The Myth of Inclusion

Why are people concerned about the myth about Obama being a Muslim? The well-disputed rumor is a problem for more than the democratic candidate's campaign. It shows the cracks in our democracy and the weakness of our all too often uninformed electorate. First, it should not matter if he is Muslim. The current interpretation of the constitution allows the freedom of choice in our religious views and personal spiritual practices. This right is afforded to government officials as well as the average citizen. So we should not all our elections to be consumed by a singular dominate belief.

Beyond the simple constitutionality of the issue, this type of attack is too easy to make. By misleading people about Senator Obama's association with Islam, it allows his adversaries to avoid the race card. However, it has the same effect. Hiding behind the Muslim label, critics don't have to present rational arguments against him.

Being nervous about an Arabic-looking person on public transportation is not met with a significant about of disapproval. On the contrary, fear of black men is largely unacknowledged, but still felt by too many. This covert prejudice shows part of the huge challenge we have in progressing race relations. By masking racism in religious intolerance it compounds the problem. Race is ignored and another prejudice is let to slide. Racism and religious intolerance are palpable in America, yet we rarely acknowledge that we are included in the problem. Through our silence or as perpetrators. Without looking at our own prejudices we will never learn to work through them.

New York City has been seeing blatant examples of these prejudices. Next month, the subways will begin to display ads about Islam. They are meant to direct riders to a website where they can learn about the religion. Some are outraged and claim it is disrespectful for them run on the anniversary of September 11th.
What is negative about learning about a difficult culture or belief than your own?
What is so bad about a group of people educating others? Especially, when they have been overshadowed by the representation of only a small percentage of their group.

Another incident is the "Obama is my slave" T-shirt. This statement spits in the face of history and takes ignorance to a new level. If you think it can't get worse, the maker of the T-shirt doesn't support the senator because he buys into the Muslim myth. A lawsuit has been filed against him, but isn't for the words on his shirts. A woman was assaulted for wearing the shirt.
To read more about these stories go to the following links: Subway Ads and Obama Shirt .

The diversity of the U.S. makes living here interesting and exciting. Sometimes we forget that this diversity requires work, but it's worth it.