folio

I have just glanced at BBC News Online as I often do when the digital clock in the corner of my screen reaches midday, the rustle of packets of crisps awaking me from my spreadsheet slumber. Wonderful, it’s another Muslim Anger day. The main item, spanning two columns and in prominent text, tells the whole nation that Muslims are Angry again.

The Pope, apparently, has said something which has offended Muslims everywhere. Before my blood gets to boil about whatever it is he has said, however, something else is driving me round the bend. BBC Online, why do you do this? Yes, it’s the way these stories of “Muslim Anger” are reported that irritates me every time, much more than the original words. The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and a man who considers Roman Catholocism the only true religion; this is a man who has said before that The Church of England is not a real church. Must I really bother myself with his words, or his quotation of another’s words?

To my mind, the complaints are hardly news-worthy — why is it that every time we are offended by something, journalists believe everyone should know; they never give this much attention to the Church of England’s General Synod? No, I don’t think the complaints are news-worthy at all, but the BBC insists on putting it as the main headline on their website, along with the obligatory link to “Your views”. The 200,000 person death toll in Darfur, the 50 corpses found on Bagdad streets yesterday, NHS hospital closures: these are all an aside.

I will watch. By the time I leave work this evening, it will be a major item on PM and before we know it the “anger” will be getting widespread coverage, lasting for the next few days. Just like last time.

I remember 2 February well. On the One O’Clock News on BBC1, Darren Jordan introduced the package about the Cartoon crisis in sombre mood: we listened as the reporter told us that another clash of cultures, like that seen with the Satanic Verses, “was developing fast”. Then Darren turned to the other camera with a smile and told us how to contribute to the debate online. Yes, contribute and tell those ignorant Muslims what silly fools they are for their disrespect for free speach – especially those foolish Muslims who’ve been busy all day and weren’t aware of the brewing storm.

I won’t be drawn into this one, I tell myself, just as I refused to be with the last one. That’s not a commentary on any offence caused, just a declaration that I refuse to have my agenda driven my people I do not know. But then, here I am, telling you how irate I am. Hypocrite. But no, I won’t be drawn in by the swinging carrot inviting me to make a fool of myself, so that the nation can look on with shaking heads at the backward, illiterate Muslims in their midst.

January ended with the news that a tanker loaded with ten thousand tonnes of phosphoric acid had sunk off the French coast, threatening to leak eighty tonnes of fuel oil into the English Channel. It had all the makings of a major news story. As the British Press focused on the House of Commons vote over the controversial religious hatred bill, news that Danish firms were seeking an end to a boycott of their goods was receiving scant attention. But by the end of the week everything had changed; the tanker was long forgotten and we all know which story was dominating the headlines.

I don’t expect things to change. Soon enough we will see the rage on the streets, the burning flags and the trampled effigies. We will because this is how it goes. Unless we have the good fortune to witness a military coup in China or a hurricane in Washington. If it doesn’t last the week, it will be proof that miracles happen. Still, all I know is that the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Forbearance is the best of traits” and “Do not get angry.” One day I hope we remember.