Mipsterz; A call for Acceptance or Freedom

Hipster Muslims are nothing new.  I was raised surrounded by Muslims who were the hippest folk around.  In the 70’s it was nothing to see Muslim men in leather coats, kufis, dashikis and dark glasses walking with a lean and Muslim women in heels and afros with nose rings draped in colorful garb, scarves and hijabs included.  American Muslims have always been hip with social and spiritual swag.  As with every generation there’s a reinvention of what was, a neo-defining of the past…the old Muslim cool is now Muslim hipsters or Mipsterz. 

There’s already been a ton of talk on the Mipsterz video so I won’t describe its contents but let’s just say if you haven’t seen it see it. Visually it’s stunning; socially it’s thought-provoking depicting the humanity of Muslim women.  Muslim diversity is what’s in the ring not Islam the faith. There also seems to be a deeper message, a latent cry for freedom, more than acceptance by the majority and popular, but an underlying message to Muslim families that our women are still wrestling with equality.

The humanness of Muslims makes us as different as snowflakes.  Allah(swt) created us with a variety of styles, looks, colors, views, likes, ideas, etc. so how could we be expected to constrict our community to a monolithic Muslim identity. What would that monolithic identity dress like, talk like, look like.   Should it be like Afghan women under Taliban jurist or like the American Muslim artist Me’shell Ndegeochello (Suhaila Bashir-Shakur).  

Ok, I probably lost some Muslim readers by now but seriously, what amazes me is a faith that has touted the freedom and equality of women for over 1400 years is still embattled with the role and position of women within its own community.  Like Plessey v. Ferguson, separate but equal, African-Americans were legally free and equal but socialized inequalities resulted in Jim Crow rules and years of social oppression and discrimination.  I wrestle with the fact that in too many cases, Muslim women have been given a ‘bad check’ under the notion of ‘equality’ under various interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.  I’m not a jurist, a scholar or even a wanna-be Imam, neither is this an exegesis on Quran but as a born and bred Muslim I bear witness to the mask we wear when addressing equality. We can’t equal the playing field because we’re playing on the same field.

Whatever side you are on, whether you agree that a Muslim woman should be viewed publically or not, we as Muslims have to take a serious listen to the rumblings in our community for the salvation of our community. What’s interesting, we already know Muslim women like this so why the shock and divisiveness…it’s the mask that Paul Laurence Dunbar describes in his famed poem ‘We Wear the Mask’ or as Jaz Z raps in the soundtrack, “New money, they looking down on me, Blue bloods they trying to clown on me, you can turn up your nose high society, Never gone turn down the homie”.  Muslimahs, let the haters hate, look down on you and clown you but know that they can’t turn you down…only the One that create you wears the Crown.  Blaze a path so the ones to follow know, not that it’s cool to be Muslim but it’s cool to be themselves while keeping their faith.

#Mipsterz

Where are the American Muslims in the media?

With a second round of Congressional 'Radicalization' hearings complete, Islam in America continues to be under fire. Americans continue to be misled into thinking Islam is any less American than Judaism or Christianity. If we go by strictly numbers, Christianity would be the religion of America, although, it landed on American shores the same time as Islam. Some may argue Islam preceded Christianity as Muslims have been documented to have traded and lived among Native Americans. However, it is a known fact that Muslim 'Moors' accompanied Columbus on the Santa Maria.

Today, Christianity is the religion of the land. Our national holidays, historical context and 'natural' religion of the majority comes from the Christian tradition. It is important to note that race has played an unfortunate role in American religious culture. During slavery, traditional African religions and Islam was forcibly rooted out of the enslaved population considered to be dangerous to the oppressive institution. For all practical purposes, there was only one acceptable American religion, Christianity and it was being unfairly used to segregate and oppress.

