Firstly, I did not know that this was an EDL video nor that the indivisual in it is a well known EDL member.
Secondly, and this is for you, Cheetah, I lived in Europe for nearly seven years so I know what I saw. Yes, there are many very nice Muslims who are great human beings, and I still have Muslim friends in the UK but I did notice a general leaning of the Muslim community towards more reactionary and extreme views while i lived there that is not as appearant in the US.
I agree there is a tendency for some Muslims to adopt views that some may perceive to be extreme but by the same token a lot of Muslims are more tolerant and liberal. More Muslims then ever are participating in the wider community, discussing atheism, accepting homosexuality, dismissing female segregation and promoting democratic/secular values.
This is a contrast from attitudes in the 1980's/90's when the above was very, very rare. Some may say 'well, I heard a Muslim say something about Shariah law'. Take some sociology lessons and you will better understand social dynamics. It is a false dichotomy to say that whereas before you did not hear some Muslims making waves about a particular issue but now you do. Prior to the media attention lots of Muslims no doubt had these thoughts, it's just that the media did not report them or the section of the community did not have a voice (the internet) other than pamphleteering or holding local meetings.
Some Muslims who some may claim to have extreme views are reacting, rightly so, to racial profiling, racist stereotypes and issues of social identity. These are variables one must consider and discuss such issues in an academic environment and not allow the fascists to hijack the debate.
Why do I have such a strong reaction to the video and OP? Because my family are Muslim. Friends, cousins, loved ones and it makes my blood boil when such stereotypes are peddled out. It fills me with rage that people, intelligent people, would watch such a video and then go on to smear others on the basis of looks or belief.
This kind of mentality is as corrosive as any other for it justifies all sorts of violence to be committed on the majority of people who, by the way, have a right to believe what ever it is they wish to believe.
Oh and Nour, you live in the US and you do not witness extremist or reactionary views? Come of it now! Try FOX News, the Republican Party. Some of those extremists and reactionaries hold public office and are in the judicial system. They range from climate change sceptics, Islamaphobes, racists, homophobes, Christian evangelists who attempt to precipitate the Apacolypse, war criminals, gun activists, pro-life lunatics, war mongers, mysogynysts and anti-semites.
We, the British, are relatively sane!
Topic: Muslim Hospitality in London