For this course, we have been assigned to identify and evaluated misconceptions about cultures from the middle east. Muslims are a group that serves as an example of a culture that has been subjected to a variety of stereotypes within Western society. As time moves forward, it is becoming increasingly apparent that this generalization is highly inaccurate. The Muslim community has not always appeared to be vocal about condemning the actions of extremist that claim to represent Islam. There are many reasons for the apparent lack of public condemning of these actions, but not there is a movement among Muslims who are demanding to be heard and to make it known that they believe Islam has been misrepresented. Many of these stereotypes apply to
…show more content…
41). This is arguably one of the most detrimental action against Muslims as these sources can serve as the only source of information that individuals in Western societies will have to develop their views about cultures that differ from their own. The development of these negative stereotypes is impacting the lives of Muslims who will never conspire to commit a violent act. To protest these negative stereotypes, Muslims are speaking out and stating that these violent actions are not condoned by their religion. This is a significant change in the attitudes of Muslims towards radicalized groups that claim to represent Islam. Muslims were originally hesitant to even acknowledge terrorist groups because they did not want to give any excuse for there to be an association between radical groups and themselves. Sayyid Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America has stated, “We wish that the name Islam was not associated with this phenomenon, we would just say that there is terrorism. But since they are deliberately using the Quran, misquoting the Quran, going to the [Islamic] traditions, we will have to say something,” (Gjelten, 2015). This statement is further supported by growing public support of leaders within Islam condemning terrorist groups. With the growing support of the community and its leaders, Muslims are beginning to openly …show more content…
One of these emerging methods is the formation of organizations with the specific message that extremist groups are not true representatives of Islam. One of these organizations is the Free Muslim Coalition. Their goal is to promote a modern interpretation of Islam, which encourages peace and acceptance of those with different beliefs than their own (Free, 2015). These goals are targeted at non-Muslims as well as Muslims who would be susceptible to radicalization. The Free Muslim Coalition also rebukes Muslim leaders that continue to remain silent about acts of violence that are intended to created chaos and fear (Free, 2015). This organization also provides a variety of resources for Muslims and non-Muslims to explain their interpretation of the teachings of Islam that promote harmony with the people that they live with. Another tool that the Free Muslim Coalition uses allows members of the community to report acts of terrorism and extremism to create awareness and to hold them accountable for their actions (Free, 2015). This organization is one example of the movement that is taking place to redefine the public’s understanding of Islam, however they are not alone in their
41). This is arguably one of the most detrimental action against Muslims as these sources can serve as the only source of information that individuals in Western societies will have to develop their views about cultures that differ from their own. The development of these negative stereotypes is impacting the lives of Muslims who will never conspire to commit a violent act. To protest these negative stereotypes, Muslims are speaking out and stating that these violent actions are not condoned by their religion. This is a significant change in the attitudes of Muslims towards radicalized groups that claim to represent Islam. Muslims were originally hesitant to even acknowledge terrorist groups because they did not want to give any excuse for there to be an association between radical groups and themselves. Sayyid Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America has stated, “We wish that the name Islam was not associated with this phenomenon, we would just say that there is terrorism. But since they are deliberately using the Quran, misquoting the Quran, going to the [Islamic] traditions, we will have to say something,” (Gjelten, 2015). This statement is further supported by growing public support of leaders within Islam condemning terrorist groups. With the growing support of the community and its leaders, Muslims are beginning to openly …show more content…
One of these emerging methods is the formation of organizations with the specific message that extremist groups are not true representatives of Islam. One of these organizations is the Free Muslim Coalition. Their goal is to promote a modern interpretation of Islam, which encourages peace and acceptance of those with different beliefs than their own (Free, 2015). These goals are targeted at non-Muslims as well as Muslims who would be susceptible to radicalization. The Free Muslim Coalition also rebukes Muslim leaders that continue to remain silent about acts of violence that are intended to created chaos and fear (Free, 2015). This organization also provides a variety of resources for Muslims and non-Muslims to explain their interpretation of the teachings of Islam that promote harmony with the people that they live with. Another tool that the Free Muslim Coalition uses allows members of the community to report acts of terrorism and extremism to create awareness and to hold them accountable for their actions (Free, 2015). This organization is one example of the movement that is taking place to redefine the public’s understanding of Islam, however they are not alone in their