High School Social Studies Classes Confront Islamophobia
Social Studies Classes attend Understanding Arab Americans and Muslims lecture.
Photos
Lacey Township High School is attempting to break cultural boundaries as guest lecturer Engy Abdelkader, a Muslim American, spoke to students about Islamophobia.
Social Studies teachers Julie Ferenc and Joe Humenick hosted Abdelkader in an effort to increase tolerance and reduce bullying, Humenick said. Although previous classes have learned about intolerance and a holocaust survivor is scheduled to speak before the school year ends, Abdelkader is the first person invited to speak on the topic this year, he said.
Abdelkader is a Monmouth County attorney of Egyptian descent. She was born, raised, and educated in the United States. Her goal for the event was to reduce conflicts, misunderstanding, teasing, and bullying, and to build trust and supportive relationships so that a more effective learning environment is created for all students, she said.
Abdelkader opened the discussion by asking students what stereotypes they have heard about Muslims and/or Arab Americans. Students said they have heard members of these groups labeled as terrrorists and identified with working at 7-11. One student msidentified the origin of a Hindu bindi (forehead decoration) as Islamic. Abdelkader added descriptions like uneducated, fanatic, foreign, unwilling to assimilate, anti-American, un-American to the list of common stereotypes.
"Oftentimes I think of myself as an antidote to the stereotypes about Muslim Americans," she said before briefly describing her personal history, including how she came to wear the hijab, which she called a head scarf throughout both lectures.
The hijab is misinterpreted as a tool of female oppression, Abdelkader said, but she was not coerced into wearing it by either a male relative or anyone else in her immediate ethnic or religious community.
"I believed as an American Muslim that this is what my faith prescribed for me. I felt that it was important for me to maintain a sense of modesty as an American Muslim," said Abdelkader.
She did this in part as a response to negative perceptions of Muslims that emerged after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C., she said
"I felt at that moment personally that my religion was being hijacked by the terrorists. They did not only damage and wreak havoc on innocent Americans at the World Trade Center, and not only did they instill fear in Americans across the United States, but they also caused great damage to their own religious community," said Abdelkader.
"It does not mean that I have to stay at home and not be educated. It does not mean that I don't have a voice. It does not mean that I cannot be friends with other people in my neighborhood, in the community, at school, or at work. I get to choose what it means to be a Muslim," she said.
After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, charges of bias, hate crimes, and religious discrimination claims increased 1600 percent and while it has declined, bias persists, said Abdelkader.
For example, last month a male student punched a 12 year old girl in Staten Island, demanded to know if she was a Muslim, and tried to tear off her head scarf. He was arrested and charged with a hate crime, said Abdelkader.
Another example she gave was opposition to a proposed Park 51 Islamic center near the World Trade Center site in New York City.
"One of our cherished freedoms here is freedom of speech and people should be allowed to express whether or not they have concerns about any project that may be undertaken," said Abdelkader.
However, the response went beyond speech to actual violence against Muslims, she said.
"Advocacy organizations that cater to these affected communities saw a spike in reporting incidents, so we don't even know how many incidents are occurring that are not reported," said Abdelkader.
"What we see is this direct correlation because people are coming out and saying really hateful, vehement things about Muslims and what happens is that it's translated on a very real level and practical level in workplaces, school, on the street," she said.
She also mentioned the burning of a Koran by a "fringe pastor" in Florida.
Months ago, the fringe pastor planned another event, which was not as widely publicized in America but heard about internationally.
"Unfortunately it does effect our image as a country and people internationally who don't have the opportunity to interact with Americans on a regular basis start to believe this is what America represents and this man who is really such a fringe element of our society," said Abelkader.
"Internationally he starts to become a symbol of America. So what we saw in Afganastan, for instance, there was violence against institutions that were perceived to be American, like the embassy or whatnot, which should be condemned. No violence should be supported regardless of the cause, but it's all cause and effect. It's like a vicious cycle," she said.
Muslims believe the Qur'an is the literal word of God, so it should not be handled carelessly, but with respect, she said.
"I think it's wrong to desecrate or destroy any religious book...And I don't think that any person who subscribes to any faith and outwardly says, 'I am Muslim, I am Christian, I am Jewish,' that it does any service to their respective religion to burn a religious text, said Abelkader.
It is also a form of intimidation, she said. It makes you wonder what is next?
