Originally Posted by
sumskilz
Well, Rumy Hasan is obviously an Islamophobic racist.
There is something else going on, another layer which is not touched on in that review. I was affiliated with the Middle Eastern Studies department at the University of Washington due the fact that the Near Eastern Languages & Civilization program fell under its umbrella. At that time (and to this day I'm told), Saudi donors were quite generous supporters of the department, even going as far as purchasing (or funding the publication of) particular books and other educational materials for students so students wouldn't have to spend their own money. Meanwhile, everyone on the social sciences mailing lists were receiving free subscriptions to Saudi Aramco World magazine (now known simply as Aramco World). It was almost as if Saudi Armaco had access to all the student and faculty addresses for this purpose.
I think it's fair to say that a lot of Westerners who have never been to the Middle East or North Africa have a one dimensionally negative view of the local cultures and daily life of the people, but if you were to only to read these materials kindly provided by Saudi donors and Saudi affiliated economic interests, you might have an equally one dimensional view of MENA countries as exotic colorful paradises which are in many ways more progressive than than racist Western countries. You might learn, for example, things like how American popular music has its roots in the Islamic call to prayer.
I can't really fault the Saudis for trying to influence American public opinion. As I said in another thread, every country that has the means tries to influence American government and public opinion, it's just that the Saudis are particularly capable of doing so. The real fault is in the universities not dealing better with the conflict of interest. I believe that if you look into it, you will find similar influence on UK universities.