Islamic Outreach

As American as Apple Pie, Muslim Americans

President Obama choosing to visit a Muslim country within his first 100 days as president was a significant moment for many Muslims Americans. They have become accustomed to people believing that they know who they are before they even meet or speak to them. President Obama’s words about Muslim American enriching America touched many people. His words told many what American Muslims have been trying to convey for a long time; that you can be a Muslim and a patriotic American.

Many Americans see American Muslims and see them as someone foreign. This forces them to choose between their religious beliefs and their nationality. As long as Islam is viewed as something foreign people will see mosques, Muslim schools and headscarves as a rejection of American culture. This is just not the case.

Muslims are viewed as “others”. Muslim women are told to go home when they are out eating with their children, despite the fact that were born in the United States. A man plowed his truck into a mosque in Florida just to show American Muslims that they are not safe here.

Many American Muslims were hurt by the fact that President Obama did not address the anti-Islamic rhetoric that surrounded the accusations that he was a closet Muslim. While it is true that in post 9/11 America, where one third of American believe that Muslims are sympathetic to terrorists, being branded a Muslim really could have made him lose the election; many were saddened that he did no do more to stand up for Muslim Americans. It has brought much relief that he now seems to be trying to break through the stereo types and unnecessary fears surrounding Muslim Americans.  Muslims are not just a group of people who should not be feared, but their contribution to our society and culture should be lauded and embraced. President Obama has given many Muslim Americans the sense that their identity has a place in America’s identity.

http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?mid1=676&&ArticleID=25887&&name=n&&currPage=2

© 2009 American Muslim Observer.