"They're burning my religious text today, what are they burning tomorrow? Is it going to be my house? Is it going to be my place of worship? Is it going to actually be human beings? Because that has occurred in history... and it's usually a progression of events that occurs," said Abelkader.
She compared the misuse use of religious texts by Muslim extremists with the misuse of the Bible by members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).
"When I think of Christians, I don't think of the KKK. I don't think of cross burning people in white hoods trying to terrorize African Americans and immigrants and other people they think are inferior. I can differentiate between Christianity and extremists who self-identify as Christians who are using religious texts to justify their behavior and know that the two are different," said Abdelkader.
"I would argue that the same holds true for Islam and Muslims and terrorists extremists. It's the same thing. The KKK are terrorising individuals. There are hate groups and neo-Nazis throughout the United States and they are growing unfortunately. Many of them commit their crimes in the name of religion or they make racist comments and statements in the name of religion, but it's important to differentiate between the two," she said.
Unless people have a Muslim neighbor or coworker, they may identify Islam with terrorism, but the Qur'an condemns killing, she said.
"If you take a life unjustly, it is as if you killed the entire of human kind," she said. Likewise, "If you save the life of one person, it is as if you saved all of human kind."
Jihad is an Islamic term that is often associated with holy war by the media, but in Islam there are higher and lower types of jihad, said Abdelkader.
The higher form refers to internal striving against habits like shopping or gossip.
"My jihad, my internal struggle would be to actually overcome that habit of shopping and that's considered noble," she said.
"The lesser form of that striving or struggle is actually self defense, to prevent oppression, to prevent injustice. It is in the context of self defense. It is not in the context of flying two planes into the World Trade Center or the Pentagon," she said.
After the lectures, Patch asked Abdelkader how the bias she described as a response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks compares to the violence that she said was incited by the Qur'an burning incident in Florida.
"I think there are accountability issues within the Muslim American community. I can say as a member of that community that there are religious leaders, community leaders who are speaking out and have been speaking out for the past ten years about radicalism, about terrorist actions, about violence, how it is antithetical to the religion," Abdelkader said
Still, she believes there was Islamophobia before September 11, 2001.
"The terrorists attacks exacerbated the situation. It almost made people more comfortable to say out loud what they were thinking and feeling about Muslims. I think Islamophobia is real. It's pervasive," she said.
Tim O'Connor
6:33 pm on Thursday, April 28, 2011
Will this air on WLTV 21? I would like to see it, how about you? If so when?
Nicole
9:56 pm on Thursday, April 28, 2011
DisgustedInLacey...does anything make you happy? If you are so disgusted with Lacey, then why don't you move? Everything you comment on is a complaint!
ma
3:53 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
I'm surprised the Christian community still relies on "Walid Shoebat" as an "expert" on Islam. He was exposed as a fraud years ago:
http://mtakbar.wordpress.com/2008/03/31/walid-shoebat-exposed-by-jpost/
And Ms. Jenna,
Your statement assumes that Muslims are "foreign". There are millions of Muslims who are just as American as you are. So your statement that "we" don't go into other countries' school systems and give lectures on Christianophobia is not relevant. As Americans, we're concerned about our country and what goes on here - not what goes on in other countries that are not democratic nations.
Tamer Ahmed, Esq.
9:08 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
Finally, a school district taking a proactive approach in allowing future leaders of America to hear both sides and judge for themselves, rather than have biased media sources judge for them. I appauled Lacey Township HS for thier genuine concern of educating our children.
NadiaB
9:08 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
Wow this is wonderful for the kids-- I hope more programs continue and it can turn into a discussion on other topics, and bridging the topics into many of the dilemmas of bullying. There is a common fight and that's to protect our kids from many things: teen pregnancies, sexting, and discrimination against a Muslim kids who are targeted for their skin and "look" and not their minds (i.e. think the black fight not too many decades ago)... everyone deserves a chance to be heard and understood- and with that the kids deserve to learn about the dangers that face them under many banners, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Jews alike... wonderful job Lacey Township
EAF, Esq.
9:15 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
Thank you for starting this wonderful initiative! Bullying is a serious issue and concern in our school systems, and the best way to combat the problem is by educating our students about different cultures, religions and perspectives. I'm sure the students will be as informed in this lecture as they will be with other speakers, including the upcoming Holocust lecturer. Hopefully, the students will eventually realize how similar we all are, despite our differences in culture and religion, and how it's those differences and similarities that make us all Americans! I'm not exactly sure what "Americanism" is as per Jenna's comment, but i'm assuming that's what it is.
