Originally posted by hot babe
Firstly I would like to begin by pointing out your viewpoint has some flaws; no offence.
Islam isn't a culture it's a religious belief, you know praying five times a day, headscarf, respecting elders etc etc.
Secondly the fact that your main question states that they're insecure of their own culture and then go on to saying they have trouble adjusting to Western culture. That in my opinion is contradictory. If they were insecure,wouldn't they be more willing to fit into the 'western culture'.
Thirdly what is Western culture? How is it defined? As a belief, a way of living, a way of dressing, a way of socialising?
In the UK there isn't a 'set Western culture' as such. The thing is I am from the UK and I am muslim.
If by culture you mean clothes- then a lot of the younger generation and some of the older generation do wear western clothes.
If by culture you mean language then I'm pretty sure, the majority of the 'muslim community' can speak enough English to understand or get by in daily life. A lot of the younger generation speak fluently.
If by culture you mean food then I'm once again certain that as long as there is no pork or the food is halal, they have adopted some Western cuisine.
Now what I'm annoyed at is that without researching this topic you have assumed muslims do not want to fit into Western culture. Where is your proof? Also all due respect why should they?
Culture is defined by people, society, morals, ethics, community. The UK is a multi-cultural society and most of its inhabitants are proud to be associated with this and the level of tolerance it provides for people of different faiths and cultures.
So please, my request is that you research the topic thoroughly before posting such an insulting view of the muslim community.
I respectfully disagree, Islam is a religion, of course but Islam requires so much from individuals, from their eating habits, to praying five times a day. This means, there is something common about the way people live in Indonesia, Pakistan and a muslim in Iceland. So, of course,there will be a common culture.
Cultures are complex, so yes, there are major differences between someone in Indonesia, and Pakistan, but there are a lot of things that are common too.
In terms of your next question: there is such a thing as western culture, it derives from Ancient Greece, and built on the idea of knowledge and reason. Typically, westerners then to feel strongly about freedom of speech, democracy, gender equatilty...
Finally, I don't think the question is insulting. It is a fact, that there lies a lot of challenges in terms of integration of muslims in western countries, so it is important to be able to have discussions so we can move forward...