Ayesha,
I know you don't think much of colonialism, and part of your concern
about tolerance and interference is based on your opposition to it. I agree that the colonial
powers did a lot of harm. But just let me say this:
- It is a mistake to assume that criticism of other cultures is
always arrogant or intolerant. Criticism may be accompanied by
arrogance or intolerance, but I
doesn't have to be.
- It is also a mistake to assume that interference always does harm. Again,
interference may harm people by their standards or ours, but it
doesn't always do so. It may sometimes help - even by their own standards.
Albert Schweitzer interfered with another culture when he built his hospital in
Africa;
but he did good, not harm.
My point is that we can't build sound arguments on assumptions like
the one's I have mentioned. I think you may be doing that.
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