Thanks, Lacey Township! You've done a great service!
sf
9:57 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
I'm happy to read about this initiative- and appalled at some of the comments. If we are trying to raise a generation of Americans with the values we are supposedly fighting to protect all over the world- it starts with being tolerant. Believe what you want, but bullying in our schools is a serious problem and destroys the fabric of our communities- If you can't support an initiative to teach middle-school children to "live and let live," you are the one needs a refresher in how to be an American.
KMM Chicago
11:28 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
We must not forget that Muslims died on 9/11 and that there was a mosque at the World Trade Center in which they prayed. I hope that Engy Abdelkader and others keep up the good work--instilling ideas of tolerance in our children. People like her have transmitted the spirit of America throughout our history. And while haters like disgustedinlacey have always sought to ruin the democratic spirit of the country, the better angels of decency and tolerance have always prevailed.
geo8440
11:33 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
Kudos to the school and the teacher for initiating this great and RARE opportunity to see, hear and experience an American Muslim. She exemplifies every thing wonderful about our country. a mother, a lawyer and a very articulate spokesman for her beleaguered community. for the bigots on line, nothing American Muslims do will please you and that's to your detriment. America is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths and Islam and its adherents have been a part of it for centuries. Do not judge us except by the same standards you want to be judged. Again I applaud the school and I know the students learning something positive and tangible that day.
TP
1:39 pm on Friday, April 29, 2011
All races and religions should be included in this type of a program since all can be targets of intolerance, ridicule and hate. Focusing on only one or two fuels resentment as evidenced by some of these comments, including by those speaking of tolerance while at the same time making accusations of hatred.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." The Declaration of Independence, The United States of America
Jn W
7:29 pm on Friday, April 29, 2011
I thought that this is as good a time as ever for a quote from a real man.
Theodore Roosevelt on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN
"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
TP
7:37 pm on Friday, April 29, 2011
As you can see, they're in attack mode. Great post.
EAF, Esq.
11:26 pm on Friday, April 29, 2011
So here's the thing: religion is different than culture. Those born in America are American. Plain and simple. Religion, on the other hand, is different. One can be American AND Christian. Or American AND Jewish. Or American AND Muslim. Or even American and Wiccan.
The bottom line and the point that an assembly such as this highlights is that Americans can and have been bullied for their religion. It didn't start with Muslims and it probably won't end with Muslims either. For as long as people have differences, there will be fear and hatred of those differences, mainly based on ignorance.
Having forums to discuss our differences as Americans, while embracing our similarities, AGAIN as Americans, is the hallmark of being American. And truly embodies the rights granted to us as Americans in the Constitution, including the right to practice whatever religion we want without fear of persecution and discrimination.
Jn W
7:13 am on Saturday, April 30, 2011
EAF, Esq
So here's the thing:
Culture is defined as the system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning
Religion is defined as a system of beliefs based on humanity's attempt to explain the universe and natural phenomena, often involving one or more deities or other supernatural forces and also requiring or binding adherents to follow prescribed religious obligations. Two identifying features of religions are they to some extent (a) require faith and (b) seek to organize and influence the thoughts and actions of their adherents. Because of this, some contend that all religions are to some degree both unempirical and dogmatic and are therefore to be distrusted.
(This definition is from a Webster's Online Dictionary search for its definition of religion.)
paddler
8:04 am on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Did Ms. Abdelkader mention how Egyptian Muslims have persecuted Egyptian Coptic Christians? It would have been an excellent example to illustrate her point.
TP
8:25 am on Saturday, April 30, 2011
I would have liked to have the students view this and then have Ms. Abelkader explain it:
http://youtu.be/fEPod-hxD7g
Dan
1:32 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
I watched that segment and can not believe this can happen in the USA!!! See how they are protected??
Jn W
10:11 am on Saturday, April 30, 2011
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG,
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ,
AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT
STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD,
INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND
JUSTICE FOR ALL!
If Muslims can pray on Madison Avenue, why are
Christians banned from praying in public and erecting religious displays on their holy days?
What happened to our National Day of Prayer? Obama says we can't have that, yet Muslims are allowed to block off Madison Ave. in N. Y. and pray in the middle of the street! And, it's a monthly ritual!
