To build or not to build?
Let’s skip the fact it’s not exactly a mosque nor is it at Ground Zero and get to what this uproar really says: American freedom stops where American ignorance begins. I’m going to skip all the history that supports that and jump to what the means today.
Essentially, if you are against the Islamic culture center going up near Ground Zero you should also be against cathedrals being near schools. Some of you might understand the parallel and thus you don’t have to read any further. However, some of you need me to break it down. Gladly.
To stress the insensitivity of an Islamic culture center being constructed two blocks from Ground Zero is to accuse all Muslims of sharing responsibility for the 9/11 attacks. It ignores the divisions of Islam. It ignores the fact that Muslims were victims of the attacks just like everyone else. It ignores everything we should have learned in the misguided time following 9/11 (especially the backlash murders of Muslims and non-Muslims). It’s fundamentally ignorant.
We don’t expect all Christians to do crazy things despite the Branch Davidians, FLDS Church, and near incessant scandals. That’s also overlooking the Roman Catholic priest sex abuse that has been taking place since at least the 1960s. I could easily keep going! Essentially, you cannot treat Islam as monolith just as you cannot treat Christianity as one unified whole.
The point is that ignorance is dangerous. So take a minute, get the quick crucial facts, then voice your opinion. I like to think my nation is more than an angry mob. Then again I like to think that one day we will be the nation we pretend to be rather than the nation we are. What will you stand for? When do you realize you are outside of the groupthink? When do you conform back inside it?
Not going to lie, I appreciate when non-issues like the Cordoba House get over-hyped. Sure it creates Salem witch trials for most Americans; they have to either follow the shepherds of controversy or be accused of treason. But, I love watching the interviews as people tepidly offer their opinions but make sure they say that they see the emperor’s clothes. You find out who has courage and who does not. (Et tu, Barack?)
“America is a nation of B and C students.” © Chris Rock
Even more fun, I am afforded the opportunity to conduct a Spanish Inquisition for ignorance. I get to find out who to keep at a distance because they are one of the flock. They don’t think for themselves and when they do the results are disappointing at best. I take a “guilty until proven innocent” stance. It’s the American way, ask Shirley Sherrod. Sure “innocent until proven guilty” is what we profess, but we also claim that all citizens are free and equal. C’mon.
He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool; avoid him.He who knows not and knows that he knows not is a student; teach him.He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep; wake him.He who knows and knows that he knows is a wise man; follow him.
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