refuse to give it up because people may find it "offensive". "Its central theme, the purity and superiority of European culture, was dealt a powerful blow by the tradition of post-colonial studies and radical critique of Orientalism." You are kidding, right? The thought that a minor, dead-end branch of literary studies can deal *anything* a "powerful blow" is ludicrous. Soumaya Ghannoushi has some valid points. I believe that tolerance means acceptance of other cultures, faiths and people of other races. That is one point that is at the heart of the problem. However, in my view, the other major problem is the inflexibility of a majority of Muslims living on this planet. In majority Muslim countries you have to follow the conservative line and show your intolerance towards non-Muslims, women and children. In the west they 'pretend' to accept the other views. This however is only lip service to create a better image of Islam. I have yet to meet a Muslim, who is willing to admit that some reformation is needed. Where are the brave ones to protest against the killing of van Gogh in Holland? how many are saying that Hirshi Ali and Sulman Rushdi should be left alone? have you seen any body asking for ban of marrying 12 year old girls to cousins back home? It is one thing to say 'Iran has no homosexuals', which is a white lie, and another to admit that such people should not be killed. How come women are not