When a Christian or a Jew, commits a crime, the media refers to him as a criminal and questions his act. When, however, the criminal happens to be a Muslim, the media refers to him as a Muslim and questions his faith. So, as soon as it became clear that the suspect in the tragic incident at Fort Hood is a Muslim, every US Muslim organisation of note put out a press release condemning the brutal attack although the perpetrators of such incidents belong to all faith groups. This is because since 9/11 hundreds of pundits, journalists, and talk-show hosts have decided to use their oratorical skills to paint Islam and Muslims in the most negative colour. Distorting Islam and demonising its followers is the most recent phenomenon that promotes Islamophobia in the US and Canada. It is logical that speaking out and publicly rejecting violence and crime becomes a must for the followers of a religion that has been systematically demonised by professional Muslim bashers. Muslims must make their views known to their neighbours and fellow citizens, and must speak out and explain their values and beliefs as long as Islamophobia is part of the American experience. Eventually, the truth will triumph, but till then the hard work and the struggle must go on!
Mohd. Salahuddin
Mulund (W), Mumbai