Muslims, like many immigrants from the world over, are certainly welcome here. However, they must be friendly visitors, or eager assimilators. And they certainly are. At least, my neighbors here in the city of Elmira and its environs. Not to mention the thousands of Muslim Americans to be found in New York City, some of whom are longtime friends of mine.
Fortunately, the mainstream media are constantly looking to wring the last little bit of news and entertainment from every item, including the War on Terror. My employer, the Elmira Star-Gazette, is no exception. I was pleased to find the following stories in this morning's paper:
Well, of course. And nobody doubts that. But people who dress differently are sure to be noticed, and judged according to the higher-profile members of their group. Right now terrorists, both male and female, dress the same as our good citizens. (Remember, Lee Harvey Oswald and John Wilkes Booth both dressed appropriately for the Americans of their times.)
So what's left to say? Our local Muslims' "take" on extremists can be found here, at least one person's. And their opinions on current events here and here. Unfortunately, there is no link to the lady who detailed harassment and compassion, both targeting her in the the recent past.
Our local Muslims continue to wear their distinctive head coverings, again both male and female. And they are not all of Middle East origin. There are converts and their families all around us. I wouldn't give them a second look beyond the brief greeting or acknowlegement normally exchanged in our streets and marketplace. And Elmira is a friendly place, never doubt that.
We are all Elmirans together. Were I to run into any of our local Muslim families, or our local Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, etc, in Disney World, the Caribbean or elsewhere, it would definitely be "Old Home Week" for the next few hours, or even the rest of the trip.
That's part of the American experience, and why I love this country. The War on Terror will continue, and things will all shake out. They always do. In the meantime, remember who your neighbors are. Very rarely does religion make us enemies.
(My apologies for the poor formating of this post, and its subsequent poor readability. Something is wrong with Blogger, and it won't let me at carriage returns.)
pb
Little Pond
2 comments:
Yes, it is wise to interact with all human beings as if they were dear, regardless of ethnicity or dress. Jumping to conclusions and miss-judgments are just poor policy.
At the same time, to wear distinctive, identifying costume or clothing carries its own responsibility. When Bin Laden makes a recording in full headdress and facial hair, he must know that his fashions become identified with his policies.
How can a simply message of peaceful coexistence compete with that?
It used to be, when I saw a Muslim or Sikh in proper headwear, I thought "religious person." Now I cannot help but wonder if I am safe near such a person, especially on public transportation, especially in Europe.
On the other hand, a nun in simple habit causes me no anxiety.
Post a Comment