Since Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington D.C. more than 40 years ago, you’d think people would open up to accepting one another.
This new American society proves to be more disconnected with King’s message than ever before.
With faith, generations, race and even the first African-American president being elected, one would assume prejudices are slowly fading.
Not true.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen the uproar of racism arise with the case of Shirley Sherrod, Mark Williams of the Tea Party and his racist tirades and, more recently, Dr. Laura and her “N-word” rant.
Instead of directly talking about issues, this country has a bad reputation for using fear, scare tactics and lame apologies as deterrents from understanding.
Recently, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City came under fire for supporting an Islamic community center which happens to be two blocks away from the World Trade Center site.
Of course, this didn’t sit well with many New Yorkers because the wounds of terror are still fresh from Sept. 11.
Lives were interrupted while others were stolen, but what people fail to realize is many innocent nationalities perished in the tragedy, including those who practice the Islamic faith.
Misinformed idiots and pessimists such as Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and other right-wing nuts are getting the country riled up to go against this.
There have been picketing from those who have little to no knowledge about Islam to those who only go by what politicians tell them.
It’s not fair for those who call America home — who happen to practice the Islamic faith — to be wrongly targeted for what radicals and jihadists did on that horrific day.
How can a country which promotes religious freedom deny those who seek others to understand them to build on private property?
The way some Americans are acting toward this are selfish and ignorant. Those who are of Muslim or Islamic faith are just like other typical Americans, with the exception of worshipping differently.
You have Muslims who are leaders, hard workers and those who serve in our military fighting for “patriotism” and freedom.
America is supposed to be the melting pot of opportunity for all, but it seems like it can’t get past the ugliness of acceptance.
To me, the outrage is unwarranted for the simple fact we pick and choose our own battles.
Where was the outrage when priests were molesting children in Catholic churches?
I didn’t see anyone with picket signs, but folks were in line to receive pay-outs from their local archdiocese.
What about the hate groups performing hate crimes on citizens?
These people promote violence but have the right to assemble.
I could go on and on about America’s internal issues, but people will avoid answering questions instead of confronting the issue head on.
It’s funny how the international world views us as ignorant people who love to meddle in the affairs of others instead of taking care of our own problems.
Just as President Obama said at a White House dinner celebrating the holy month of Ramadan on Aug. 13, “Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”
He’s absolutely right.
It’s time for Americans to stop listening to politicians and think freely.
How can we expect to make progress as a country if we still continue to promote prejudice?
So many people are willing to discuss their backgrounds, but we allow our ignorance and lack of understanding get in the way of communication.
The more we, as citizens, talk and create discussion, the more likely we are able to create melodies of peace and harmony.
By C.J. DANIELS
Broadcast Editor
chdaniel@umail.iu.edu
