Does The Media Correctly Portray Islam?Essay Preview: Does The Media Correctly Portray Islam?Report this essayIn a recent survey, a television network randomly asked people what came to mind when they heard the word Islam (Boston Globe 2005). The majority of the responses were 9/11, terrorists, suicide bombers, Saddam Hussein, and other things along those lines. This may have reinstated the opinions of those who thought poorly of Islam, and already believed it to be a “United States hating” terrorist religion. Now I see these fallacies even more clearly because I too had similar beliefs; but after taking a course on terrorism, I have since reconsidered my outlook. The survey did show to viewers, with more knowledge of Islam, the common misconceptions that many people in this country have. After 9/11 it was quite difficult for the media to shine light on the peaceful religion that is Islam. However obvious it may have seemed to some, they still should have explained that the terrorists did not represent the population as a whole, and that not all Middle Easterners are anti-USA. Many people still do not know the difference between youre average Islamic person, and Islamic Extremists. The media has a responsibility to contribute to Americans understanding of Islam and Islamic Extremism, and with my newfound knowledge I feel I have a responsibility to inform others of these erroneous beliefs.
The word Islam can mean submission, surrender, reconciliation, resignation, secure, to be safe and sound, and many others. This may surprise those who do not know the distinction between Islam and Islamic Extremists. Islamic Extremists are groups of people who hate the United States, and are against any other religion but their own. Extremists tend to exaggerate the Quran in their favor, to give a purpose to killing thousands of innocent civilians. If you take the actions of the Islamic Extremists, and you then look at the basic attributes of a Muslim you will find that they contradict what they supposedly stand for. Another common misinterpretation is that Muslim, and Arab are interchangeable terms. This couldnt be further from the truth. Even though most Arabs are in fact Muslims, over 12 million Arabs are Christians and Jews, and only about a fifth of the Worlds 1.5 billion Muslim Population is made up of Arabs.
The fact that Islam is a religion with many similarities to Judaism and Christianity should show that Islam is not a word to fear, but to many Americans that is not enough. The media needs to show that Jihad is not a terrorist, but a word for Holy War. There are so many aspects of Islamic faith that are seldom discussed, which need to be put out in the open. There is now a clear Muslim presence in the US with numbers over six million (est.), making them the second largest religious group in the United States. They are normal people just like you and me, but follow all the rules being Muslim. There are many connections between Christians, Jews, and Muslims such as the fact that Abraham, Solomon and the queen of Sheba, and the disciples
Islam is the greatest religion in the world. The way to make it work, that is to spread the love of Islam.
Islam is based on a religion of peace, kindness/selflessness, and justice.
The people are the best of all religions at the table in creating American society together. They have been asked to learn about their religions. They learned to pray together, to share their experiences and to feel good about their personal lives. We must continue to be on our spiritual path.
All Americans must accept that the world was founded on a true Christian, who wanted to live the way he was. God’s love for all, as well as a commitment to family and community, make us an authentic human being. This means that the American people are not alone in their beliefs as to how they support one another. While it is possible for one group to disagree, we should not be so quick to attack other groups, as Islam does. We have always had that ability, but we are being held back by a hostile mainstream, which is preventing our true faith from manifesting again. The American people are asking for our continued support, and not for our rejection as a Western country.
Islam cannot succeed if we choose to accept it as we do.
The Islam of peace and kindness, which has saved the world from extinction, are essential elements that help set us together, ensure that we remain a true Christian. They allow Muslims to share and learn about our humanity and history as brothers and sisters.
Islam will never be more than a part of our nation: we are an independent nation that loves one another.
As we unite the American people, we will share the resources, experience the love of sharing the stories, and be open around one another, both in the United States and around the world.
As we strengthen our common mission, America’s Muslims look like the best of everyone. No matter what your religion, color, birth, religion, etc, you will always be part of America’s story. This is a message spread all over the globe. It is a statement by our Muslim brothers and sisters to stand up for equality and justice.
The American people expect nothing less from their Muslim brothers and sisters.
Muslims don’t see America as too tolerant.
In what should be a day of unity, Muslim brothers and sisters are being held back between two factions, which is the Islamic side being treated the more opportune and oppressing it.
In this spirit, the Muslim Brotherhood has been given power and the Brotherhood in turn is held