Islam in America

Submitted by Linda Korrow (United States), Jul 12, 2008 at 12:11

Edward, I did go off on a tangent on the hijab, due to the security threat it poses. That mode of dress is viewed by many Americans as the ultimate form of suppression of human rights. It is good food for thought that some woman actually choose to wear it. Yet one could not say they can chose not to wear it in their countries of origin. It is not a personal choice, it is submission. It is despicable, in my view, that a woman would be beaten by the police if her hijab were not precisely in place. Or that a man feels that he has the right to dictate her dress.

I have to disagree with you on extra screening at airports being the solution. First, I suspect these women would freak out if they were searched bodily. Second, I don't think they security guards or other passengers would appreciate an unknown threat at the gate. And third, once they are in the country, they have access to arms and bomb making materials. If you think this is not a threat, consider all of the terror training camps in the United States that are tolerated. The neighbors are rather upset about the bombs going off and such.

I usually try to put myself in the place of the other person, but had not done so in the case of this garment. I hope you see why it might be viewed as an abomination by a free people. It is a symbol of oppression here and it's is more of a concern at times when attacks are on people's minds. We have largely returned to normalcy here in the US, from the perspective of the general public, but given the volatility of the war situation and recent history of second generation immigrants attacking Britain, graduating classes of suicide bombers targeted at US, and terrorists training in camps in the US, I would still ban the hijab. Suicide bombings will not be tolerated here.

"you are wrong to conclude that Muslims should stop coming to America. They have a place in America and a place in the whole world" - Edward

My feeling is diversity is important and every person is valued. The cure for cancer could come from anywhere. However, that importance is qualified by ability to get along with others. A person's religion was not important to me until after I learned about Islam in more detail after 9/11. It can not be described as a religion alone, I think you'll agree. If it were separated from "state" and politics were omitted, it would be more consistent with American principles of separation of church and state. But it is not. So, if a Muslim practices his or her religion, it is inconsistent with American values and the spirit of our Constitution and country. Good Muslims, then, do not have a place in America, unless Islam is reformed. And that appears to be punishable by death, a catch 22, don't you think?

"if only the world can convince itself that their religion is here to stay and can only be accommodated than fought." -- Edward"

Sorry, that's wishful thinking. There can be no accommodation with those who wish to convert the world to sharia and submission. It is counter to the values this country and the West were founded on. The mistake the West made was thinking Muslims can get along with others. By definition, they can not.

Thanks for your post. I usually try to put myself in the place of others in my thinking. But I neglected to account for those who would willingly wish to wear the hijab. I suggest you reverse the current Saudi tradition -- wear the hajib at home, wear Western clothes outside. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

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