughts at letter2editor@gulfnews.com
Your comments
Amis is a bigot who wants to cash in on Muslims. Islam is an easy prey to such idiotic writers. His books and himself must be banned from all Muslim countries.
H.D.
Dra es salaam,Tanzania
Posted: October 12, 2007, 13:39
When a driver drives dangerously, his license is revoked. Therefore, when a writer writes "bad", he to be restricted from writing, at least for a while.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 12, 2007, 06:38
This author should visit Muslim countries and see for himself our character. I am sure he will swallow his words back.
Haider
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 12, 2007, 03:25
Martin Amis is a racist who has very little tolerance for Muslims. He should apology publicly. Literary figures such be pioneers in promoting positive dialogue. Shame on you Martin Amis.
Samana
New York,USA
Posted: October 12, 2007, 02:55
