Cover Story

Television creates terrorists

31 May 2003

Potential suicide bombers among British Muslims are getting most of their news from Asian satellite TV, says Patrick Sookhdeo. The West is in danger of losing a crucial propaganda war

Today's emphasis on multiculturalism, which regards all histories, cultures and religions as equal within the British context, poses an increasingly serious problem. Modern multiculturalism defines ethnic identity very much in terms of its history and religion. Thus it encourages the rediscovery of historical background, culture and religion. The attitudes of Muslim young people born and bred in Britain are being shaped by influences from outside which affect their identity and their ultimate loyalties. Television is increasingly being used to reinforce this and to sell a message of repression and liberation. If they are taught to consider the land in which they live as the enemy, what future do we have?

Those who exploit the effect of the visual image on susceptible young people are well aware of how powerful it is, in that 'seeing is believing'. While we may have laws governing what is shown on terrestrial television, there is no way to limit what is beamed in from elsewhere. Even here in leafy Wiltshire I could view all these programmes if I chose to subscribe. Prime TV costs only £10 a month. Free and unrestricted airwaves can communicate not only pornography and hedonistic materialism, but also religious radicalism. Ultimately the control will lie with those who hold the television remote-control in their hand – usually the older family members. How far will the average Muslim grandparent now take responsibility for that control?

If there is one step we should take urgently, it is to set up a Muslim station to broadcast sense and moderation to Iraq. One day, with any luck, that station will also be picked up in Britain.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo is director of the Institute for the Study of Islam and Christianity.