The Misperceptions About Muslim's and Islam
Tuesday, 22 July 2008 00:00
www.daily.pk
In Canada, even though there is a general lack of knowledge about religions other than
Christianity -such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism or Sikhism - the mistrust and fears
about Islam exceed any hostility felt against any of these religions.
Judaism and Christianity have their own historical issues, but Islam, even though it is viewed
as one of the Abrahamic religions, does not fare well in the public's perception.
This negative perception has increased since the terrorist attacks of Sept.11, 2001, and even
though this was the action of a few Muslims, all Muslims have been tarnished because of it. It
has been further exacerbated by the rhetoric and actions of the American government. The
rhetoric of the "Axis of Evil" with attacks on Muslim majority countries such as Iraq and
Afghanistan has conflated Islam, Muslims and politics.
It would be dishonest not to acknowledge that some Muslims are adding to the stereotyping, but
the blanket blaming of all Muslims is hard to overcome. As comparisons, the recent incidents of
polygamous Mormons, or the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests, or the abuse of
aboriginal children in residential schools, has not led to any condemnation of all Mormons or
all Christians or all Catholics. This same sane approach is missing for Muslims.
