With an increasingly globalized world, we need to develop a better understanding of cultures we aren't familiar with. Far too often, lack of knowledge about diversity ends in discrimination, hate speech and even war.
Islamic Awareness Week takes place through Saturday, with programs including "Understanding Islam," "A Student Perspective on Islam" and "Islam: Religion and Culture." These events are co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Association and Student Government Association and feature discussions about everyday activities in Islamic cultures, becoming more familiar with the religion and an open house at the Islamic Center of Muncie to end the week.
We need to attend these events, not only to remain open-minded, but also because Islam is the second largest religion in the world with more than 1.3 billion followers — approximately one-fifth of the world's population.
Despite having such a large worldwide population, there are too many well-circulated myths about Islam.
Most of them stem from ignorance of religion on our part. If you think most Muslims are from Arabic countries; you're wrong. Arab Muslims only make up about 15 percent of the worlds' Muslim population. A greater number are located in Indonesia.
Also contrary to myth, Islamic law condemns practices such as forced marriage or spousal abuse and the Quran is tolerant of other religions. Warped interpretations of the Quran promoting terrorism come from far-flung extremists seeking to justify their actions, and many Muslim leaders speak out against terrorism in any form.
Tragedies such as the Fort Hood shootings put into perspective the importance of understanding other diverse cultures.
On Nov. 5, Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, a psychiatrist and an American-born Muslim, opened fire at the Soldier Readiness Center at the heavily-populated military base, killing 13 and wounding 30 others. Political pundits, such as Fox News contributor Walid Phares and retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey on CNN, were quick to attribute the actions of Hasan to terrorism.
But forensic psychiatrists and terror investigation analysts have spoken out that this mass shooting follows the form of workplace or school shootings.
After 10 years of terrorism coverage on the news, that might come as a surprise to people expecting this to be an act of domestic terrorism.
From this tragedy, we need to remember that not every violent outburst is a reflection on a faith.
Programs like Islamic Awareness Week do a good job of reminding us of that. When we attend events like these and help promote diversity, we make a statement about our openness to others and our refusal to buy into the myths.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