American religion evolved as racial status progressed. As African-Americans found freedom, Black Churches were established to support the welfare and advancement of Blacks. The Black church found itself in contention with the racial theology of mainstream America as it provided a theological foundation for the liberation of slaves and later a platform for the Civil Rights Movement. Still today, Black churches are primarily segregated but are now considered a part of mainstream American religion.

The journey of Islam in America has been rooted in a similar struggle for liberation as the Black church. Enslaved African Muslims are documented to have maintained their faith, although not allowed to openly practice. To practice meant physical reprimand, abuse and death. Islam represented the antithesis to the slave doctrine and oppression. Theologically, it abolished slavery and could not coexist in a system of injustice. Islam still survived through slavery and continued to be relevant in Black life during the turn of the 20th century up through the Civil Rights movement. African-American Muslims played a critical role in the American struggle to freedom and equality.

Looking at Islam in the media, few could determine its long and important history in America. Media outlets are either choosing immigrant Muslims to address issues of radicalization, terrorism and the dangers of Islam in America or Muslim organizations are making the choice. Some representatives are born Americans, usually 1st generation but they still look and feel non-American. Their appeal is closer to what and who we are being led to fear...a stereotypical prototype of a Muslim or worse a terrorist who is of middle-eastern or south Asian descent.

I can't help to think that the lack of indigenous Americans being shown in the media is aiding in creating a climate of Islamophobia. African-Americans makeup the largest single ethnic segment of Muslims in America, yet they are rarely seen in the media. Immigrant Muslims are commonly seen usually attempting to look more 'american' to accommodate the American public. This is a poor image to present as most terrorist are seen wearing the traditional dress of Muslim immigrants. By not presenting a 'normal' Muslim, in traditional dress, speaking of peace and inclusion in the context of Islam, then the 'radical' Muslim becomes anyone who doesn't 'appear' to have assimilated into American culture.

To make a better impact in the fight against unjust discrimination, why not bring forth the folk, whose very image is wrapped in the liberation movement of America. The image of the American Muslim, is an indigenous American image. An image historically rooted in American religion and culture. It comes with the historical wherewithal of discrimination and segregation. It maintains a voice of justice and equity for all Americans and maybe, most importantly, reminds America to be weary of repeating her crimes against humanity.

A lot of damage has already been done since 9/11 to the image of Muslims in America. Without question, immigrant Muslims are taking the biggest hit in this era of Islamophobia. But just as the history of America reflects, we can overcome injustice. To do so, Islam in America needs to employ representatives who have the seniority and experience in speaking out against injustice. The people whose image is not only wholly American but has helped shape what is considered to be American tolerance and humanity. The African-American image is already normalized as American and being the oldest Muslim population in America, it should be represented. By doing so it will help in bringing clarity and focus to the conversation of terrorism and injustice.

Is Allah Sexist?

The other night I was talking with family about equality of women in the religious sphere. The conversation started with a reference to Eric Michael Dyson's 'Making Malcolm' book where he accuses both Malcolm and Martin as being sexist. The indictment in the book caught me off guard because it is something I've never considered in my reading or critique of either.

Our family friend, who is a 'womanist' and intellectual, began to provide support for Dyson's position. As she referenced the place of women in the religious tradition, I began to see the legitimacy of such an accusatory statement. She continued and posed the question, could a woman be an Imam in Islam?

Before I could answer, my daughter quickly retorted a common but flawed Muslim response, that a woman could not perform all the duties of an Imam because of her menstrual cycle. In the midst of her answer and the anticipation of my sister's refutation of such a medieval notion, I had a semester of thoughts. I quickly scanned every familiar verse and hadith on the subject. The reform efforts of women leading mixed congregations in prayer (salat). The position of women in Quran and it's mostly patriarchist interpretations. The oppression and inequities enforced on women in Muslim countries and the undiscerning sexism in my own Mosque and Muslim community.

Then I thought of the response of my daughter whom my wife and I have always taught she could achieve anything, that ceilings were meant to be shattered, yet, she defended a limitation that we've never submitted or even conceded as an improbability. I knew where it had come from but didn't realize the power of influence from which it came.

