In a surprising turn of events, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has strongly pushed back against what he describes as manufactured Islamophobia in the United States. During a recent conversation with British journalist Piers Morgan, Carlson made explosive claims about the origins of anti-Muslim sentiment in Western societies.
The Core Argument: Hate as Manufactured Operation
Tucker Carlson argued vehemently that the pressure to hate Muslims is not organic but rather something being deliberately forced by certain powerful groups. The right-wing podcaster completely rejected what he called the 'Muslim hate' narrative, stating he finds it completely artificial and manufactured.
"I have more in common with the sincerely religious Pakistani cab driver than anyone who works at the Times of London," Carlson told Morgan during their conversation. He emphasized his preference for religious immigrants over what he described as hostile white liberals who push hateful narratives.
Direct Quotes and Controversial Comparisons
Carlson didn't mince words when expressing his views. "Hate the Muslim is an op," he declared, insisting that someone is deliberately trying to stir public fear against a particular religion. He claimed to have never had an argument with a Muslim person, contrasting this with his experiences with what he called "secular self-hating whites."
The commentator even joked that if he had to sit at a table with such people for a meeting, he would stand up and walk away. He expressed particular fondness for Bangladeshis, noting that no Bangladeshi has ever yelled at him, while white people frequently have.
Social Media Backlash and Support
The interview sparked immediate reactions across social media platforms. Many users were quick to point out Carlson's apparent hypocrisy, noting that he spent years spreading what they called white nationalist talking points and Islamophobic propaganda during his mainstream media career.
However, others agreed with his central premise that religion should not be a factor in judging or directing hatred toward anyone. Some commenters highlighted the common ground between Christians and Muslims, while others from Bangladesh pointed out the country's religious diversity and significant atheist population.
Several netizens argued that Carlson's change of heart coincides with his departure from mainstream media, where he worked for nearly three decades across different organizations. This timing led many to question the sincerity of his newfound position on Islamophobia.
Despite the controversy, the conversation between Carlson and Morgan has brought significant attention to the discussion about manufactured religious hatred and its origins in contemporary society.
