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?