Sexism, is discrimination based on gender, prejudice + power. The struggle of women throughout history dates back to Eve from bearing the blame of 'temptation', through the early women movements and continuing through the 21st century as women continue to be subjugated to socioeconomic inequities.

Inside the hallowed walls of faith, particularly, those of the Abrahamic traditions, patriarchy remains dominate. Those who choose to see 'man' prioritized in scripture continue to render women as secondary patrons. In most cases, partriarchy is so entrenched that male members rarely recognize any inequality. The subtlety of religious-sexism has become engrained in the mosque/church culture, denomination/sect and even the hermaneutics of the texts.

The Islamic tradition is particularly challenged with sexism and some would argue having the larger 'elephant in the room'. Of the three Abrahamic faiths, Islam is theologically the more liberating. In the Muslim text woman is set as equal to man, given rights over her husband, property and inheritance. The equal rights of women are well documented in the fiqh of Quran and hadith (traditions of Muhammad).

However, pre-Islamic traditions and cultural influence blur the equity of the Quran in the treatment of women. This most unfortunate behavior is played out too often in Muslim countries with unfair, unequal laws against women from illegal driving to not being allowed in public after dark to not being deserving of education. Men, dictating and interpreting how women should live and function in society has created a blasphemous list of injustices against women that are too frequently mis-charged to God. Much of this discriminatory behavior has crossed the seas with those of 'authority' providing their interpretations.

The blame of sexism in American Mosques isn't solely an immigrant product. Sexism has been a long-time partner in American and African-American culture. We've seen it played out in advertising, music, hiring, salaries, purchases, jobs, etc, etc. Although we rarely acknowledge the possibility, we all bring our own 'bags' of 'isms' to our places of worship and in too many venues, the bags of sexism are still being carried where they were banned long ago.

We can continue this thought with more specifics and offer examples and solutions but this writing isn't about what dress is oppressive or should walls stand between men and women. Those are products of the issue of sexism and it's ignoring in Islamic spaces. We as Muslims must do a better job at giving attention to the subtle practices of sexism within our walls. We are very adept at responding to criticism of unfair treatment of women by stating Quran and Hadith but it's in the application where we become decrepit.

I purposely haven't given any anectdotes, I'll leave that to the reader, the believer, the Saint, the Minister and the Imam. Or maybe I'll write in more detail at a later time but for now, it's about changing the culture within the walls of faith and the focus on the response of my daughter.

My daughter who served as Commander of the largest JROTC command in St. Louis. She successfully led and trained young men and women in discipline and order. From Senior Class President to being the protective 'big sister', she embodies the dignity and courage of her fore-mothers. Yet, in the space where women are to be anointed, my daughter inhaled faith and with it, it's latent patriarchy. For her and all of the daughters, we must change.

The Islamic Exclusionary Act of 2012: The Beginning

In 1942, America was at war. The bombing of Pearl Harbor marked U.S. entry into World War 2 and also exposed the still latent bigoted prejudices of a country. Americans of Japanese descent were politicized with the war and were subjected to discrimination and regulated to American concentration camps.

Japanese presence had been established with immigrants coming to America working the gold mines in the late 1800s. America in those days was not only prejudiced against African-Americans but also Asians and any other ethnicity considered to be 'non-white'. Japanese students were segregated in California schools and with the passing of the "Oriental Exclusion Law", were blocked from attaining American citizenship.

The Japanese were not violent or aggressive, combative or even anti-American. They were victims of fear-mongering propaganda during a time of war. In 1942, 100,000 Japanese were sent to "War Relocation Camps" on Executive Order 9066. Of the 100,000 forced into these camps, 70,000 were Japanese-American citizens.

How could this happen in 1940 America? How could Jim Crow and "colored only" segregation happen? And who was enforcing these unconstitutional practices? We could argue the complicity of state and government officials but certainly, the assent of fear and hate propaganda placed the common American in opposition to peaceful minority groups.

