Islams problem is that it does not use the camera enough. The camera is a weapon and must be used as such. If the only time Americans see Muslims on TV is when they're committing acts of violence, then what do the builders expect? Right or wrong, it's their job as a minority to change our perception. Hey Mullah - how about getting off your ass and coming on TV and telling us what you believe? We're Americans fool - we don't have time to research. Do it for us. Show us that - like Christianity - the religion of Islam is full of different sects and just because one sect loves evil doesn't mean they all do. Come on Achmed - rise up and denounce stupidity like Christianity does.
After every tele-notice that "another priest was arrested for molesting" the Catholic church will then flood the airwaves with commercials showing the Knights Of Columbus and the "good they do in the community" and other Catholic-centric goodness. "No...we're not all like that." That's the message Islam fails to convey. You tell us, "In our culture silence is revered." Sorry Imam - you're not in YOUR culture. You're in ours. In our culture, silence spells guilt. We've accused you all of senseless violence. Come out and disprove us. By sitting silent you condemn your religion to death.
This is the Mosques challenge. Yes they have a right to build - and using the same script - people have a right to protest it. Diversity is both a savior and a curse. A two edged sword. If Islam is to peacefully thrive in this nation of religious freedom, then it needs to separate one of it's main tenets. It needs to be American FIRST, Muslim second. This means that since they ARE Americans they need to start acting like Americans. Right now - although born here - they are looked upon by most of their neighbors as foreigners. And again, rightly or wrongly, that is the curse of perception. Based on everything that tv shows of Islam, the citizens of NY are "right" (law or not) to condemn the building of the Mosque.
Islamics here in the U.S. need to accept the fact that they are American and start using the many tools Americans have available to "spread the word." The word that not all Muslims are ass holes. What do you think most of many church's money is spent on? Outreach. Spreading the news that not all folks who go to church are (fill in your favorite issue here). It works. It not only changes folks perceptions but also helps with the church of Christ's main goal: spreading the gospel. Muslims would be wise to start branching out and opening up to the community. You're our neighbors. Start acting like it. I socialize with Christians, Atheists, Catholics, Ba'hai, and some “unsavory” characters from time to time, etc. Don't have any Muslim friends. Why? Islam needs to get out more and start showing up on more TV. Again - there's religious freedom. That means free from government interference. So the Islamic hope that government will step in and stop the racism is not gonna happen.
Remember folks - you're free to start any religion. How you sell it is also up to you. And if people hate your religion - again, that's also your problem. Time for Islam to get some better spin doctors.
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