The quote emphasizes a critical perspective on the dangers of overlooking parallels between religious extremism and ethno-nationalism. It suggests that these two ideologies, though different in their primary focus, share common elements that can lead to similar harmful outcomes if not properly understood or addressed.
At its core, the statement warns against failing to recognize how both religious extremism and ethno-nationalism can be vehicles for intolerance and violence. Both movements often rely on exclusionary rhetoric to build support around a sense of shared identity, which is then used to justify discrimination against those perceived as different. By ignoring these similarities, societies risk underestimating the potential threats posed by such ideologies. This perspective encourages viewers to critically analyze how both forms of extremism can exploit fear and division to consolidate power.
Deeyah Khan is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and anti-extremism activist known for her work in exposing the complexities of religious and cultural extremism. Born in Norway, she has produced influential films that shed light on issues ranging from forced marriage to Muslim extremism. Her insights are highly regarded for their deep understanding of social dynamics and the ways in which individuals can be drawn into extremist ideologies.
