Islam in the United States

Stereotyping happens everyday. Unfortunately since 9/11, Muslim individuals and followers of Islam are faced with harsh prejudice and injustice in everyday life.

Islam is a peaceful religion. They believe in Judgement Day, in which Allah, or God, will decide if they are allowed into Paradise for living a caring and peaceful life. Taking care of others, and providing for those who need help is also a large principle of Islam. You cannot be allowed into Paradise if you have not given to those in need.

Each person has their own separate beliefs and follows a certain religion to their own liking. Take me as an example. I'm a catholic and recently got confirmed. However, I support Gay marriage, I think love is love. I am Pro-Choice because what right does a senator have to tell a woman what to do with her body? We all have different beliefs and interpret religious practices differently.

Unfortunately we deal with terrorism in our world. Last week the terrorist attacks in Paris occurred and ISIS is threatening another attack on the United States. It's scary, but we need to realize that the Islamic groups claiming responsibility for these attacks are the EXTREMISTS!! I cannot stress this enough. I've heard multiple people commenting that "Islam is a messed up religion" or that "Muslims shouldn't be allowed in the country." How can you call yourself a true American if you're not willing to open your arms to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are facing prejudice for a small percentage of people who follow the same religion as them?

There's been multiple stereotypes on the way people treat Muslims. There was an episode of ABC's What Would You Do? where a man says that he's not going to buy snacks from a man wearing turban. He yells rude and derogatory things at this man until a soldier tells him to stop. Watch the video below for yourself!

 

 

There have also been many social experiments conducted in which women wear hijabs to see how they will socially be discriminated against. In a video I watched a couple of weeks ago, many women were stared at more than if they hadn't been wearing the hijab. They receive dirty looks and are stereotyped all for a piece of fabric that they choose to wear to be modest.

 

We're in America. It's 2015. Why are we still stereotyping against a religion? If we took time to actually learn the basic principle of Islam instead of jumping to conclusions, we would realize it's the extremists who are using violent means to portray their interpretation of Islam. Learn more about a person and their beliefs before you stereotype them.

 

stay peaceful (and inclusive)!!