This proliferation of fear and hate has always been the pre-amble to the acceptance of the "radicalization" of our constitution and our American values.

It is important to note that Anti-Islamic propaganda did not begin with 9/11. I can recall, as a young boy, threatening phone calls made to our Mosque during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. At that time, the "radicalization" of the Muslim image was exacerbated through the media and hollywood, as middle easterners were consistently cast as anti-American terrorist.

In Denzel Washington's movie, 'The Siege', a friendly American Muslim was cast as his partner and good friend. A movie set in New York following the first 1993 terrorist attack depicting New York City under siege by suicide bombers. As if taken directly from the archives of Japanese-American history, Muslims were 'relocated' into gated camps by the military out of fear that any Muslim could take allegiance with the enemy.

Today's Homeland Security Committee hearing chaired by Rep. Peter King seemed all too surreal and yet familiar. I watched the hearing as if I was the 'Muslim' in a documentary depicting how the "Islamic Exclusionary Act of 2012" began to take shape.

Rep. King's, supposedly innocent, preemptive hearing to examine the 'status' of the American Muslim mindset further moves the paradigm of imbalance and xenophobia closer to the danger zone. If there was some good to come out of the hearing, which I watched and did hear some stories of support, most of America will mostly draw concern as they only get media sound bites, a headline or two and the news ticker scrolling at the bottom of their TVs showing,

"A Congressional Hearing was held on the Extent of Radicalization of among American Muslims".

Once again, the words 'Radical' and 'Muslim' are made to be synonymous and the fear propaganda continues.

We as Americans must be very careful at this particular time. We cannot accentuate the extremist actions of a few over the peaceful lifestyles of the majority of Muslims. Terrorism should not be categorized or presented as a 'Muslim' issue. Terrorism itself is a perceptive concept. Edgar Hoover labeled Martin Luther King and most Black Civil Rights groups as threats to America and terrorist.

There is a long-standing American Muslim narrative of peaceful civility and the American Dream. The narrative being presented by Rep. King and most American media outlets is not only unfair to the six million American Muslims but is also beginning to challenge the American Muslim's civil and possibly human rights.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation which apologized for the internment of the Japanese on behalf of the U.S. government. The legislation said, "government actions were based on race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership". The U.S. government not only admitted it's fault but disbursed more than $1.6 billion in reparations to Japanese Americans who had been held captive and their heirs. I should mention descendants of 300 years of slavery still have not received any reparations...but I digress.

America has long been the 'melting pot' of the world. Today's Americans are descendants from every corner of the earth. Our values as a country are God-centered which is ecumenical, cross-cultural, aracial and at the foundation of the Constitution. It doesn't matter our faith, the moral authority to recognize right vs. wrong is something we have always shared.

It is not Islam that is radical but the individual who becomes radical. Rep. Shelia Lee said it well, "you can't clean a dirty kitchen with dirty water". We have a constitution that upholds the rights and freedoms of every American...Muslim and non-Muslim. Terrorism is ugly and immoral but it's also indifferent of faith. Acts of terrorism are committed by and against individuals from all groups and from all faiths. Hearings such as these are not how we 'clean the kitchen'.

The KKK and Martin Luther King were both Christian. Yet, a hearing was not held on the "Radicalization" of American Christians. We don't demonize the silent Christian liberals and conservatives who remained quiet during the Civil Rights movement or during the detainment of Japanese-Americans. We also have not charged them with the responsibility to eradicate a radical minority.

I get confused with all the different terminologies being used to define Islam. Radical Islam, Islamism, Muslim Moderates, Islamic extremist, Muslim Extremist, etc. are all terms referencing Islam but none define what it is or what a Muslim is to be.

I don't really know what a 'moderate' Muslim is, as if there is a Muslim meter with moderates in the middle and extremist at the end. There's only one type of Muslim described in the Holy Quran, which is one who serves God and serves humanity. Muslims live by the universal moral code that all people of faith follow.

