There is no equality between our culture and the retarded Islamic

In the great expanse of human history, cultures have risen and fallen, each one shaping the world in its own image. Yet, within this vast diversity, there exists a constant—a struggle for equality, for the rights of every human being to stand in the light, to be treated with dignity, regardless of their background, their gender, or their beliefs. Geert Wilders, in his words, brings us face to face with a profound tension—one between the ideals of equality and freedom that many hold dear and the values held by those who subscribe to other systems of thought. He boldly declares: "There is no equality between our culture and the retarded Islamic culture. Look at their views on homosexuality or women." His words strike with a jarring force, challenging us to confront the ways in which cultures interact and the ideals by which they live.

But, let us first pause and reflect on what he has said. For it is not a simple thing to call one culture retarded; it is a condemnation that cuts deep into the very essence of what it means to be human. It suggests that there is something wrong, something backward, in the way a culture approaches the world and its people. Equality—the cornerstone of all just societies—is at the heart of this debate. Wilders’ criticism lies not merely in the existence of difference between cultures, but in the disparity he perceives when it comes to the treatment of women and homosexuals. These two groups, so often oppressed, stand at the crossroads of humanity's march toward justice. When cultures hold views that deny their rights, the very fabric of equality begins to unravel.

Let us then consider the ancient story of Athens and its golden age. The great philosophers of that time, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, laid the foundations for the ideals of freedom and democracy that would echo down through the centuries. Yet, even in this age of enlightenment, women were denied the same rights as men. Athens, a society that prided itself on intellectual achievement, relegated women to roles of subjugation, and denied them the freedom to own property or participate in political life. The contradiction between the ideals of liberty espoused by these philosophers and the reality of gender oppression was stark. It is in this tension between principle and practice that we find much of the modern struggle for equality.

Yet, in those ancient times, there were also individuals who defied the norms. Consider Aspasia of Miletus, a woman who, despite the confines of her society, rose to prominence as a teacher, philosopher, and companion to the great Pericles. Her voice, though silenced by the dominant culture, nonetheless left an imprint on the annals of history. Aspasia is an emblem of the struggle for equality, of the battle between the ideas of a culture and the lived experiences of those who refuse to be bound by its limitations.

In this light, Wilders’ criticism may be seen not just as an attack on a particular culture, but as a call for humanity to recognize the disparity between cultures that allow freedom and equality, and those that do not. If we are to understand his words, we must ask ourselves: What does it mean to be free? What does it mean to live in a society where one is equal to all others, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs? And, more importantly, how do we bridge the gap between cultures that fail to provide this freedom and those that strive for it?

Real change begins not with judgment, but with understanding. If we are to truly create a world where equality reigns, we must first seek to understand the forces that shape the values of different cultures, and then challenge those values when they conflict with the universal principles of human dignity. Just as the Athenian philosophers sought to understand the world through reason, so must we seek to understand the cultures of today through the lens of human rights—a lens that holds equality for all as the highest ideal.

And so, the lesson we learn is clear. It is not enough to simply acknowledge differences between cultures; we must actively work toward justice and equality for all, regardless of the society in which they are born. We must stand, as Aspasia did, against the tide of oppression and demand that every human being be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Let us not rest until the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice are realized for all, in every corner of the world. Only then will we have truly begun the work of bridging the divides that separate us, forging a future where the strength of humanity is measured not by our differences, but by our shared commitment to the principles of equality.