Iman’s constant cravings… » Casting Judgements on Muslims

Casting Judgements on Muslims

Under: Around The World, How Outrageous @ 3:10 pm on Friday, 02.10.06

MORE than half of Victorian schoolchildren view Muslims as terrorists, and two out of five agree that Muslims “are unclean”, a survey has revealed.

Just over 50 per cent believe Muslims “behave strangely”, while 45 per cent say Australians do not have positive feelings about Muslims.

These are the preliminary findings of the survey, which aims to measure student attitudes towards the Muslim community. The research was conducted in the second half of 2005 and is based on responses from 551 year 10 and 11 students in Victoria.

Almost half said they had learned “a little” about Muslims and Islam at school, but more than a third said they had learned nothing on these subjects.

– so more than a third they have not learned anything about Islam, yet they have a negative image of Islam and Muslims … Are they to blame? I don’t know. But what I know for sure is this is exactly why we, muslims, need to invest our time and effort in promoting programs focused on educating the public about Islam and what it truly represents.

[source]

5 Comments »

Nas

02.11.06 @ 5:19 am

actually what’s scary was this…

When asked if schools should teach more about Muslims, 29 per cent of the teenagers said no, and 34 per cent said they did not care.

a majority of 63% are uninterested in learning about Islam or in other words correcting their misconceptions.

splendid!

Rihab

02.11.06 @ 2:46 pm

34% aren’t bothered and that’s to be expected from teenagers since politics and religion aren’t exactly issues that are at the forefront of their concerns.

It’s nice to know that the largest proportion of these statistics (37%) went to those who would like to learn more about Islam. If we combine that with the “don’t care”, that’s 71% of teenagers that can be potentially influenced to have a positive image of Muslims.

I guess I prefer to see the glass half full.

Iman

02.11.06 @ 11:46 pm

nas: yes, it is quite alarming but like Rihab said (thank you Rihab)combined, there is a high percentage who can be influenced through effective, creative but not compulsory means to have a positive image of Islam and Muslims.

We come across many people every single day. either be in at work, on the train, in the check out line at the super market, and what not. Those simple daily interactions we have most often than not present us as Muslims with the opportunity to show a positive image about Islam and Muslims.

An example of how: One of my sisters wears Hijab (head cover), while at the super market waiting her turn an old woman standing in line looked at her and said: I bet you have beautiful hair, why do you have it covered? Is this something you were forced to do?
My sister smiled while answering : Thank you. The reason I have my beautiful hair covered is because my religion asks that of me and this is something I strongly believe in. Now, you yourself look very nice. You have your hair fixed, your make up is beautifully applied and it seems you spent sometime getting ready. Were you forced to do that?
The old woman smiling back said: Of course I wasn’t. I like taking care of myself. My sister continued: And I too was not forced to wear what we refer to in Islam as Hijab or to cover my hair. I do it because I believe in it very strongly and I like doing things I believe in. The old woman said thank you for clarifying.

so our reaction in such similar encounters help shape at least one person’s perception…and keep in mind that someone is most probably going to share this information with someone he/she knows. This is why our every day behavior should be guarded and thought of as an ongoing campaign for it is a reflection of our religion and our people.

thecutter

02.14.06 @ 7:17 am

Iman, that was a very intelligent answer your sister gave to the person who was talking to her! What I find interesting is that the older woman even addressed her. Very often we non-Muslim Europeans do not approach Muslims, except for instance if we are buying something from them. I find that gesture of seeking communication really positive. I know for instance that my daughter is very curious about people who are different than she is. She is attracted to them and seeks interaction whereas she is shier around other Italians like herself. I have always wondered why that is, but I think it is basically that she sees these other people as exotic, potentially more interesting, and (besides) her closest girlfriend is from Tunisia, and she likes the differences she sees.

Education is important, and I think too, like you suggest in your sister’s encounter, it is important at all periods of life, from childhood to old age.

Iman

02.14.06 @ 9:44 am

TheCutter, Thank you for your input. You’re right. More often than not those who look ‘different’ tend to get unusual stares …very seldom are they approached. Your daughter’s curiosity - through interaction - will give her a good sense of the differences and that’s when our behavior could serve as a reflection and representation of our people.

P.S. Very interesting blog you have! :)

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Casting Judgements on Muslims

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