As a person who has grown up in the United States, I often take for granted the liberties that we all share as Americans. While we still face obstacles ranging from equality to economics, life in general yields no complaints. Can the same be said for those that chose to come here from other places, usually in search of a better life?
Since the tragedy of September 11th, we as a culture have become hyper-sensative to those of other cultures. That statement in no means justifies the racial inequalities and barriers we place on our Muslim brothers and sisters. There is no room for and we should have no tolerance for this behavior.
Due to several reasons the Muslim community faces harsh reality in our land. One of many reasons for this is a lack of knowledge and understanding. Things that people don’t know impose fear. Fear then paralyzes normal actions and replaces them with unnatural, reactionary actions. The there;s the lack of understanding. In order to be understanding, you first have to be tolerant enough to listen to the ideas of others. That is not the case in today’s society.
Second to blame for this treatment is unfair media portrayal. In today’s world of mass media, it is easier than ever to get information to the masses easily and quickly. One click of a button and you have a platform that reaches around the world in a matter of minutes. The things we see in the media often can and will influence the way we think about any given subject. Media portrayal of this particular culture of people has been nothing short of negative. That’s putting it mildly. Stereotypes are perpetuated in the news, TV shows as well as printed media. This portrayal has lead to a fear or phobia of Muslim people and Islam as a whole. Not only is the portrayal and fear promoted, but the increase with which this information is being both broadcast and printed, has drastically increased. All of this has helped to shape the negative public opinion that now rests on the heads of Muslims.
Lastly, there is a lack of acceptance of differences among mainstream that helps to reinforce the harsh treatment of Muslims. Now this is a practice that predates any criminal or terroristic actions we so often refer to today. If we take a look back, this practice has been prevalent all along. We can equate this racism. The two are synonymous. Judging a people or person because they offer some difference that we might not have, or they possess a thought or belief system that is different than that of mainstream. This example epitomizes the reality of life for no only Muslims but others in America as well. All of this stems from an intolerant society that refuses to acknowledge that the differences between us could be our greatest strength. If we compiled the sum of our differences and used those for the greater good, what a society this would be.
So, what is it going to take to change the current perception of society? In short, the nation. The old adage says it takes a village to raise a child. While in our culture that is not really practiced, I can assure you that its going to take a coming together of the nation to change a practice that is seemingly spiraling out of control.
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