FDR was quoted as saying the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Thanks to Poly Republicans we can also add Muslims to the list. Last Wednesday, I saw “What the West Needs to Know” by Greg Davis. This anti-Islam film was the worst piece of cinematic hate I have ever seen. (A holocaust survivor in the audience compared the images Davis used to that of Nazi propaganda, a real fascist threat). Davis’ remake of “Birth of a Nation” explained to us that until we get rid of Islam, the world will not be a peaceful place. That’s right; we must eradicate an entire religion in order to create a more harmonious earth. Hypocritical? Yes! Cal Poly Republicans applaud themselves for bringing a controversial viewpoint to this campus; a 98-minute film that perpetuated stereotypes, made sweeping generalizations and demonized 1.8 billion people was not only controversial but dangerous. As an ethnic studies major, I have studied the consequences of using terror to manipulate people to align with your views and the Citizens Council – oops, Cal Poly Republicans – are using destructive means to get their point across. If this organization truly valued “freedom,” they would call into question anti-terror legislation that continues to impede on our rights or would come to the Women’s Center to discuss means of protecting women’s rights worldwide. If they cared about all students on campus, they would not employ mechanisms of fear to dehumanize a population of students at Cal Poly.
98-minute film generalized, perpetuated sterotypes