TYPECASTING MUSLIMS AS A RACE

[Henia 11]

Matthai Chakko Kuruvila, San Francisco Chronicle, 9/3/06

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?...MNG4FKUMR71.DTL

As the war on terror heads into its sixth year, a new racial stereotype is emerging in America. Brown-skinned men with beards and women with head scarves are seen as "Muslims" -- regardless of their actual faith or nationality.

Law enforcement measures, politicians, religious leaders and the media have contributed to stereotyping Muslims as a race -- echoing the painful history of another faith.

"Muslims are the new Jews," said Paul Silverstein, an anthropology professor at Reed College in Oregon who studies the intersection of race, immigration and Islam. "They're the object of a series of stereotypes, caricatures and fears which are not based in a reality and are independent of a person's experience with Muslims."

The Muslim caricature has ensnared Hindus, Mexicans and others across the country with violence, suspicion and slurs. And it has given new form to this country's age-old dance around racial identity.

[Risto 0]

As the war on terror heads into its sixth year, a new racial stereotype is emerging in America. Brown-skinned men with beards and women with head scarves are seen as "Muslims" -- regardless of their actual faith or nationality.

Law enforcement measures, politicians, religious leaders and the media have contributed to stereotyping Muslims as a race -- echoing the painful history of another faith.

"Muslims are the new Jews,"

When in the past Jews were blowing themselves with only goal of killing as many as possible bystanders?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

As the war on terror heads into its sixth year, a new racial stereotype is emerging in America. Brown-skinned men with beards and women with head scarves are seen as "Muslims" -- regardless of their actual faith or nationality.

Law enforcement measures, politicians, religious leaders and the media have contributed to stereotyping Muslims as a race -- echoing the painful history of another faith.

"Muslims are the new Jews,"

When in the past Jews were blowing themselves with only goal of killing as many as possible bystanders?

What does that have to do with racial stereotyping?

Does the phenomenon of islamic fundamentalism somehow justify painting a whole variety of ethno-religious groups (i.e. "brown" people) with the same brush.

Edited September 5, 2006 by erekose

[Fischkoepfin 1]

As the war on terror heads into its sixth year, a new racial stereotype is emerging in America. Brown-skinned men with beards and women with head scarves are seen as "Muslims" -- regardless of their actual faith or nationality.

Law enforcement measures, politicians, religious leaders and the media have contributed to stereotyping Muslims as a race -- echoing the painful history of another faith.

"Muslims are the new Jews,"

When in the past Jews were blowing themselves with only goal of killing as many as possible bystanders?

What does that have to do with racial stereotyping?

Does the phenomenon of islamic fundamentalism somehow justify painting a whole variety of ethno-religious groups (i.e. "brown" people) with the same brush.

Ties in nicely with "Americans support racial profiling." I wonder what would happen if the US were suddenly besieged by white, Christian fanatic terrorist. Would we be willing to support racial profiling targeting white people? Probably not because the it would suddenly be "reverse discrimination."

[PlatyPius 5]

The problem with this is that as soon as anyone here (VJ) makes a comment about "Muslim Terrorists", they are labeled "Racist". So, if the Muslims themselves are calling people racist for being suspicious of Muslims, then who has really labeled them as a "race"?

[Ban Hammer 13,655]

The problem with this is that as soon as anyone here (VJ) makes a comment about "Muslim Terrorists", they are labeled "Racist". So, if the Muslims themselves are calling people racist for being suspicious of Muslims, then who has really labeled them as a "race"?

[Jenn! 918]

Yeah, the poor bigots being mislabelled as racists. We should all try to be more careful....

[Veiled Princess 1]

The problem with this is that as soon as anyone here (VJ) makes a comment about "Muslim Terrorists", they are labeled "Racist". So, if the Muslims themselves are calling people racist for being suspicious of Muslims, then who has really labeled them as a "race"?

I actually don't label them racists... bigot fits much more nicely there

[Alex+R 0]

Yeah, the poor bigots being mislabelled as racists. We should all try to be more careful....

[saturn5man 0]

The problem with this is that as soon as anyone here (VJ) makes a comment about "Muslim Terrorists", they are labeled "Racist". So, if the Muslims themselves are calling people racist for being suspicious of Muslims, then who has really labeled them as a "race"?

I have and have had acquaintances, friends and co-workers with multi-ethnic/religious backgrounds (including Muslim) and I have no problem with any of them because they are not 'extremists' of any kind.

What I personally think should happen within the Muslim community around the world is for the majority mainstream and moderate Muslims to make sure that the extremists in their midst are identified and dealt with. They (the terrorists) are bringing shame on their religion and are badly affecting the view that non-Muslims have of that religion. In other words, moderate Muslims should police their own community for the common good.

So far as 'race' goes, I think that this immaterial in many ways as there are Muslims in many different countries around the world. I feel that it's countries and continents that define 'race', rather than religion.

Neil.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The problem with this is that as soon as anyone here (VJ) makes a comment about "Muslim Terrorists", they are labeled "Racist". So, if the Muslims themselves are calling people racist for being suspicious of Muslims, then who has really labeled them as a "race"?

The point in the article is that "brown peoples", comprising a diverse mixture of ethno-religious groups are being broadly characterised as muslim, whether they are or not. How is that not racist?

The comparison with anti-semitism is perfectly valid IMO.

