Islamophoibia in the US

[Peace.... 281]

1344873727[/url]' post='5607204']

Well, thats stupid...youre way overgeneralizing. ignorance........

I dont have time but do you see me wearing a "tent"?---half the women in his family choose not to cover, mostly younger generation...most Muslim women would want to do it, even the ones from non-conservative countries. Only extremists do what you describe...most Muslims arent extremists. They are like anyone else if you took the time to get to know them.

Totally agree

[JohnR! 5,495]

I work in a major cancer institute here in Atlanta. I work with citizens of just about every country. It is one of the wonderful things about my career as a Cancer Molecular Biologist. My research is only perpetuated by my interactions with these wonderful and brilliant people I get to associate myself with. The ability to embrace all of the cultures around the world. I have a female friend who is Muslim. She is devoted to her religion. She prays at all of the prayer times. We have had wonderful conversations regarding the differences. She is one of the kindest people I know.

I guess the best way to defeat it is to get to know and understand someone who is genuine and realize there is nothing to be afraid of.

The conclusion that all Muslims are like the taliban (I refuse to capitalize) is like saying all whites are members of the KKK

It is very sad with the Bigotry I see in America. I even see it on posts here in VJ. I love my country and very proud to be an American. Meaning being the American that views America as the land of the free from religious persecution and being able to pursue your dreams as long as they don't hurt anyone else. Unfortunately, America has strayed from that process.

I don't believe in ANY war or conflict in the name of a God. Unfortunately, Jihad inherently defines what the holy war is and that force is OK.

I can't be a part of that either. Just as I can't be a part of christianity's war against whatever their current agenda is. Right now, the Anti-Gay movement is a big one. If you don't approve of a Gay Marriage, by all means don't get one. It doesn't threaten my sexuality nor my freedom here in America.

Lack of intolerance just threatens to further divide this great nation in what is already an extremely divided nation.

I am deeply saddened by what I see going on around me. I wish John Lennon was still alive.

You knocked this one out of the ball park!!!!! Kudos x 10!!

[sara..... 371]

Well, thats stupid...youre way overgeneralizing. ignorance........

I dont have time but do you see me wearing a "tent"?---half the women in his family choose not to cover, mostly younger generation...most Muslim women would want to do it, even the ones from non-conservative countries. Only extremists do what you describe...most Muslims arent extremists. They are like anyone else if you took the time to get to know them.

i could not have said it better.......i dont wear a tent either neither do any of my sisters or my mom how ever we do wear hijab and clothing that does not look like it was painted on us......i saw something some where that said if women have the right to wear next to nothing why do we not have the right to cover? kind of sums it up for me

sara

[Peace.... 281]

1344799020[/url]' post='5605815']

I work in a major cancer institute here in Atlanta. I work with citizens of just about every country. It is one of the wonderful things about my career as a Cancer Molecular Biologist. My research is only perpetuated by my interactions with these wonderful and brilliant people I get to associate myself with. The ability to embrace all of the cultures around the world. I have a female friend who is Muslim. She is devoted to her religion. She prays at all of the prayer times. We have had wonderful conversations regarding the differences. She is one of the kindest people I know.

I guess the best way to defeat it is to get to know and understand someone who is genuine and realize there is nothing to be afraid of.

The conclusion that all Muslims are like the taliban (I refuse to capitalize) is like saying all whites are members of the KKK

It is very sad with the Bigotry I see in America. I even see it on posts here in VJ. I love my country and very proud to be an American. Meaning being the American that views America as the land of the free from religious persecution and being able to pursue your dreams as long as they don't hurt anyone else. Unfortunately, America has strayed from that process.

I don't believe in ANY war or conflict in the name of a God. Unfortunately, Jihad inherently defines what the holy war is and that force is OK.

I can't be a part of that either. Just as I can't be a part of christianity's war against whatever their current agenda is. Right now, the Anti-Gay movement is a big one. If you don't approve of a Gay Marriage, by all means don't get one. It doesn't threaten my sexuality nor my freedom here in America.

Lack of intolerance just threatens to further divide this great nation in what is already an extremely divided nation.

I am deeply saddened by what I see going on around me. I wish John Lennon was still alive.

I love what you wrote....thank you for sharing that

[Ban Hammer 13,558]

one post removed along with 3 quoting. the posts quoting returned below

None of these are about the teaching of Islam...I agree with you.

No a good place to start is realizing how much hate crimes are right here in the USA. I love my life with my husband and he treats me with the deepest respect and for you to say such horrible and hateful words before your post was removed this morning just made me sick about Muslims.

I can't imagine any of the ladies in here would dream of going into the China sub-forum and spouting hateful, ignorant generalizations about Chinese people. Is the topic of extremism relevant in the discussion about Islam or any religion? Absolutely. But there are far more constructive ways to go about beginning a conversation like this.

and lastly, one member thread banned

eta: and additional admin action taken

Edited August 13, 2012 by charles!

[txgirl 1]

to combat any type of racism, classism, sexism, etc, you must love more than you hate. simple

peace and blessings to you all.

[Danno 1,228]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean, but I am gonna disagree with your notion that "educating" people out of being a bigot is silly. There is a vast canyon between noting difference & fear/hate. Your comparison of prejudice to "honesty and jealously" is strange because you absolutely can "educate" someone into being honest...and in a round about way - you can educate someone to not be jealous. Honestly is a learned behavior, taught to have value at a young age. Does that mean all people will be honest - no. But can you instil(educate) this value and create a generation more predisposed to be honest - yes. And Jealously is a result of unhappiness and insecurity, something that love and a "taught" healthy self perception can curb...not end...but curb. Both of your examples are mixed innate human tendencies and learned behavior...but bigotry is a purely learned behavior... 100%. Its "learned" in different ways, but its certainly not something that a better education wouldn't help. Education is the key!