Tell me again, whose country is this? Ours or the Muslims?
It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God.
Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why
there is such a problem in having 'In God! We Trust' on our money and having 'God' in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I believe it's time we stand up for what we believe!
Jn W
10:37 am on Saturday, April 30, 2011
JOHN WAYNE THE HYPHEN "-"The Hyphen, Webster's Dictionary defines,
Is a symbol used to divide a compound word or a single word.
So it seems to me that when a man calls himself
An "Afro-American," a "Mexican-American," "Italian-American,"
An "Irish-American," "Jewish-American,"
What he's sayin' is, "I'm a divided American."
Well, we all came from other places,
Different creeds and different races,
To form a nation...to become as one.
Yet look at the harm a line has done--
A simple little line, and yet
As divisive as a line can get.
A crooked cross the Nazis flew,
And the Russian hammer and sickle too--
Time bombs in the lives of Man;
But none of these could ever fan
The flames of hatred faster than
The Hyphen.
LaceyLady
9:19 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
JW for President of the US - I would definitely vote for you, you are a true blue patriot, we need more people like you!!! We need a good president once and for all!!! God bless America!
TP
10:15 am on Saturday, April 30, 2011
John Wayne for President!! I do believe we'll see "them" in attack mode shortly. Did you watch the Utube video?? They've already "bullied" a few off the comment thread.
Jn W
10:38 am on Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Russian hammer built a wall
That locks men's hearts from freedom's call.
A crooked cross flew overhead
Above twenty million tragic dead--
Among them men from this great nation,
Who died for freedom's preservation.
A hyphen is a line that's small;
It can be a bridge or be a wall.
A bridge can save you lots of time;
A wall you always have to climb.
The road to liberty lies true.
The Hyphen's use is up to you.
Used as a bridge, it can span
All the differences of Man.
Being free in mind and soul
Should be our most important goal.
If you use The Hyphen as a wall,
You'll make your life mean...and small.
An American is a special breed,
Whose people came to her in need.
They came to her that they might find
A world where they'd have peace of mind,
Where men are equal...and something more--
Stand taller than they stood before.
So you be wise in your decision,
And that little line won't cause division.
Let's join hands with one another...
For in this land, each man's your brother.
United we stand...divided we fall.
We're Americans...and that says it all.
Dan
1:26 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Excellent Points JW!!!! Well stated!!!!
Christian
8:18 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wow....That Sharia video from Dearborn, Michigan is a real eye opener. The Muslims bullied & hit their cameras/pushed those people right off the block for just asking a question & then lied to the police. SO MUCH FOR TOLERANCE! As I understand it, you are allowed to take pictures/video on public streets.
The Muslims who claim to be American are not adapting to the Laws & are not showing respect for American culture of this FREE land that our fathers & grandfathers fought for, atleast that is what my grandfather has said, who fought in WW II. He said they need to go back home so they don't have to explain "Islamaphobia" here, especially explaining it to our schools, because if Islam is a religion, then religion is not permitted in public schools.
Great comments John Wayne!
We are one nation under God, our Creator!
Christian
8:38 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Did the Lacey students hear both sides? If "Islamaphobia" was being discussed, what was the other side for the students to discuss & judge for themselves? Just curious.
TP
9:45 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
How can a human being do this to another human being. I would suggest Ms. Abdelkader speak to the "people" that are responsible for this about tolerance. I'd like to have another "activist" invited to the school to speak to the students about the persecution of Christians and how to recognize it.
http...://barenakedislam.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/story-of-the-12-year-old-indonesian-christian-schoolgirls-beheaded-by-muslims/
Lacey Citizen
10:14 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
I have to say, some of you really have shown your ignorance in these comments. I just wonder, do you realize that Christians, Jews, and Muslims all pray to the same God? Do you know that the country is everyone's, belonging to no one race, religion, creed, or color? So it is ours, but "we" are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddists, Hindus, and any other religious group. And "go back home"?! This is their home, there are Muslims who are born here. They are American citizens, they fight for our nation, they pay taxes, they in fact do follow our laws, and they are entitled to the same rights you enjoy. Americans are not being criticized for their religion, they are being criticized for their intolerance of others religion, and "Christian" as I'm sure your grandfather can tell you, generalizing a whole religion can lead to some terrible things. And finally as a Christian student, I can tell you that in our schools we are taught ABOUT the religions of the world, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, but we are not taught to PRACTICE any one religion. If we're enjoying quotes so much, let me finish with this one, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"
TP
11:42 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Oh, gee thanks, the same God, great, problem solved. Genius. Schools doing a great job. wow.
