Culture

New Report Reveals the Declining Role of Religion in American Society

A new report from a non-profit and non-partisan research center reveals that fewer Americans see religion's importance in their lives than a decade ago, showing how the religious landscape in the United States has changed dramatically.

Witchcraft: Culture or Curse? African Union Addresses Dark Side of Belief

The legislative body of the African Union is planning to implement new rules to protect victims of ritual attacks and prevent people accused of witchcraft from being harmed and abused.

The Pan-African Parliament, a body attended by representatives from 48 African countries, met in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss the adoption of extensive guidelines that seek to help governments across the continent by teaching them strategies on how to tackle dangerous superstitions linked to witchcraft that often leads to attacks and abuse.

UK Islamic Charity Under Fire for Urging Followers to Pray Against LGBT

An Islamic charity in the UK was criticized for sharing a post on social media against the LGBTQIA+ community, urging followers to pray for protection against them.

Indians Asked to Celebrate “Cow Hug Day” Instead of Valentine’s Day

As the world prepares to celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolates, flowers, and dates, India’s Animal Welfare Board has issued an unprecedented appeal calling to celebrate February 14th as “Cow Hug Day,” claiming that such an event “will bring emotional richness” and “increase individual and collective happiness.

Iran Shuts Down French Institute Due to Charlie Hebdo's Khamenei Cartoons

Iran’s government said they shut down the Tehran-based French Institute of Research in response to cartoons from the latest edition of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Some of the caricatures they published were sexually explicit.

Data Reveals Most Indians "Do Not See Liberalism as a Virtue"

India, despite having a secular and pluralistic constitution, is still massively majoritarian in its views, according to a recent book by a data journalist. The book also claimed that India’s youth has a weaker commitment to democracy and freedom of speech than what is currently believed.

According to the data, “Age, education and urbanization, and income do not produce the moderating, progressive liberal effects on views that we in our popular imagination in India assume they do. Young people do not hold more progressive values than their parents or even their grandparents.”

How Anti-Muslim Pop Songs are Fueling Violence in India

Anti-Muslim songs filled with hateful lyrics and a suggestive message are rising in India. Fueled by the increasingly bold Hindutva organizations, these songs are becoming a centerpiece of nationalist rallies and meetings.

Earlier this year, a Hindu priest paraded near a mosque in Uttar Pradesh. He was calling for the assault of Muslim women while blasting anti-Muslim songs from a speaker.

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