In an OP - ED article today in The New York Times, Maureen Dowd brought up the same point. Sure, there are Islamic Extremists in the Middle East, and they hate us and want to destroy America, but that does NOT, in any way, reflect on American Muslims. It's disturbing that the Republicans want us to think that all Muslims are evil, and want to kill us, but Obama should show some respect for his roots (his father was a Muslim), and refute the attacks on Muslims.
It's just as bad as racism, or sexism, to discriminate based on religion. So far, in class,we've mainly been talking about racism, and how it appears in society. But religion hatred is just as bad, maybe worse, because it isn't hidden - it's right out there, plain for everyone to see. In the 21st century, we should be recognize the difference between an extremist and someone who is given solace and purpose by a little religion in their life. JFK was the first Roman Catholic president, Obama may become the first African-American president, but will we ever be able to elect a Muslim president?
1 comment:
Your post really made me think about how deep-rooted the associations are between muslims and terrorists in America. I mean, I would never want to hold prejudices against a religion, but when I read the word Muslim, I immediately thought terrorist- and that scared me. I feel like the media and republican attack ads have seared a false image into my mind, and I don't like the idea that somehow I have subtly been brainwashed into making this association. And it made me realize that for as much talking as we do talking Muslims, I really don't know anything substantive about this religion. But especially after this campaign smearing Obama as having Muslim ties (and making it into a negative connection), I don't think we will see a Muslim president for a very long time.
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