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Pete Hegseth’s Arabic tattoo stirs controversy: ‘clear symbol of Islamophobia’ (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 2 months ago by geneva_convenience@lemmy.ml to c/usa@lemmy.ml

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In photos posted on Tuesday on X, the Fox News host turned US defense secretary had what appears to be a tattoo that says “kafir”, an Arabic term used within Islam to describe an unbeliever. Hegseth appears to have also had the tattoo in another Instagram photo posted in July 2024.

Some people on social media criticized Hegseth for getting a tattoo that could be considered offensive to Muslims, especially as the US military seeks to represent a diverse pool of faiths. It is estimated that upwards of 5,000 to 6,000 US military members practice Islam.

“This isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a clear symbol of Islamophobia from the man overseeing U.S. wars,” posted Nerdeen Kiswani, a pro-Palestinian activist in New York.

She added: “‘Kafir’ has been weaponized by far-right Islamophobes to mock and vilify Muslims. It’s not about his personal beliefs. It’s about how these beliefs translate into policy – how they shape military decisions, surveillance programs, and foreign interventions targeting Muslim countries.”

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[–] Montreal_Metro@lemmy.ca 5 points 2 months ago

He's just a racist. No need to overcomplicate things.

[–] thefluffiest@feddit.nl 1 points 2 months ago

Ah how I’ve missed that Crusading vibe

[–] electric_nan@lemmy.ml 13 points 2 months ago

Offensive? No. Antagonistic? Definitely. Exclusively displayed by racists? Also, definitely.

[–] Montreal_Metro@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 months ago

I like when the villain paints target on himself.

[–] distantsounds@lemmy.world 15 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Fox News defending Whiskeyleaks 🤣

[–] Maeve@kbin.earth 2 points 2 months ago

If the infidel inclines to peace, incline to peace.. I don't read Arabic and different teachers take different interpretations. My understanding is the killing of infidels refers to those who swore peace then violated it, but that Muslims were free to exact reasonable tribute from those ~~echo~~ who broke peace, who could afford it for a time, hold them for ransom, or free the pow without condition. And that infidels who kept the peace should be left in peace.

I'm pretty hazy on this and would appreciate current and ex- Muslims' perspectives, if inclined to give it.

[–] Lodespawn@aussie.zone 20 points 2 months ago (1 children)

So anti Muslim tattoo and a Nazi tattoo .. seems like a real nice guy, also smart, making well thought out decisions, totally leadership material. He's just oozing merit ..

[–] dhork@lemmy.world 8 points 2 months ago

He's just oozing merit

No, that's just how you smell after too much whiskey

[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 19 points 2 months ago

Oh man, I really thought hegseth was a great guy before this!

[–] Mrkawfee@lemmy.world 21 points 2 months ago

Zionism, white supremacy, Islamobhopia. The unholy trinity of modern fascism.

[–] expatriado@lemmy.world 15 points 2 months ago

should be send to El Salvador