Of course, certain people have natural tendencies that all the education in the world will not change. But what is bigotry if not a learned hatred based on either interpretation of values, or lack of knowledge and understanding. You can't tell me that if young children were actually taught something about nature of the Islam, that this would not curb the confusion, stereotypes and bigotry associated with the rampant ignorance about Islam in America?

Again, I don't think anyone thinks we will eliminate prejudice entirely. And I think its hard to teach old dogs new tricks... but if the next generation has a healthy knowledge about differences in faiths, and cultures, they will be much better equipped to chip away at bigotry. Not only because they understand other people - but in doing so, they will feel more confident in their personal beliefs, and less threatened by looming fear of the unknown.

Thanks for your response and while I admit the off hand examples of "Honesty and jealousy" could have been better ....but on the fundamental question we just disagree.

Your whole premise is that.... IF people just got to really know each other they would like each other.

I just don't see evidence where that is always true or even often true.

Look I know we are all supposed to close our eyes to the reality all around us and cling to this ideal you speak of but I just don't have that much faith so forgive me for not pretending that if you took 1000 Arab children and 1000 Jewish children and mixed em all up yet they keep their Jewish/ Arab identity.... that this island of experiment would evolve into the place we would wish it would.

My friend, I want what you want but the diff between you and I is.

For me -Seeing is believing.

For you Believing is seeing.

[Danno 1,228]

to combat any type of racism, classism, sexism, etc, you must love more than you hate. simple

peace and blessings to you all.

Wow that would fit on a Bumper Sticker.

[Kristy 8]

Um...how does supporting Israel make you islamophobic?

[Asia 2,499]

Um...how does supporting Israel make you islamophobic?

Probably the same way that not supporting / not liking Israel automatically makes you anti-semite.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Look I know we are all supposed to close our eyes to the reality all around us and cling to this ideal you speak of but I just don't have that much faith so forgive me for not pretending that if you took 1000 Arab children and 1000 Jewish children and mixed em all up yet they keep their Jewish/ Arab identity.... that this island of experiment would evolve into the place we would wish it would.

My friend, I want what you want but the diff between you and I is.

For me -Seeing is believing.

For you Believing is seeing.

Not all Israelis are Jewish. Not all Arabs are Muslim.

The experiment of which you speak has already been done. You mist these two and then some more together and the result is a country like the USA.

Seeing is believing is a passive attitude, reserved for those who don't realize that everything they see, hear or touch around them at one point was no more than a mere thought in someone's mind. If they didn't believe in their ideas, we would not be seeing them today.

[bsd058 296]

While I disagree with their doctrine/theology, I agree with the fact that we need to stop treating muslims poorly. They are human beings, still created in the image of our Creator. I couldn't say whether or not supporting Israel is right or wrong. All I know is that no matter what religion you are, you should be treated with respect and love. True Christians follow Christ, not propagandist agendas. I'm sure the Lord, if he were to return soon, would go nuts on those who call themselves Christians, yet do not show the same love that Christ showed. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We should show the same love for those who have not confessed Christ, whether or not they agree with us.

Greatest Command according to Jesus - Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

2nd Greatest Command according to Jesus - Love your neighbor as yourself.

[~PalmTreeGurl~ 154]

While I disagree with their doctrine/theology, I agree with the fact that we need to stop treating muslims poorly. They are human beings, still created in the image of our Creator. I couldn't say whether or not supporting Israel is right or wrong. All I know is that no matter what religion you are, you should be treated with respect and love. True Christians follow Christ, not propagandist agendas. I'm sure the Lord, if he were to return soon, would go nuts on those who call themselves Christians, yet do not show the same love that Christ showed. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We should show the same love for those who have not confessed Christ, whether or not they agree with us.

Greatest Command according to Jesus - Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

2nd Greatest Command according to Jesus - Love your neighbor as yourself.

Best Post!

[JohnR! 5,495]

While I disagree with their doctrine/theology, I agree with the fact that we need to stop treating muslims poorly. They are human beings, still created in the image of our Creator. I couldn't say whether or not supporting Israel is right or wrong. All I know is that no matter what religion you are, you should be treated with respect and love. True Christians follow Christ, not propagandist agendas. I'm sure the Lord, if he were to return soon, would go nuts on those who call themselves Christians, yet do not show the same love that Christ showed. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We should show the same love for those who have not confessed Christ, whether or not they agree with us.

Greatest Command according to Jesus - Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

2nd Greatest Command according to Jesus - Love your neighbor as yourself.

And it makes the commandment all the more relevant when you realize it exists in the Torah and the Quran alike. All three monotheistic religions abide by the same rules and are based on equal principles. Alas, that should come as no surprise either, for all three worship the one and same god of Avraham. If only people would stop and read all three scriptures....

[SaharaSunset 165]

And it makes the commandment all the more relevant when you realize it exists in the Torah and the Quran alike. All three monotheistic religions abide by the same rules and are based on equal principles. Alas, that should come as no surprise either, for all three worship the one and same god of Avraham. If only people would stop and read all three scriptures....

While I agree the scripture in the 3 religions shares many similarities, and stories, and prophets, and most definitely the worship of 1 God, the fundamental difference is of course belief in Jesus as the Christ, Son of God and Lord and Savior of the world....and this difference is THE difference that creates the most significant divide between the three. So while I agree that reading all 3 scriptures would help people of all these religions see the commonalities...the whole "who really is 'Jesus'?" thing seems to keep driving a wedge.

Edited August 15, 2012 by SaharaSunset