What should be addressed is the "politicalization" of Islam and how western imperialist politics have aided in creating this climate. Hmm...I wonder who would actually conduct that hearing? Anyway, radicalization of individuals doesn't happen in a vacuum, it's a process fueled by apathy and pain...not religion.

Just like in 1942, America today is at war with a people whose lifestyle and religious practices are virtually unknown to the American people. There were officials who falsely proselytized discrimination and hate against Japanese Americans. Today Rep. King, in the spirit of his bigoted forefathers commenced to committing the same crime.

After watching the hearing, I do believe the racist motives of the organizers were thwarted with honest testimonies and defenses of Muslim Americans by both Muslims and non-Muslims. I pray this is the spirit that goes forward....aw damn....just read the news ticker.

Ghana Jalsa

The two lane road is backed up like taxis in Times Square, "what is all this traffic?", I ask our driver, he responds, "Jalsa!" We continue to inch forward to arrive at a large white fence, Ghanain flags and a sea of people. The Khuddam stand post at the huge black gate, they verify our VIP then two young men open the doors to the campus. All I could manage was Allahu Akbar, 'God is Great', as my breath was taken away for what laid upon my eyes.

People who have witnessed this marvelous event, have always expressed such deep emotions in their descriptions. They would attempt to explain the magnitude, the spiritual energy, the sheer visual beauty but all fail to do it justice. As an African-American muslim, it is the most surreal feeling to be in the midst of African people celebrating Islam as it has been inherently passed down to them from the time of the Prophet of Islam. The order of the Khuddam as they go through their protocols like a well-trained military corps. The Ameer of Ghana greeting his guest in his formal african 'whites' with thousands more laced in african clothing, at a level of sharpness the american eye has never seen. Behind this buffet of order and beauty, the melodious sound of singers serenading praises to the Most High. Their African harmonies reminiscent of the most southern black gospel choirs. To justifiably explain this awe-inspiring event is virtually impossible.

As the Ameer and guests make their way to the front stage, cheers of 'Allahu Akbar', 'Oninche' and 'Onkwoso' are harmoniously song in response by a crowd large enough to fill a football stadium. The men raising their hands with bright smiles and the women waving handkerchiefs in the air all greet the stage-party. As the VIPs take the stage the singers return to lay another soul-stirring 'jam' on the crowd. They cheer, sing along, and are in complete joy as God is praised in their native tongues. It's an African 'tent' revival going on live!

The VIPs speak with passion of attending Ahmadiyya schools when they were young and to now holding government offices. They speak of the community work that is being done in Ghana; the schools, hospitals, farming, the good people, etc. A greeting from the President of the country is read by his representative. Then another song. The Ameer addresses the crowd and officially opens the Jalsa..then another and another song. The energy is unreal. I'm so excited I find myself cheering in song with the rest of my sisters and brothers as if my soul had returned home and remembered all of this.

Equality of men and women in Ghana is openly practiced. Men and women marquis' stand side-by-side giving both sexes equal view of the stage and activities. I can't explain the beauty in prayer when lines are formed in the designated areas but quickly overflow into the street and parking lot. No hesitation as prayer rugs are layed in unison covering the grounds. Finding some cover under a row of palm trees, shoulder-to-shoulder I stood linked with my African family...Allahu Akbar!

Each day goes on like the above, every moment we enjoy while hoping to decipher a way to package it all and bring home. Some things I choose not to disclose because it is so uniquely African, it's like a pureness that should never become tainted even by the least misunderstanding. In Ghana, we all are family, equal in every way. I've ofter imagined what Islam must have been like during the days of the Prophet...I no longer need to imagine but just remember this experience at the Ghana Jalsa.

