Another clash between Islam and the West?

Though I am ideologically opposed to generalizing an entire half of the world against a specific religion (especially when a strong majority of that religion isn't made up of radical militants), here's an interesting story regarding a Dutch politician's most recent attempt to incite rage in the local (and global) Islamic community.

To reiterate, I don't see this as part of the epic battle between the “West vs. Islam,” but more appropriately, it's a specific jab at radical Muslims that will not accept criticism of their religion. I do think that Geert Wilders (pictured), the man in question who desires to make a film depicting the less-than-virtuous side of the Prophet's life, makes a good point in trying to stand up for free speech with regards to all things Islam, because the violence that comes from criticism on this topic is unconscionable.

However, that does not preclude the fact that his idea for the film is anti-Islam propaganda, and though it is his goal, Wilders' proposition will stir up a lot of negative (and possibly needless) controversy. That said, I think he should produce his film if he feels strongly about it, though antagonism never really gets people very far.

My question is, though, how can he advocate “free speech” and then call for the Qur’an to be banned? If he wants a war, then he’ll get it. Sadly, this exposes exactly the thing he wants to do, which is incite militant Muslims to riot against him. Clearly he doesn’t want this problem to be mitigated, otherwise he wouldn’t fan the flames.

The main point here is that calling this a war between "the West" and Islam is very unfair to the rest of us. Most Muslims are not at war with Western Culture; in fact, many of them are simply trying to live within their tradition apart from the radical theocracy that is abundant in the Middle East, because they don't see their own beliefs reflected there, either. Therefore, while Wilders' objection to militancy is understandable, simply pissing people off is only going to make life harder for the Muslims that are not involved with that small minority; because no effort is being made to understand the religion as a whole, or engage with particular individuals, each Muslim gets lumped into a negative category.

In this sense, there is a conflict between Western Culture and Islam, because there is a perceived rift. If we're talking about being champions of free speech and free expression, then we need to be able to differentiate between those who are utilizing that freedom appropriately and constructively and those who are not, on both sides of the "clash." If unjustified violence and blind hatred fall into the realm of "not," then there's work to be done on all sides.