A group of Muslim radicals are attempting to rubs America's face in the tragedy of 9-11 by building a mosque in Ground Zero.
--EDIT--
Sorry, a Tea Party "enthusiast" hacked into my blog and wrote that. What it should say is "Xenophobia is spreading as a massive smear campaign is being waged to stop a Muslim community center and mosque from being built 2 blocks away from Ground Zero."
This is a story that has caused many to revert to "American pride," where the mightiest fist thumping the hairiest chest is always right. How dare they infringe upon this hallowed ground where the mighty lay fallen?
"They." There seems to be this notion that all Muslims are secret terrorists hoping to undermine the well-being of every American. In reality, an overwhelming majority of Muslims living in the United States are very moderate and/or liberal, and actually oppose the rhetoric of the extremist Muslims who are to blame for the many atrocities. The Imam heading up the building of the community center, for example, worked in an interfaith outreach program, attempting to bridge the gap between the different religions. But of course, it could all be part of his nefarious and beguiling cover.
Of course, if all Muslims are terrorists, then all Catholic priests are pedophiles, all Jews are embezzlers, all Christians are manic depressives, all Chinese people are emotionless, all black people are criminals, etc. See where stereotyping fails? If not, get glasses.
I would talk about the freedom of religion allowed in the US Constitution, but I'm sure that's been beaten to death. What I'd rather talk about is the rhetoric used by Muslim extremists to recruit young people. The common perception is that the US is at war with Islam as a whole, evidenced by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, its support of Israel, aerial drone bombings, etc. As that is the case, what better way is there to show solidarity with the Islamic world than to support the construction of this mosque and community center? Why not show the world that the United States upholds the values elucidated in the Constitution to every demographic equally?
Perhaps people don't realize that the best way to completely win a war is not with guns, but with overwhelming support.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
Muslims have the right to build a mosque anywhere they wish. However, it is the previously stated goal of Cordoba House AKA Park 51 to promote unity in America.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't about how all muslims are terrorists or some stereotype like that, it is about consideration for your neighbors. I understand that it is 4 blocks away and you can't see it. However, the City of NY is offering Park 51 another location and they should take it in the name of national unity which is what was the stated goal.
There is the old platitude: I hate what you're saying but I'll die to defend your right to say it. I fully support the right for Park 51 to be built. However, why do you have to build it in such a sensitive spot when alternatives are now being presented to you. This in addition to the fact there is an existing mosque already 4 blocks away.
I think everyone understands that muslims have the right to build a mosque. However, the question is...how considerate is it to build the mosque there?
The thing is that it isn't a mosque, it's a community center and prayer center. The difference between a mosque and a prayer center is that a mosque is entirely devoted to religious services while the prayer center (and the community center as a whole) is analogous to a YMCA. It has a basketball court.
ReplyDeleteThe area around the proposed community center, as a whole, has been relatively undeveloped since 9-11.
The "consideration for your neighbors" part is always something that astounds me. In that statement, the implication is that the perception of the average Muslim is one of a radical (for lack of a better term) jihadist, and that they are infringing upon some sensitive wounds that only non-Muslim Americans feel.
Muslim Americans have been hit very hard by terrorism after 9-11, though not from overseas; they have been discriminated against, terrorized, hassled, and even (in a few cases) killed by those too bigoted to see past physical difference.
Muslim Americans felt the pain of 9-11 just as everyone else did. Denying that is obdurate and irrational. Because they are American, they have the right to build anything they wish on land they own (peaceful, obviously) and to practice their religion freely. One cannot blame every single member of a religion for the actions of a few. Otherwise, we might as well prosecute every single white Christian for the crimes of the Nazi party.
I agree completely with your argument.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there are some other issues as well. Islam is an expanding religion. It is currently undergoing an Islamic Renaissance if you will in which Jihad-ism is a growing sect. Whereas Christianity seems to be decreasing in popularity and importance, Islam is bucking the trend.
Violent sects of the Christian faith are looked upon with disdain...not so much in Islam. Perhaps it is the media that portrays this...when American soldiers are killed they are dragged through the streets by Jihadists with the support of a significant chunk of the population.
In comparison, waterboarding terror subjects is immediately criticized by all faiths.
I'm not trying to demonize Islam. I'm merely trying to say that the Muslim extremists have an extremely powerful voice in comparison with comparable elements in other religions.
There's a fear that these radical elements in the form of guest speakers etc. could make their way to Park 51 and spread hate just a few blocks away insulting the memory of those who lost their lives Muslim or not.
Just as the NYPD denied Ahmadinejad the right to visit ground zero, perhaps the outrage over the right to build is a preventative measure...just in case.
In all likelihood, there won't be any radicalized elements at Park 51 because the Imam behind the project is very moderate. In fact, he is in the Middle East on a government-sponsored trip to promote religious tolerance.
ReplyDelete