27.3.11

CNN's "Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door"


A few hours ago, I caught CNN's "Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door." The hour-long Soledad O'Brien documentary was about the opposition to a proposed mosque in Murfreesboro, TN. It saddened me to see how much bigotry, hatred, and xenophobia exist in the heart of some Americans. All these right-wing religious zealots were speaking vehemently about the mosque, claiming if it's allowed to be built, it will cause Sharia Law to be implemented in their town [really folks?], women will be oppressed, it will cause an increase in traffic etc. When those reasons failed, they went as far as claiming Islam wasn't a religion [See how much the American education system has failed?]. They went as far as writing hate messages on the sign announcing the upcoming mosque, burning the construction equipment at the site, and firing shots to scare the away the Muslim people. They also claimed all Muslims are terrorists. Seems to be the only one doing the terrorizing are the white-americans in this story. But after all, this is Small-Town, Tennessee, what else can we expect? The whole thing reminded me of the hatred, prejudice, and bigotry black people in the United States (especially in the south) experienced during the Civil Rights era. The saddest part of it all, was the black man who filed a lawsuit to prevent the building of the mosque. Really sir? I guess he must have a short memory or maybe he was asleep during the history lessons when he was in school. Or maybe what they say is true: the bullied today will be the bully tomorrow? Either way, shame on you people of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Shame on you!

Books that might enlighten you:
- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
- Baghdad Burning by Riverbend

3 comments:

  1. Annie Rosier is simply a GENIUS! No pun intended LOL

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  2. As a resident of Murfreesboro, TN, I am ashamed by the actions of these few bigot individuals. In fact, if I ever see the around town, I will not be able to contain my feelings toward their stupidity. With that said, everyone I have met are all about freedom of religion and heavily support the building of the mosque. So please do not think that Small-Town, Tennessee is a hate filled place. Some of the nicest people reside in Tennessee along with some of the top notch crazies as well!

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  3. Lauren, it was wrong of me to make a generalization about all the people living there. I did actually see a small number of people counter-protesting for freedom of religion. But I'm glad to know not everyone there is as mean-spirited as the people I saw in the documentary.

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