I believe the world trend of modernity (as an "anti-cultural" force) to be irreversible at this point. I also call into question the "need" of a clash between the West and the Islamic World. As you suggest, couldn't it be that the Christian veneer of the Western World works as some kind of "translation device" which renders modernity accessible to the Islamic World? Couldn't it be an example of the latter what we are seeing right now in Syria with the dismantling of the socialist state apparatus?
Interesting points you made on Syrian developments, Islam, and modernity, I like Hallaq’s thesis concerning Islam and modernity, as he said it is an “impossible state”, in other words Islam will always be incompatible with modernity. And I add, if it is forced into a modern mould, it is distorted. On the aridoamerican culture, it is the idea that the US, as an extension of Western culture, is lying on top of a newer and more organic culture, the Aridoamerican culture. The unique non western forms emerging from America are not because America is unique, but they are expressions of a new possible culture emerging from beneath it. There is a whole Substack on this by a friend of mine, it is called aridoamerica and it’s people, check it out.
I think what Huntington was alluding to, in a rather misleading manner, is the clash between the two forms of universalisms in both Islam and Western culture. I was taught by my liberal leaning professors that this is a construct primarily designed to guide American foreign policy, with time, I realized the professors were unfortunately wrong. It is actually a dangerous idea to push forward, in reality cultures that are universalist in nature will inevitably collide, and to assume that will never happen is foolish thinking on part of my professors. They kept on showing us Edward Said’s refutation of Huntington, and as much I respect and like Said, he was too optimistic with hindsight.
I get Islamic Culture will always be incompatible with modernity–unlesss forced under the latter's mould and distorted. The remaining question for me is if Islamic societies will be able to resist this distortion? Here again, I believe the "cancerous" effect of modernity will find its way. I suspect where the American foreign policy has failed, China's financing will succeed paving the way for new "illegitimate blends". If this is the case, one should cast doubt over any claim of inevitable clash between the West and the Islamic World. In any event, the Islamic World seems to me torned apart apart between
an ideal of purity—and how to achieve it—and giving in to the combinatorial forces of capital and modernity.
I believe the world trend of modernity (as an "anti-cultural" force) to be irreversible at this point. I also call into question the "need" of a clash between the West and the Islamic World. As you suggest, couldn't it be that the Christian veneer of the Western World works as some kind of "translation device" which renders modernity accessible to the Islamic World? Couldn't it be an example of the latter what we are seeing right now in Syria with the dismantling of the socialist state apparatus?
Btw, what do you mean by "Aridoamerican culture"?
Interesting points you made on Syrian developments, Islam, and modernity, I like Hallaq’s thesis concerning Islam and modernity, as he said it is an “impossible state”, in other words Islam will always be incompatible with modernity. And I add, if it is forced into a modern mould, it is distorted. On the aridoamerican culture, it is the idea that the US, as an extension of Western culture, is lying on top of a newer and more organic culture, the Aridoamerican culture. The unique non western forms emerging from America are not because America is unique, but they are expressions of a new possible culture emerging from beneath it. There is a whole Substack on this by a friend of mine, it is called aridoamerica and it’s people, check it out.
I think what Huntington was alluding to, in a rather misleading manner, is the clash between the two forms of universalisms in both Islam and Western culture. I was taught by my liberal leaning professors that this is a construct primarily designed to guide American foreign policy, with time, I realized the professors were unfortunately wrong. It is actually a dangerous idea to push forward, in reality cultures that are universalist in nature will inevitably collide, and to assume that will never happen is foolish thinking on part of my professors. They kept on showing us Edward Said’s refutation of Huntington, and as much I respect and like Said, he was too optimistic with hindsight.
I get Islamic Culture will always be incompatible with modernity–unlesss forced under the latter's mould and distorted. The remaining question for me is if Islamic societies will be able to resist this distortion? Here again, I believe the "cancerous" effect of modernity will find its way. I suspect where the American foreign policy has failed, China's financing will succeed paving the way for new "illegitimate blends". If this is the case, one should cast doubt over any claim of inevitable clash between the West and the Islamic World. In any event, the Islamic World seems to me torned apart apart between an ideal of purity—and how to achieve it—and giving in to the combinatorial forces of capital and modernity.
i find all of this just too ornate for my tastes, which is a it rich coming from me, so I keep reading...