The Republican presidential candidates’ rhetoric in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in France is a disgrace and will only serve to perpetuate further hostility towards Muslim Americans and Muslims abroad. This hysteria should not be the standard:
- The U.S. is a country of immigrants and the “land of the free.” We should be willing to embody this principle when dealing with people of all faiths and addressing topics concerning current or future immigrants.
- The Muslim community in the U.S. and abroad is not to blame for the minority who are using Islam to foster their own agenda. The Syrian refugees should not be scapegoats for the terrorism that they are running away from.
- There is a long and thorough procedure for those seeking asylum in the U.S. and candidates running for public office should familiarize themselves with our country’s systems. The idea that we should not help people in need and to only allow Christian Syrians into our borders goes against the American values and Christian doctrine that these GOP candidates say they hold dear.
- Terrorists are terrorists regardless of their “faith.” We do not refer to the KKK, Nazis, and individuals who have committed past or recent acts of terrorism in the U.S. as radical Christians. Why are we calling people who happen to be Muslim and engaged in acts of terrorism radical Islamists?
- We should have basic comprehension of world religions. People can interpret religious texts in ways that suit their personal beliefs. Anyone who uses religion as a means to hurt or hate others is not a true follower of that faith.
- We should learn from history. How were the Jews in Germany and Japanese Americans in the U.S. treated during World War II? Aren’t Donald Trump, his fellow contenders for the GOP nomination, and those who support their anti-Islamic sentiments and plans of action following in that precedent?
Hatred towards the Muslim community or any group should not be acceptable in our country especially with all the information that we have at our fingertips. Other political leaders who have stood against this prejudice and mainstream and social media news organizations who have shared the point of view of Muslims in America and abroad should continue to do so. In order for us to deal with our world’s issues, we must have all the facts.
As a country and a global community, we should be fighting the same fight for peace and freedom in our world. Hate and ignorance has never helped us accomplish anything and never will.
Writer and blogger. Perspectiv.words Founder, Chief Editor, and Contributor. I write to speak out and uplift. I also share my views on current events, culture, history, or any topic that moves my fingers to a pen or to type.
