I sat in 9th grade history class and watched the towers fall on the television. Something changed in the air. I could see fear, despair, confusion, in the eyes of my teachers and classmates. September 11th, 2001 is a day that the world will not forget, and it is a day that hatred and evil won over love and good. Most of my classmates knew little about the Muslim religion but were bombarded with headlines screaming ‘Terrorist’ and ‘Extremist’. When the planes hit, people banded together to help one another- the world cried. Over fifty Muslim states spoke out condemning this behavior that was against their true doctrine (Moran, 2014). The Hijab became something to fear. About three weeks after 9/11 one of our teachers came back to school. She was a converted American Muslim and went into hiding after the attacks out of fear for her life. She proceeded to resume her daily activities, with her hijab, the first time I saw her I was struck with fear. Fear of what? Fear of the unknown and fear from the news stories. To this day I am still ashamed of the ignorant fear. I ended up having a few classes with her senior year. I saw she embodied the true meaning of Islam- promoting peace and tolerance and condemning violence (PSU WC L.7, 2017). These fears changed over time through education and tolerance, as it can for anyone globally.
It is believed in the Muslim world that the West is hostile or angry with them and vice versa (Moran, 2014). Is it out of ignorance or misunderstanding of the others culture or way of life? The teacher at my high school recalled times years later, about how her tires were slashed and her car vandalized because she was a Muslim. A recent study states that “Americans (59%) believe there is a lot of discrimination against Muslims in the U.S. today, and even more (76%) say discrimination against Muslims in the U.S. is on the rise” (Lipka, 2016). This is due to the fear and anger towards Muslims because of an extremist attack. There are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world today (Moran, 2017). That is a large number of people to blame for one group, it is comparable base all Americans off of mass shootings that happen in our nation.
Moran states that “Islamic scholars maintain they are not against the West, but fear its power and influence within their own societies…” (Moran, 2014). These fears are valid due to their way of life- Westerners are notably more sexualized and liberal this goes against some of their beliefs. Islam is not just a religion, but a way of life (PSU WC, 2017). To work together globally American’s need to understand and be respectful of the Arabic culture. Not only out of respect but also due to the fact that many Middle Eastern nations where the Islamic teachings make their way into law (PSU WC, 2017).
While Islamic nations need to be more tolerant of the differences within the Wests culture. The Western business practices being more materialistic and more self-interest based and Islamic business practices being more focused on all interests, including spiritual. With both business styles being so different, there is much to learn from one and understand from one another. Specifically, Western business practices can learn more from Islamic standards of being a good manager, they have qualities like: keeping promises, loyalty to employer, fulfill all contracts and always be truthful (Moran, 2014). Islamic nations are becoming more modern and diverse (PSU WC, 2017). It would be important for Islamic nations to look to our business practices in relation to ethics and treatment of women as women are starting to get more rights. In fact Saudi Arabia legalized women’s rights to vote (PSU WC, 2017). All in all, both cultures can help globally to respect each-others diversity and grow from it.
Lipka, M. (2016, July 22). Muslims and Islam: Key findings in the U.S. and around the world. Retrieved February 24, 2017, from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing cultural differences. New York, NY: Routledge.
Pennsylvania State University, World Wide Campus. (2017) OLEAD 410. Lesson 7: The Middle East focus on Saudi Arabia. Pg. 1-5.
Callie,
I completely agree with your entire statement. Especially when you said you could never imagine acting out against other people due to fear. I was shocked and appalled hearing her tell her stories, it definitely made me feel even more ashamed of my ignorance at 14. Even more so when you said that Muslim leaders and communities need to education non-Muslim neighbors. I now currently am friends with a Muslim family. They are the most loving, caring, and tight knit family and have openly spoken with me about their beliefs and the meaning of their religion. Educating our selves is the only way to beat blind fear and allow ourselves to truly be free from ignorance.
The effects from 9/11 are astounding. Every American, old enough of course, can certainly remember what exactly they were doing on September 11, 2001 when our country was attacked. The story you told in regards to your Muslim teacher is eye opening, and your initial feelings towards her are unfortunately very common. You asked if these negative feelings were from ignorance or misunderstanding of their culture. I believe these feelings come from fear, and ignorance and misunderstanding of their culture.
The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 brought Islam into the national and international spotlight with a new intensity. Its impact on the Muslim community in the United States was huge. After Al Qaeda, overseen by Osama bin Laden, claimed responsibility for the attacks, many feared Muslims in America would be targeted for revenge, as your Muslim teacher felt. Although America, including our President at the time George W. Bush, came together defending and protecting our Muslim community, many couldn’t help but fear them, however, being feared by fellow Americans was the least of their problems. (Islam in America Post 9/11, n.d.)
Despite efforts by the White House and others to discourage Americans from targeting blame at the Muslim community, the number of attacks against those who “looked Muslim” drastically increased. Just days after September 11th, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh, was shot outside of his gas station in Mesa, Arizona. The turban he was wearing as a tenet of his faith was mistaken for a “Muslim garment,” and the murderer was seeking revenge for the terrorist attacks. In the weeks and years that followed, many people who appeared to be Muslim, particularly South Asians and Arabs of any religion, became the targets of discrimination and hate crimes. (Islam in America Post 9/11, n.d.)
Although I can admit to initial feeling of fear and uncertainty, I could never imagine acting out as many people in the United States did. It is important to understand that while some may have harmful intentions, Muslim’s are good people. It is the same for Americans. Some Americans are simply bad people, but not all, not the majority. We must educate ourselves about other cultures and religions, which is what many Muslims in America have tried to do.
Muslim leaders and communities across the nation realized a need to educate their non-Muslim neighbors about Islam. Many Muslim communities opened their doors to the public, inviting non-Muslims to introductory lectures on Islam, and encouraging questions from non-Muslims. Despite these efforts, many American Muslims continue to be victims of “Islamophobia”, or the fear of Muslims. Mosques and Muslim community centers around the country have faced and continue to face vocal and legal opposition. (Islam in America Post 9/11, n.d.)
Fear is natural, especially after such a devastating attack, however, we must educate ourselves rather continuing to be ignorant. The Muslim community is nothing to fear, and is here to stay. We will live next to each other, send our kids to school together, and do business together.
References
Islam in America Post 9/11. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Pluralism Project: Harvard University: http://pluralism.org/religions/islam/issues-for-muslims-in-america/islam-in-america-post-9-11/