While standing in line at the airport, it's no longer a question. I approach the counter and immediately tell them to call their manager because they'll need extra approval to allow me on the plane. When finally in my seat answering a phone call, the looks I get from surrounding passengers as I greet with "Asalamu Alaikum" is a type of fear that I've never seen, one that cannot possibly be sustained in the face of all that this nation is up against.
I was raised in Michigan, where I always attended public schools. I was a decent student, played sports, served on student organizations and was even homecoming king. I have always believed in the ideals of this country, and because of that, I beat the odds and followed my dreams of becoming a working film writer and director. But at some point, I and many others who share my faith became the Other. I became one of "them."
When I turn on the TV and see another broadcast displaying Muslim extremism or terrorism, it makes me cringe. This feeling persists primarily because there are people doing these terrible things in the name of Islam. They go against everything Muslims are supposed to represent and make the lives of many people here very difficult. We have to live in fear not only of terrorists but also of being associated with them. To make things worse, there has been an unyielding and unapologetic attempt to push it in our faces for the last decade. If we're talking real numbers here, Al Qaeda represents less than 0.1 percent of the world's Muslim population. How can the actions of such a small percentage serve as the representation of a group so large?
Now this idea has manifested itself in a crucial debate, and the issue on the table has the potential to deny American citizens their basic constitutional rights. There needs to be the recognition of the problem of this argument at its core: by going against the building of a mosque near Ground Zero, you're essentially associating the ideals of extremism and terrorism with every peace-practicing Muslim American. I am appalled by this association and disappointed that so many fellow Americans have taken that stance instead of believing in what this country has represented since its birth. If this freedom is defeated, I fear what's to come.
This is not a plea for sympathy; it is a call to character. It's not a question of whether or not we should or shouldn't. Once we get past the unreasonable debates fueled by emotions and illegitimate accusations, we know what's right. As the leaders of the free world, we cannot afford another embarrassment of this magnitude on our record. It will again, in a crucial time of rebuilding, question our validity for years to come.
When I wrote my film "MOOZ-lum," which speaks about the Muslim-American experience, I had no idea so much would be at stake; I simply wanted to give a voice to a generation that is often drowned out by the heavy volume of extremism. But alas, here we are. And I'm willfully submitting my film into the discussion, hoping that it will be able to shed some light and humanize a group of people who have been demonized for far too long.
When all is said and done, the compelling statement of freedom that the construction of this mosque represents can be an ultimate sign of our country's progression.
I hope you enjoy the trailer.
Salaam (Peace)
Follow Qasim Basir on Twitter: www.twitter.com/http://twitter.
Islam in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I am not a Muslim.
1. There are at least two mosques already in the vicinity, which are packed to the rafters at present. If another, larger space is not made available, will the city of New York exempt these facilities from maximum occupancy codes? And even if they do, is the public safety risk worth it?
2. If a community can't expand where it currently lives, attends school, worships, etc. then where can they do so? Do we need Muslim neighborhoods or cities now, so that when a school reaches capacity, a larger one can be built without people trying to declare the vacant lot or abandoned building "hallowed ground"?
3. What's next? Will Muslims be denied entry into certain neighborhoods or cities, lest their presence evoke memories of criminals? When we start trying to limit where people can live, work, worship, attend school, or socialize, full-fledged ghettos aren't too far behind.
From that comes the notion of 'muslim creep' the habit of constantly wanting rules bent for their beliefs - in Canada, naqib wearing women at an airport threaten lawsuits if they have to show their face. In L.A. a Muslim woman who works at Disneyland for two years decides to start wearing a headscarf as soon as she gets her citizenship even though she's in a role playing job and sues when told she can't wear the scarf. It's her right but why didn't she wear it during the interview?
The notion that the vast majority of Muslims are against the many acts of violence portrayed in the media is just that - a notion- because in many cases the silence is deafening .
Let the mosque center be built especially if it's going to be open to the public like a YMCA but if it's not , it'll prove the critics right.
Also, Islam does not state that people are forced to convert to Islam or die. In fact, it clearly states that there is no compulsion in religion.
I just think that these misconceptions should be cleared and that the real reason for "the problems against the Muslims" be looked at with a clearer, less prejudiced perspective. Perhaps one reason a lot of people are against Muslims is that they did not know a lot about Islam prior to 9/11 and then afterwards learned only as little as they needed to know to confirm that the terrorists who called themselves Muslims when attacking us that day represented 1.5 billion Muslims instead of just a fringe, extreme component that hijacked my religion that day.
I was at first against the Mosque. You however changed my point of view. I am now in support of it and I hope that it accomplishes it's purpose. To help people, ALL people, learn more about Islam. True Islam.
Something people seem to fail to realize is that we are responsible for how people see us as a whole. People know I am Muslim and so to them I represent Islam. If I were to go over seas I would represent America. This fate is inescapable and so the only question is, what do you choose to represent? and how?
It is also true that the anti-Islamic behavior across the world seems to keep growing and festering more. I am truly afraid for us in days like these. People need to see us for who and what we really are. If only they would look and take the time to listen.
Thankfully there are still people out there who are open minded and see us clearly.
I wish your movie and your activism all the greatest success. I can't wait for it.
Ma Salaama
I, was just again reading and reminded of, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran... I, know he was not a Muslim, but he reminds me more of a peaceful Muslim, than a supposedly peace and love, Christian, does... I, think in that Gibran was more about Spirituality, than Religion...
I, am NOT a supporter of Organized Religion... As long as people keep it personal and do their best to live to the positive aspects and do not attempt to force it onto others, I am tolerant of Religion as an individual choice...
Anyway... I, hope you are holding up well and I, appreciate your courage...
Peace be unto you.
(2). Ignorance= hatred and the manipulation of fear only destroys the physical well being and the soul of ALL of humanity.
(3). Who are we to think we have the right to rule on a land stolen from My Native Americans who today cant even get running water or electricity in their Indian reserves.
(4) A land harvested and built with the bare hands of my African ancestors.
(5) Refocus! Educate! OpenYour Minds!
lets be honest