Tone policing is like the second nature of human beings. It almost always serves to protect the status quo and the criminals, those enjoying positions of power, against the weak and the vulnerable who have been wronged and who seek amends. It is one of the ways in which power plays out in our homes and institutions, in politics and government. It is one of the ways in which agents of religion and morality serve small and big pharaohs of their time.
Muslim champions of adab (or interpersonal etiquette) need to know that God tolerates, even protects foul speech on the part of someone who has been wronged (Qur’an 4:148).
“Those who defend themselves after they have been wronged cannot be blamed! Blameworthy are those who wrong people and transgress on earth without justification – for them is a painful punishment.” (Qur’an 42:41–42)
Privileged beneficiaries of unjust social structures have the luxury to stay calm and use ‘appropriate’ language, but those who are in pain cry, often out loud.
As Jesse Williams responded to criticisms of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, it is not the burden of the brutalized to comfort the oppressor and the bystander.
Muslim champions of adab (or interpersonal etiquette) need to know that God tolerates, even protects foul speech on the part of someone who has been wronged (Qur’an 4:148).
“Those who defend themselves after they have been wronged cannot be blamed! Blameworthy are those who wrong people and transgress on earth without justification – for them is a painful punishment.” (Qur’an 42:41–42)
Privileged beneficiaries of unjust social structures have the luxury to stay calm and use ‘appropriate’ language, but those who are in pain cry, often out loud.
As Jesse Williams responded to criticisms of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, it is not the burden of the brutalized to comfort the oppressor and the bystander.
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