[Veiled Princess 1]

Edit: Sorry Jenn I didn't read all the way down to see that you already clarified the error there

To further clarify, and I think I can safely speak for most muslims here regarding this... I don't believe anyone here has issue with anyone speaking out against terrorism... we do it too... guess what? Muslims are afraid of terrorists too

It's when they are constantly labeled as 'islamists' or 'islamics' or 'radical muslims' or 'extreme muslims' that gets my goat. Why label them with any religion? They are not practicing Islam so why call them islamics? They are terrorists... plain and simple, nothing more. When we give them religion as a backing we open the door to many many evils.... a few examples I can think of right off hand... 1. prejudice and hate against anyone who truly practices that religion... 2. Further confusing the youth into believing those terrorist are doing something in the name of God and turning them into 'martyrs'... 3. Giving into the desires of the terrorists who want people to believe they are doing God's work.

I say cut them off! Let them know that NO ONE believes they have anything to do with God! Not the muslims! Not the christians! Not the jews! Not the pagans! NO ONE!!!!

If you really want to be technical about it they are not even muslim because the things they do take them out of Islam... they are disbelievers. Don't give them Islam or any other religion.

[Alex+R 0]

Edit: Sorry Jenn I didn't read all the way down to see that you already clarified the error there

To further clarify, and I think I can safely speak for most muslims here regarding this... I don't believe anyone here has issue with anyone speaking out against terrorism... we do it too... guess what? Muslims are afraid of terrorists too

It's when they are constantly labeled as 'islamists' or 'islamics' or 'radical muslims' or 'extreme muslims' that gets my goat. Why label them with any religion? They are not practicing Islam so why call them islamics? They are terrorists... plain and simple, nothing more. When we give them religion as a backing we open the door to many many evils.... a few examples I can think of right off hand... 1. prejudice and hate against anyone who truly practices that religion... 2. Further confusing the youth into believing those terrorist are doing something in the name of God and turning them into 'martyrs'... 3. Giving into the desires of the terrorists who want people to believe they are doing God's work.

I say cut them off! Let them know that NO ONE believes they have anything to do with God! Not the muslims! Not the christians! Not the jews! Not the pagans! NO ONE!!!!

If you really want to be technical about it they are not even muslim because the things they do take them out of Islam... they are disbelievers. Don't give them Islam or any other religion.

I wish we could stop saying "Muslim Extremist." As VP says, repeatedly using that term perpetuates the idea that the most "extreme" or serious form of Islam is killing infidels. Which, although I have not read the Qu'ran, I don't think it is. It breeds more prejudice toward all Muslims.

If we want to stop prejudice against Muslims (and I think most of us should have an interest in that) then we should at least start with semantics.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

The problem with this is that as soon as anyone here (VJ) makes a comment about "Muslim Terrorists", they are labeled "Racist". So, if the Muslims themselves are calling people racist for being suspicious of Muslims, then who has really labeled them as a "race"?

Check and mate.

[tmma 467]

Edit: Sorry Jenn I didn't read all the way down to see that you already clarified the error there

To further clarify, and I think I can safely speak for most muslims here regarding this... I don't believe anyone here has issue with anyone speaking out against terrorism... we do it too... guess what? Muslims are afraid of terrorists too

It's when they are constantly labeled as 'islamists' or 'islamics' or 'radical muslims' or 'extreme muslims' that gets my goat. Why label them with any religion? They are not practicing Islam so why call them islamics? They are terrorists... plain and simple, nothing more. When we give them religion as a backing we open the door to many many evils.... a few examples I can think of right off hand... 1. prejudice and hate against anyone who truly practices that religion... 2. Further confusing the youth into believing those terrorist are doing something in the name of God and turning them into 'martyrs'... 3. Giving into the desires of the terrorists who want people to believe they are doing God's work.

I say cut them off! Let them know that NO ONE believes they have anything to do with God! Not the muslims! Not the christians! Not the jews! Not the pagans! NO ONE!!!! If you really want to be technical about it they are not even muslim because the things they do take them out of Islam... they are disbelievers. Don't give them Islam or any other religion.

You know what? I never thought it would happen-but I agree with you, VP ( especially the bolded part).

People who practice Islam ( especially the scholars and the respected leaders) need to openly do what ever version Islam has of " excommunicating" --( completely disowning and distancing themselves and Islam)-- from these terrorists who do these heinous acts.

Terrorism in the name of religion is nothing new.

I do not think that most people ( especially on here) are " racist" per se, I think it's that people are frightened/do not understand the difference between the religion of Islam and the terrorist activities. Muslim leaders to be VERY pro-active and vocal in condemning those people ( terrorists) and their actions.

I truly believe that if as much air-time were given to the Islamic leaders condemning the acts as is given to the terrorists who are doing it-then alot of people's preconceptions and fear about Islam itself would be altered..

Even if it were by a small amount-it's something.

Both the both the bad guys and the good guys victims claim " God is on their side" Someone must be wrong, and if what these terrorists are doing flys so much in the face of Islam, then it's up to the regular Muslims and the leaders to be MORE vocal in their condemnations of the terrorists.

One more thing-when the respected leaders and scholars are not " out there " openly and loudly condemning these actions, then alot of people infer that their silence ( or perceived silence) implies agreement with said actions of terrorists-

-Hope you understand the point I am trying to make here. It's early and trying to get awake

Edited September 5, 2006 by tmma