«
»

Muslims, war, and Metallica’s new video: The Day That Never Comes

Posted 03 Sep 2008 in Islam, jihadists, military, music, war


Seeing how Metallica has a habit of knocking down sharing of their music, I don’t know how long this video will be functional. But I wanted to go ahead and post it. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Last night, my girlfriend traci told me about this video from Metallica’s upcoming album “Death Magnetic” and wanted to know what I thought about it. When I started watching it and saw that it was about war (purposely ambiguous about whether it’s set in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere), I was leery that it would have some kind of heavy-handed message. What I saw instead was an interesting story that reveals the connection between suspicion and cautious forgiveness that I liked. Metallica frontman James Hetfield explained it this way:

“The main [theme of the video] is the human element of forgiveness and someone doing you wrong, you feeling resentment and you being able to see through that in the next situation that might be similar and not take your rage or resentment out on the next person and basically keep spreading the disease of that through life.”

traci was surprised that I enjoyed the video and we had a good conversation about it. Since I have strong opinions about Islamic radicalism and am vehemently opposed to terrorism in Allah’s name, she had thought that I would dislike the portrayal of the Arabic-looking civilians in the latter half of the video. I found it very realistic, with the soldiers cautiously approaching with weapons trained and only after both people expressed their need for assistance and demonstrated their peaceful intentions did the soldiers lower their rifles and render aid. To me, it looked pretty accurate to how our brave men & women conduct themselves with honor every day, carefully walking into dangerous situations and helping those in need.

It got me thinking, if someone who knows me well thinks I’d instantly dislike anybody Arabic-looking or Muslim, I can only imagine what my readers here must think of my views on tolerance and a live-and-let-live philosophy. Yes, I use sarcasm to skewer the “religion of peace” label that’s often used to excuse Islamic intolerance and violence. But make no mistake, I wish to peacefully coexist with Muslims who are willing to coexist with me (and every other non-Muslim). Clearly, I’ve not been expressing myself well over the past few years and it’s something I will strive to do better in the future.

Posted by FullMetalPatriot
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT

Leave A Comment