Lacey Citizen
11:44 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011
I don't believe I could follow your condescending comment, enlighten me
TP
6:49 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
If you want to be enlightened go to your church and speak to your church leader about Christianity vs Islam. Lacey Citizen . . . . . . . really.
Christian
12:40 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
FYI Lacey Citizen.....................Christians and Muslims do not pray to the same God, Christians pray to God that created the earth in 7 days, who sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, Muslims pray to a different god & Hindu's worship many gods. Christians are very tolerant people.
The land of the Free & Brave was founded on Judeo Christian Principles, hence our motto "In God we trust", the pledge of allegiance, our Constitution, you might want to read up on that.
Did you watch the youtube video that TP put on? It is one of many that show Muslims being intolerant. Do you know what Sharia Law is? Do you want to be stoned to death? You might want to read up on that too.
As for my 90 year old grandfather, I would say he is much wiser than all of us. He came to this country with nothing, learned to speak English & worked hard day and night for his family & served his country. He does not call himself an Italian American, he calls himself an American. I suppose after you have seen enough bloodshed for freedom you would tell anyone being intolerant of the American way of life to go home where they came from.
Christian
12:42 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Lacey district should have all religions/races represented to be unbiased.
Lanoka Mom
8:10 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
Many awful comments and great ignorance has been shown in response to this program. No one is asking the children to become Muslim. This program is one of many that educate them about people different from themselves. It is information sharing, nothing more. Many of our children have left and will be leaving Lacey to go to colleges where there will be many people different from themselves. They need to understand that there is difference in the greater world. Here in Lacey, they saw very little difference as we are a very homogenious community (white and christian). These programs are important in educating our children.
TP
1:29 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Oh, your right, thanks Lanoka Mom. Our white christian kids live under a rock and never leave Lacey so how could they possibly be exposed to other cultures, races or religions. Duhhhhh.
Lanoka Mom
5:02 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
What's your point? You seem to be a very defensive person. They don't see much difference here. It prepares them for what's out there.
TP
10:31 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Ever left the old homestead and gone to NYC, Philly, AC or thousands of other places in the good ole USA with "diverse" people. Or how about a novel idea like leaving it up to FAMILIES to discuss this topic. Schools need to get out of the social engineering business and back in to teaching the basics since the US education ranking is in the toilet.
TP
8:36 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
Did you ever think that kids don't see others as "different" until the schools start to "teach" them that they are different? I'm sick and tired of people being put into different categories. Aren't we all Americans? This country is being totally divided because of the focus of being "different" and making laws that make awful crimes worse if the victim is in "different" category. Haven't you noticed that in the media it's perfectly to make fun of Christians?? The school needs to invite a Christian to talk about the sterostypes that are be perpetuated about Christians (Right wing radicals etc.) Exactly what "awful and ingnorant" statements are being made on this site?
Lacey Citizen
9:11 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
FYI Christian, I never said Hindu's pray to the same God, and YES Christians and Muslims do pray to thge same God. Muslims believe in many of the same prophets and angels as Christians, and that Jesus Christ was a prophet as well. Its the same God. And I have read up on "In God We Trust" is it impossible for Muslims to trust God? maybe you could elaborate. And Christian I'm glad we had your grandfather in his generation to serve our nation, but to say that all Muslims are opposed to the American way of life is rather an ignorant comment considering that there millions of Muslims in this country (their home), and anyone has yet to have been stoned in the US. I read up on Sharia law too, its guide to living in the way of God, similar to canon law in Catholic churches, and as far as I know, the Catholics have yet to take over America... It can be bastardized by radicals, but thats all they are, radicals and there in lies your "awful and ignorant" statements, maybe you should read up a little more on sites not called "barenakedislam"
Jn W
9:58 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
Abdelkader
She compared the misuse use of religious texts by Muslim extremists with the misuse of the Bible by members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).
A school district taking a proactive approach in allowing future leaders of America to hear both sides and judge for themselves, rather than have biased media sources judge for them.