I have to mention, having the honor to speak was like a dream. Nothing happens by chance and whatever reason God brought me to Ghana. I spoke just before the Ameer with the crowd at full attention. I spoke of my return being the answer of the prayers raised from the hulls of slave ships. I spoke on how the return to Africa has taken 400 years. I spoke of my Ummi, who has passed on. I thanked them...I thanked God. As I ended with a prayer for them and for Ghana, loud cheers and song rang throughout the campus. I became filled with emotion and thought of my Ummi and told her...thank you!

The Jalsa ended with the Ameer of Ghana delivering an inspirational, powerful speech. He spoke with bravado and conviction, inspiring the crowd with love and purpose. Deep into the night the cheers continued until the mahgrib and insha prayers were called. The 2011 Ghana Jalsa is over...now I can only think...how can I get back next year! Allahu Akbar!

Akwaaba - Welcome Home.

Among the backdrop of red clay dirt, a Saharan sand-dusted sky, hearty green bushes and trees, reside the most color-filled people of God’s earth. The people of Ghana, with their deep, rich, brown skin tones, adorned with bright, colorful, handmade batiks create a soul-stirring landscape that sings to your spirit…God is here.

Ghana, which is the name given to the former Gold Coast by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is Arabic for independent. The name was given in 1957, when Ghana gained its independence from British colonization. I’ve been forever anxious to know what it would be like be in a place where everyone was Black like me. In a country that is independent of systemic racial oppression and white supremacy. I wondered what would be the psychological status of a people that have never known ‘willie lynch’. My inbred American complexes would have me to believe it would be like the old Tarzan movies full of bush and animals roaming. Or like the way the lady at the place who provided our shots, cautioned us of the numerous infectious diseases and not to eat fruit or anything indigenous or not stamped by the FDA. I even wondered would their be militants running the streets like in every African nation according to CNN…and oh yea, the monkeys…that is another story.

My anxiety grew as we crossed the great Atlantic, then the mighty Alps and finally the incomparable Sahara Desert. In flight, I pondered making this journey in the days of old. How many a soul lost attempting to cross this vast land. I thought of my brothers and sisters who have longed to make this journey, those who will one day and those who will not. I focused on the blessing presented to me and opened my soul to receive whatever good would be awaiting.

I clearly remember waking just at the moment we hit the land shores of Africa. From 25,000 feet it was just as magnificent a moment as I imagined. An excitement of energy resonated throughout my body as I attempted to contain my emotions…I’m flying over Africa. The land from where all of my historical and spiritual contexts were born. What an amazing feeling to return to the place where my ancestors lived since creation. I could almost hear the angels running to those souls, the souls that prayed in the hulls of slave ships and plantations, longing for their children to one day return home. ‘We’re here baby!’ I told my wife as we landed. The plane door opened to reveal a greeting of tropical ocean air and heat. I inhaled the air of my homeland and I prayed the angels to tell my direct ancestors, the ones whose blood run through my very veins, tell them…Hafiz is home. Now the story begins….

How Much is "Much"?

The often quoted Luke 12:48, "to whomsoever much is given, much is required" is usually in reference to the rich and famous. Many of us have had conversations discussing successful entertainers, athletes, lawyers, business folk, etc. and their responsibility to give of their wealth. How many times have we spent Oprah's money, or at least complained about how she gives millions to causes that are not our own. Or talked about all these Black athletes making all this money and how the hood receives little-to-none of the money. For us regular folks, the verse above applies to those that have, not those of us living check to check...at least it's often perceived that way.

The other Sunday I was trying to catch the late football game. I had some good eats prepared and doing some online window shopping. As I surfed through the channels I came across one of those Feed the Children segments. Honestly, I usually keep clicking but this was dealing with children born with a cleft palate. In America, when kids are born with this issue it is fixed but in poor countries many end up living with the deformity. This blog isn't to get folks to give to Operation Smile, an organization that travels and performs the repair surgery but for whatever reason I was intrigued by the stories.

