This is my first blog post for a long time made state-side. I came home for my grandfather's funeral, and will be in the States for the next week and a half. I heard he died around 8am a week ago in my village in Mali, and what followed was a blur of biking 15k, speeding to the airport 7 hours away in Bamako, walking onto a flight as the doors were closing, navigating a fire in Atlanta, and finally making it to Orlando where I met my dad at the airport. Though it was a really sad reason to come home, I have nevertheless been grateful to spend time with family and friends. Luckily (is luckily the right word?) I escaped most culture shock because of the shock of my grandpa's death. However, I have still noticed the vast cultural differences between Mali and America - how can anyone help it?
One of the most striking changes in America since I left is the overall increase in prejudice against those of Islamic faith. Perhaps it was always like this, particularly since September 11th, and I just noticed since now all of my close Malian friends and Malian host family are Muslim. I've watched the news a couple times since I've been back (the political spin on both sides of the aisle is a little overwhelming) and both conservative and liberal news networks throw the word Muslim around like a swear word. A friend of mine was shocked that President Obama had appointed three Muslims to government positions (the horror!). It has been hard to witness this prejudice, as I know so many Muslims that love America and wish with all their hearts to become American.
So to those of you who may harbor negative feelings towards Muslims - and here I am talking about the vast majority of Muslims who are peaceful, serve God, and love their neighbors of any faith - I ask, have you ever explained the events of September 11th to a Muslim who has not heard of it before? Have you ever heard the horror, outrage, and anger that he or she expresses upon hearing of 9/11 for the first time? Have you ever heard apologies from Muslims for acts they did not commit nor would ever dream of committing? Have you ever heard you, your family, and the American people blessed to heaven and back by a Muslim friend in the hopes that a horrific event like 9/11 would never again be repeated on American soil? Because all the Muslims that I count as friends and family have done all of those things upon hearing about 9/11. Granted they are all Malian, and had not heard of 9/11 before. But I think that just further emphasizes the idea that most Muslims would never even think of committing such horrendous acts. How can Americans stereotype the second largest religion in the world because of the actions of just a few, radical, and horrible people? How can that happen? And what does American society stand to lose because of such stereotyping and prejudice?
I am incredibly offended by the America I witness today. I want to give up and not claim it as my own. But that would be the wrong reaction. The right action is to be strong. To fight for the rights guaranteed by our Constitution for all citizens. I am proud to be an American citizen, and deeply love the democratic ideals of America. I want to fight for a better America, for an America that preaches love for one another first and respect for each others ideas second, however different in nature they may be.
So how about we all stop the hate and respect each others' religion and beliefs. Deal?
4 comments:
Beautifully written, Jenny. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather - Ala ka nogoya ke, as our Muslim friends in Mali would say. I wish you a safe return and that the remainder of your time with your family is happy! Love you!
THANK you so much for your words! It means a lot to me as a muslim. (i was born in america, my parents are muslims from Spain). The vast majority of Muslims are not fundamentalist freaks, but just regular folks. it makes me sick that there are people who call them self muslim who do such sick and twisted things, and have a sick and twisted ideology / interpretation of Islam. Again, thank you for not having the same view of Muslims as so many Americans do. Assalamu alaykum !
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Jenny...I just saw this.
Since I had not heard about this until reading your blog, I did a little research. I'd guess 95% of americans don't know a thing about this story. It really recieved little to no coverage after the first few hours following the announcement.
What I found was that there was little to no concern that a muslim was selected. Actually many thought (dems and repubs) that it was a good idea to add individuals with a islamic cultural perspective. NO, this wasn't a backlash against muslims. Rather, it was a backlash against Obama picking people with a political and personal history of supporting those rabid groups like Hamas and Hezbolah who commit the ongoing attacks.
There are probably millions of muslims who could have been picked with zero concern but he chose folks who aren't even close to moderate or "regular folks" to borrow a term. Secondly, all of these appointees have precious little expertise in homeland security.
It is a real shame that you focused on one small event and extrapolate that into a "national prejudice". I would point out that your country just swore those people in to those positions, despite their not being able to pass a secret service test for employment. We have a number of individuals, most aren't Muslim, serving in key areas on security committees that can't pass the security clearances to be a border agent, yet they set on the highest stage. That doesn't strike you as just a little bit shortsighted?
Where exactly is the prejudice? A few commentators or web-sites spewing forth? Big deal. Its called a free if weak press. Catholics are victims of that far more than muslims at this point. All religions are being condemned and mistreated in our country these days. Muslims no more or less so than the rest of us it seems.
It is a sad day when common sense and fair criticism can be construed as prejudice.
These are just simply poor selections, regardless of race, creed, religion, or sexual preference.
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