So should the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) be invited to speak on the topic
"When I think of Christians, I don't think of the KKK. I don't think of cross burning people in white hoods trying to terrorize African Americans and immigrants and other people they think are inferior. I can differentiate between Christianity and extremists who self-identify as Christians who are using religious texts to justify their behavior and know that the two are different," said Abdelkader.
Her goal for the event was to reduce conflicts, misunderstanding, teasing, and bullying, and to build trust and supportive relationships so that a more effective learning environment is created for all students, she said.
The school needs to invite a Christian to talk about the sterostypes that are be perpetuated about Christians (Right wing radicals etc.)
Jn W
9:59 am on Sunday, May 1, 2011
"In God We Trust"
Global Citizen
8:19 pm on Sunday, May 1, 2011
Great job, Lacey Township!
John Wayne, I think you are absolutely right! As Americans we should not shy away from speaking about religion. Every group should have its say and we should be able to say "Happy Hanukah" and "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Holidays". It seems that the Celtic Pagans are the winners in the end because they can freely celebrate Halloween and other holidays without being "offensive" to anyone. However if you talk about God, all of a sudden, we don't want to offend anyone. God is a general word and would not offend any monotheist. However, a single God threatens the very existence of the institution of paganism. While Muslims, Jews, and Christians have long lived in peace in Jerusalem and Spain, it is the terrorists that hijacked the Christian religion and massacred the Muslims and Jews and expelled them from their homes in the name of God. We need to differentiate between the religion and the people. Every family has a black sheep.
And the Roosevelt quote about assimilation, the Muslims have assimilated in every way possible. But the truth of the matter is that the media keeps stereotyping them. You never hear the religion of any criminal, candidate for office, or elected official unless they are Muslim. They can even be a non-practicing Muslim and they will be named as "the Muslim..." It is a slippery slope because not only is tactic alienating a prosperous and well educated community but it is also ...
Global Citizen
8:32 pm on Sunday, May 1, 2011
...a self-fulfilling prophecy and will further estrange Muslims from the community. If we want them to assimilate and become "American" we need to stop alienating them and treat them as Americans. The truth of the matter is that the Muslims that came here, even though they did not come through Ellis Island, came for the same reasons as most of our ancestors- a chance at a better life. And that is what they did for themselves. Muslim immigrants are not in the slums, they are doctors, lawyers and engineers. They are not caught in prostitution rings or embezzlement schemes. They don't own the banks that own the world. Let's face it, they probably wouldn't even be here if it weren't for our lust after their oil...
AndyK
8:51 pm on Sunday, May 1, 2011
First, I can agree with the school inviting a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu, and a Wiccan, and any other religious or atheistic leader to speak about misperceptions about a given religion or those without a religion. As long as the talk is clearly geared to tackle prejudices and disabuse people of stereotypes, then absolutely, discuss those issues. That is a worthy goal, until that is organized, the perfect ought not be an enemy of the good (i.e., we don't need to stop discussing any intolerance until we're ready to discuss all intolerance).
Second, not every issue has 2 sides. We don't invite Nazis or the KKK to discuss why they think the holocaust and lynchings were warranted.
Third, when you start talking about the culture and values of America, which America are you speaking? Americans in NYC? In rural Texas. They differ greatly in religious beliefs, cultural values, beliefs regarding gun ownership, the value of government, the rights of minorities and homosexuals, etc. America is not a monolith.
Further, America changes over time. The America that existed in the 1920s when there were millions of card carrying KKK members (look it up) is not the country I live in today. Women didn't vote in the America of yesteryear, blacks were lynched in the America of yesteryear, now those values have changed. If we all need to adopt one set of cultural values and adhere to them to be Americans, nothing would ever change. That is not what made our country great.
AndyK
8:55 pm on Sunday, May 1, 2011
To make my point quite simply:
Our country is a wonderful mixing pot and people do not need to adopt one set of values. As long as you can live in our country and obey our laws, live and let live. The vast majority of Americans of the Muslim faith do that... and those saying they should leave, only reveal their own intolerance and desire to create a monolithic country. That is never what made us great and I don't care what war anyone fought in.
Many people who fought in revolutionary war owned slaves. You can be a great patriot and a good soldier and love your country and still hold values and beliefs that are intolerant and wrong. But you know what, you're free to hold those views, just don't go crying about anyone being on the attack when other people vociferously oppose those views as intolerant.
john jameson
3:25 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The timing of this event is kind of eerie given the ensuing event in the following days.
