Heightening Awareness of Multiculturalism

When living in the United States citizens experience multiple cultures and belief systems. Heightening awareness of the acceptance of others is important. Since the events of 9/11, a Gallup Poll found that Middle Eastern people had more racial profiling than any other group and tighter security checks at airports. The theory of Shooter Bias Paradigm is when people respond to a threatening situation quickly; people will be more likely to be aggressive toward minorities. In addition, Section 44902 of the Federal Aviation Act states that flight attendants have the right to refuse the transport of a passenger due to a threat to safety. A 2007 Zogby Poll of Arab Muslims, ages 18-29, found that 31% reported discrimination based on ethnicity and 76% reported discrimination based on ethnic background (Tehranian, 2009).  

So what are some of the characteristics of Islamic culture? Islam is derived from the Arabic root "Salema" meaning peace, purity, submission and obedience. A Muslim is someone who follows Islam. In a religious way Islam means submission to the will of God and obedience to His law. Islam has many of the same principles of Christianity such as: one God, prophets, angels, holy books, God’s will and the afterlife. Muslims strive to live righteously and follow the Golden Rule (Rippin 2012).  

There are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and only 20% of Muslims are Arab. More than ¾ of American Muslims are U.S. citizens and stereotypical behavior fails to recognize diversity. Islamophobia is the dread and dislike of Muslim people, discrimination, social exclusion, verbal/physical harassment, and hate crimes (Bryfonski 2013 and Rippin, 2012). Some Americans think that Muslims are terrorists, religious fanatics, irreligious, unenlightened and hijackers. Many believe that Islam is threatening, aggressive, and supportive of terrorism. Some have their beliefs because of experiencing feelings of fear, insecurity and suspicion in reference to foreign people. Other factors include ignorance, media portrayal of Muslim’s religion, and that Muslims are inherently violent and historically have participated in never ending conflicts (Bryfonski, 2013). 9/11 enhanced preconceived stereotypes and stimulated increased levels of paranoia towards Muslim people. Statistics indicate that following the event of 9/11, hate crimes against Muslims increased and thousands of American Muslims were arrested (Marvasti, 2004). Contrary to the perception that Muslims support acts of terrorism, most do not participate. In conclusion, taking time to understand others before judging could decrease the barriers to acceptance.

 

 Bryfonski, D. (2013). Islamophobia. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press.

 

Marvasti, A. (2004). Middle Eastern Lives in America Perspectives on a Multiracial Series. Boulder, CO: Rowan and Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Retrieved 3 12, 2015

 

Rippin, A. (2012). Muslims Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. New York: Rouledge.

 

Tehranian, J. (2009). White Washed America's Invisible Middle Eastern Minority. New York: New York University Press.