The Argument

Protestors hurl stones at police near Ramallah (credit: Mohamad Torokman/ Reuters)

The Argument

Yes, I admit it is a complicated issue made 
further so by the fact that peoples' attitudes
and conceptions can be obtuse at times so
really, it's a matter of perception, interpretation
and empathy, you see? Yes, I do admit when
they feel provoked their reaction is somewhat
um, extreme, disturbing to some who may
not sympathize with the fact of cultural
differences for theirs is a tendency to
become rather frenzied, given to inflamed
rhetoric, yes this is true. Oh yes, violence
that too, but consider the source of their
anxiety as victims. They make a fetish of
victimhood you say? Well, again, it's the
culture, they are passionate people easily
aroused, for honour and shame are so very
important in this culture, you know. How to
deal with such people? Well, my friend from
our own culture of civilized discourse we
cannot but pacify them, seek to conciliate
their grievances, bring them to calmness and
make it plain how much we feel for them.
Infantalizing them? You might see it that way
of course from your experience of course
and of course dealing with bigotry
slander and deadly attacks is difficult
but consider the source, I say, these are
people convinced of their entitlements all
of which your very presence denies them.
Just trying to help here, you know, even
though you think advice is cheap and we
over here don't have to deal with what you
so callously label homicidal maniacs. It is
after all your problem, so I say - deal with it.