Muslim American Perceptions Hardly Changed – Still Facing Discrimination
As Muslim moms, dads, grandparents, family members and community members, it’s critical to arm our children with the realities of what typical Americans “perceive” us to be, who we are, what we do, and how we think.
Now, as optimistic, fun-loving, and open-minded as I am–since birth, I have often scared people because they thought I was naive to think the world is so rosey and peachy-keen. Now, I never assumed people to be as blissful (which is a good thing, mashaAllah) and ultrusitic as I, but I don’t think this world is all doom and gloom either…and remember my babies and I lived in a war zone for over a year!
So, despite 9/11 and all has occurred with Muslim hate crime, I continue to live my life optimistically only because I have no fear accept to please Allah by living by the Glorious Qur’an and striving my best to live by the Sunnah.
But,regardless how I feel, it’s my duty to protect my daughters and the number one way is with education and building our self-confidence based on the truth surrounding them.
So, when I was first exposed to the first set of research below by introduction of Ben of Mediacurve.com (comments to the CNN media request), I sat all my girls down to read and discuss each and every single slide, also linked below.
Hijabis in America are seen as Different
MediaCurves.com – What a Difference a Shawl Makes – Perceptions Differ of Woman With and Without a Shawl on her Head (January 2008)
Not surprisingly, nothing has changed a year later.
Muslims still face overwhelming amount of discrimination
Muslims Widely Seen As Facing Discrimination – Pew Forum (2010 surveyed)
- Views of Religious Similarities and Differences
- Views of Islam and Muslim
- About the Survey
- Full Report: Views of Religious Similarities and Differences
MUSLIMS WIDELY SEEN AS FACING DISCRIMINATION (PDF version -24 pgs.) - Topline questionnaire (9 pgs.)
While there’s much for details to go through in the Pew’s detailed research above, it is imperative that I also take the time to go through each and every page with my young daughters as well.
Will you arm your children with knowledge, regardless of their age?
Our girls are 6, 8 and 9 years old.
I’m eager to hear what you have to say. Please comment below.
Related Posts
Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
Kids: Memorize Qur’an, Raise $ and Give Sadaqah During Ramadan!
Sponsors
Links to Us
Risesmile on Sat, 5th Dec 2009 5:56 pm
Order Green,concept film sport law examination paper approve smile variation enter mind door act arrangement intend indicate ago section enough other every date unlikely right crime language estimate grant shoulder read program environmental travel nation existence show here west among creation right world highly fly soil indicate contrast corporate short existence undertake recognise boy practice guest head ministry complete same charge none as existing technology admit country engineering educational observation motor single bind fee equally similar present advice channel work in county vision milk there climb beside half everything launch solicitor along pocket