All Muslims are the same. We are this dangerous block of robots with jihad switches in our brains. We all speak the same way, have the same thoughts, and interpret the Quran in the exact same way. Which by the way, you do not need to actually read. The Spark notes version only has one sentence: “destroy the infidels!” We foam at the mouth at the sight of explosives, and we are all incredibly fluent in Arabic.
After gleaning comments from the Obsession DVD, I have learned that I am part of a crazy cult that is dangerous and secretly plotting world domination. I find myself having to apologize for people who only share the same religious title as myself. Is there not diversity within all faiths? The radical Islamic minority is not vocal because they are loud, but because they are the ones that are given the most attention. There are plenty of American Muslims who break the stereotypes, yet we are constantly accused of not standing against radical Islam.
I do not think that creating a rosy picture of Islam is the solution. Balance is not political correctness, but being able to fully understand what the source of the problem is. In fact, the real argument is about the political interpretations of Islam, which have been vaguely thrown around in the media. Instead of creating a sensationalist storm, or a recommendation to bake cookies with your local Muslim Student Association, the best thing to do would be to educate ourselves about radical Islam. While all faiths have extreme sects, radical Islam has been the one that has been most impending, and ultimately it needs to be understood.
I am not angry about the fact that the DVD was placed in the newspaper. I think that the argument has been too focused on that aspect. Newspapers must protect the freedom for others to express their opinions. That includes the Obsession DVD. The person who receives the DVD in their paper has two choices: they could watch it or not watch it. Ultimately, the choice is up to them. While they did not ask for it, they could choose not to watch it.
Balance and fairness are important, but not to the point of censorship. The Muslim-American community has been very vocal, and they continue to be vocal. The other side to the Obsession DVD is out there, yet I cannot force anyone to see my side of the story. If someone wanted to create a documentary depicting moderate Muslims or Christians and place them in the center of newspapers, it would generate the same problem. To a certain extent, it would still skew the opinions of the people watching them. We could argue about the information that people should be getting, when we should really have dialogue about discerning the different faces of Islam.
I am tired of blind hatred. I was never taught to hate anyone. Point the finger at the people fighting against America, but do not point any fingers at me. I understand the source of the debate, even though it may hurt me. The truth of the matter is that the extremism, which is widely found in the media, exists. It is very real. None of us can deny it exists, but the real focus should be on finding a solution, rather than creating a culture of fear. Creating fear hurts just as much as skating around the issue, trying to pretend like it does not exist.
This is my attempt to reclaim my faith.
E-mail your thoughts to Sara Yasin at [email protected]