Christian
6:59 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
an interesting book to read about Islam.....educate yourselves.
http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Muhammad-Intolerant-Religion/product-reviews/1596985283/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
sf
8:13 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
In the interest of 'education' try this one:
http://www.amazon.com/lies-about-Muhammad-Deceived-Islamophobia/dp/1453618155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304467945&sr=1-1
And look a little deeper into the motivation of the author when you recommend a book...
TP
10:22 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
You can also try this book in the interest of "education"
Miracle of Miracles: A Muslim Woman's Conversion to Christ and Flight from the Perils of Islam [Paperback]
Mina Nevisa (Author), Jim Croft (Editor)
Also, on Amazon.
And also look into the motivation of the person recommending the book . . . . and the motivation of the activist that spoke should also have been looked at prior to inviting her to speak to the students that were not prepared to ask relevant questions.
sf
10:09 am on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
statistics aren't conclusive- but at least 10,000 people converted to Islam in Europe each year- they aren't writing best-selling books about their spiritual journey because it isn't what makes news today. Also, as an intelligent person, it doesn't make me conclude they must be "fleeing the perils of " Christianity.
Because that was the lesson of this bullying session- learn to live and let live. I can't believe the direction this thread has taken. I don't doubt that the Lacey school department was addressing a need, that there have been several faith-related bullying incidents, and they were hoping to reduce them by educating students that they have nothing to fear from their Muslim classmates. I am sure there are lessons on other faiths and cultures in the classroom, and would be addressed in a similar forum if they became an issue. I don't think there would be such a vocal reaction on this comment thread if many weren't also frightened about something different they don't understand.
TP
10:54 am on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Fleeing Christianity isn't a death sentence. Learn to live and let live we all have a right to our opinion on this thread. The vocal reaction is due to the fact that a large percentage of muslims are radical (20-30% -("statistics aren't conclusive ") and a VERY small percentage speak out and denounce the radicals actions, perhaps because they'd have to go into hiding?? The something different. I believe, is very well understood despite the spin you spew.
TP
7:51 am on Sunday, May 15, 2011
Iran to blind criminal with acid in 'eye for an eye' justice | World news | The Guardian
Christian
11:51 pm on Sunday, May 15, 2011
It is a truly ignorant comment to say that Christians & Muslims worship the same God. Christians & Muslims do not worship the same God, ask your pastor, minister or priest. Don't be brainwashed by the mainstream propaganda.
Muslims worship Allah, they believe Jesus was a prophet. Muslims do not believe in the Holy Trinity.
Christians worship God (The Father, Son (Jesus) & Holy Ghost) Jesus was not a prophet, He died on the cross & rose from the dead. Allah & God are not the same. Jesus is God.
The Bible says in John 14: 6 "Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, but through Me".
bubba
1:39 pm on Friday, July 29, 2011
Jesus said a bad tree bears bad fruit. Worldwide, Islam brings terror, opression and the suspension of human rights. Unless someone is a leftist radical without basic commom sense, they can see that Islam is a false religion. I have friends who are Muslim and very nice folks. There is a difference between being a deceiver and being deceived. Bullies need to be stopped but we need to tell the truth. The truth is that the Muslims are bullies and murderers in the countries where Islam holds sway.
TP
9:30 pm on Friday, July 29, 2011
http://youtu.be/fEPod-hxD7g -- this is the USA??
vincent vega
10:08 pm on Friday, July 29, 2011
i love it when a debate about relgion becomes "my team is better than your team" . religion should be a personal thing . remember that nut in norway hated muslims but shot over 90 people i,m sure who were mainly christians. it made little sense. religion is also the middle east, northern ireland as well as just about everywhere in the world. tp here is only race baiting nothing new but the bottom line is we live in one big melting pot. talking about it is the only way to go forward. john wayne i agree with most of what you said but consider this the words of tommy jefferson himself in 1814 'in every country and every age the priest has been hostile to liberty"
vincent vega
9:01 pm on Saturday, July 30, 2011
yes john jameson a class on tolerance is a pre cursor to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. jameson here is an example of how far we have yet to go. instead of posturing and "my God can beat up your God" logic which has caused wars back since the beginning of time try a little common sense. both sides need to have more common sense including knowing that building a mosque at ground zero will only cause both sides to be in the streets screaming at each other.its as productive as posting endless sharia law clips from you tube to keep the hate going.