There was a girl, 11 or so whose grandfather took her to the main city for the repair surgery. The narrator said, "the trip will cost $4," which I thought was reasonable. The narrator continued, "which is a month's pay in this part of the world". Wait a minute...a month's pay! At that moment the above verse detonated in my head, "to whomsoever much is given, much is required." I became absorbed with the thought, what defines "much"? Is it the amount one has in excess or our check-to-check monies? Is it qualified as financial means, physical talents, good health or a good spirit?

I thought about the comforts we enjoy, fast food, brick huts, shoes, clothes, etc. I thought about our culture of materialism and how we sacrifice to look good, ride good, etc. I thought about us as a Black community debilitated by the paradox of poverty and frivolous spending. I thought about the 'much' we don't have and the 'much' we do have even in our broke-ness. I thought about my mother when she saved coins to to have 'something' yet ever-ready to give to the neighbor in need, saying, "we may not have 'much' but they are people with less."

I thought, does the Creator requires us all to do more? Is some of my daily meal money required to provide a meal? Is some of my weekend entertainment money required (which I don't have 'entertainment money'...but I make it happen when possible)? As the Creator provides for me should I be willing to provide for another?

I looked at my game treats; a bag of Red Hot Ripplets, popcorn, twizzlers, chilled tea and thought...$4 a month?! I didn't think the verse applied to us regular folk but I realized, whatever 'much' we have, that 'much' is required.

The Truth can set us Free: Thanks Juan!

As most Muslims in America know by now, Juan Williams was fired from NPR. His so-called inflammatory comments have made him the poster child of the anti-Islam movement in America. Yea OK, maybe not that far but considering the amount of press his comments have garnered and the amount of buzz on the web and in Muslim circles, I can't help but wonder why are we demonizing Juan?

Juan Williams is an analyst that makes his living providing editorials on political and social subjects. Like all of us, his editorials come from his own personal perspective...which by the way I don't always agree. The comment relating the fear he experiences when on a plane and seeing people in Muslim garb is a bold admission. Particularly, in these days of Islamophobia, (which I also don't agree with but that's another blog) are we to believe his firing to be a result of media outlets being more sensitive and careful in how Islam is paired with terror, radical, anti-American, etc? NOT!

Most analyst, particularly, conservatives speak in languages that create fear in the viewers. This fear isn't coming just from conservative outlets such as Fox but even the liberal outlets do little to separate Islam from the radical. It's heard so much one would think Radical-Islam is a new religion. Juan, I believe spoke not only from his heart but also from the view of many Americans who remember 9/11. He spoke of a trauma that has affected many Americans but rarely do we discuss the healing process, which I wonder, in war times is that what the country wants.

We are at war in Muslim countries; Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Although we no longer use the war time 'shorts' of WWII to generate "patriotism" and anti-whoeverwefighting sentiment, we do use news outlets and hollywood to create a similar phobic state. So, how can we truly have a discourse separating the crimes of a few from a peaceful religion of many. We are able to separate local acts of terror from the perpetrators such as; the shoe bomber, the IRS bomber, the Hutari, Catholic priests, gang violence, etc. We don't blame a race, community or religion for the acts of a few. What we do is acknowledge the inhumaness of the act, find methods of prevention and for the victim, discuss ways to heal and not displace our anger or anxiety.

Juan started the conversation not in an accusatory manner as O'Reilly, Beck and other fear-mongers but by speaking from a perspective of personal fear and contextualizing that fear at the scene of the crime itself. Honest dialogue isn't always easy, sometimes hearing the truth hurts but from truth, on both sides, we can have a legitimate discourse, begin to heal and free ourselves from the illegitimate fear of a religion.

Let me be the first to tell Mr. Juan Williams that it is okay to fly in a plane with Muslims. 99.9% of Muslims warrant no concern on planes or anywhere, regardless of their dress. But of course, that .1% of Whites, Blacks, Latinos, Asians, Europeans, Christians, Jews, Atheists and yes Muslims, we all need to be nervous about.