Islamophobia?

by Gloria

You’ve probably heard about the mosque being built at Ground Zero, but you might not know the details surrounding it. The plan was originally to build a 13-story building, complete with a swimming pool, as a cultural center for Muslims. The idea was Feisal Rauf and his wife Daisy Khan’s idea, they are both American Muslims. The plan was approved by the city council, but now due to protests and tension they may overturn their previous decision.

Many of the people opposing the mosque seriously think it will offend the families of those 3000 people that died in the 9/11 attacks, but some are just plain against Islam. They assume that their Muslim neighbors or co-workers are just like the terrorists involved in 9/11, or just like the independent terrorist bombers. This is an unfair and judgmental. Generalizing or stereotyping people is never okay, just like you don’t say “oh just because you’re black you’re a criminal”, you don’t say “oh you’re muslim, you must be a terrorist!”.

On the other hand, some protesters say that building a mosque at Ground Zero is like building a Japanese memorial on Pearl Harbor. It probably is offensive to people who’s loved ones died in the attacks. They say “build it anywhere, just not here”. But recently there have been protests against five different mosques being built, all around the country. This isn’t just about offending families of victims, it’s about people generalizing against Muslims and Islam. Islamophobia. Franklin Graham says Islam is “a religion of hatred. It’s a religion of war.” Protesters hold up signs that say things like “NO MEMORIAL TO TERRORISTS”. Others take passages of the Koran out of context and use them as proof this is true. They argue that Islam is not really a religion, so it should not be granted rights. Everybody’s read about neighbors suddenly becoming suspicious of their Muslim neighbors. All people should be able to express their opinion, just don’t harm others when you do.

Works Cited
Ghosh, Bobby. "Islamophobia." TIME 30 Aug. 2010: 20-26. Print.

Peyser, Andrea. "Mosque Madness at Ground Zero - NYPOST.com." New York News Gossip Sports Entertainment Photos - New York Post. 13 May 2010. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/mosque_madness_at_ground_zero_OQ34EB0MWS0lXuAnQau5uL/0