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 Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:38 pm
I dont know what about the internet makes people so brave, i guess the anonymity. But i have gotten some VERY brave messages, even here on innocent ol' Gaia xd People who have NEVER met me, or talked to me, telling me I am not a human but a monster, telling me i'm brainwashed, and even saying they hope i get sent to GTMO. I can understand some people are passionate about their opinions, but isnt sending me threats as bad as a Muslim sending threats? Why all the hate? Even when Muslims like me, OPENLY deny having any affiliation to insane bombers?
How am I supposed to cope with these insane people who comment at my life choice?
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:00 pm
I am going to be so horribly un-PC here. sweatdrop
What do you expect?
Seriously, we're lucky that US society has progressed enough that we're not dumping all Muslim-Americans into concentration camps like we did with Japanese-Americans during World War II. The fact is, people are overly prone to stereotyping and suspicion.
Muslims attacked us, Muslims blow up innocent people around the world, Muslims quote their Scripture when they behead prisoners... do you really expect the average American to be open and accepting to Muslims? In no way am I saying that this is excusable or justifiable; I am saying that it is to be expected because of the nature of people. sad
In the same manner, if you go to most Muslim countries, you will find that the majority of people (not just the terrorist groups) there resent or hate all Americans. It works both ways.
I guess my point is, accept that you'll have to deal with misunderstanding and negative stereotyping if you are a Muslim in Western society. You are of the religion that our enemies hold up as their identity. I'm not saying that hate towards you is justified, I'm saying that you needn't act surprised by it.
Either you were born Muslim and have grown up knowing that misunderstanding from other cultures is of course to be expected, or you converted to Islam, in which case you knew just what you were getting into. It sounds from the way you say 'my life choice' that you converted to Islam. So don't act like you didn't know what you were getting into.
If you truly believe, you will be ready to undergo persecution for your belief. And persecution is not necessarily a bad thing (for those undergoing it; of course it is wrong on the part of those who are persecuting). For example, the Bible tells us Christians to take joy in suffering for Christ (although those of us in the US today don't undergo this in any significant way).
Do your best to be a witness to what you believe Islam to truly be, and recognize that the people hating on you are not the type of people you would want to have as friends in any case. Obviously if you receive actual threats against your person, that may need to be something you need to take seriously, but it sounds like you're just getting the typical rants from internet idiots.
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:18 pm
By the same token, Christians start imperialism and control the economies and puppet the governments of poor countries to make capital gains on their slave labor and start wars for trade and corporate contracts.
The "muslims" who bomb Americans are not doing so strictly because of their religion- We have been ******** with them for decades. This line of thought leads to hate and keeps the problems in place without getting to the real issue- the religious arguments are distractions, on both sides.
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:28 pm
I exepct people to act like it's 2010 and be cival. Quote: Muslims attacked us, Muslims blow up innocent people around the world, Muslims quote their Scripture when they behead prisoners... NO. Those are terrorists, they could claim any religion and still do the same thing. Are you aware that terrorists do suicide attacks DAILY in Pakistan? Killing their fellow "Muslims" They are not Muslims, dont even put them in the same category, good lord. Quote: In the same manner, if you go to most Muslim countries, you will find that the majority of people (not just the terrorist groups) there resent or hate all Americans. It works both ways. So...how many Muslim countries have you been to to know this...? Quote: I guess my point is, accept that you'll have to deal with misunderstanding and negative stereotyping if you are a Muslim in Western society. You are of the religion that our enemies hold up as their identity. I'm not saying that hate towards you is justified, I'm saying that you needn't act surprised by it. Are you aware that religious stereotyping in America is illegal? And again, we are not at war with Muslims, we are at war with terrorism. Quote: It sounds from the way you say 'my life choice' that you converted to Islam. So don't act like you didn't know what you were getting into. You know, i had no idea it would be this way. I guess I was naive to how Muslims were treated. Quote: If you truly believe, you will be ready to undergo persecution for your belief. And persecution is not necessarily a bad thing (for those undergoing it; of course it is wrong on the part of those who are persecuting). For example, the Bible tells us Christians to take joy in suffering for Christ (although those of us in the US today don't undergo this in any significant way). Do your best to be a witness to what you believe Islam to truly be, and recognize that the people hating on you are not the type of people you would want to have as friends in any case. Obviously if you receive actual threats against your person, that may need to be something you need to take seriously, but it sounds like you're just getting the typical rants from internet idiots. I've considered turning some people in, just because I'm paranoid when it comes to the internet. And I dont think we should have to undergo any persecution, again, its 2010! It's insane how we (people of different faiths) treat each other. I really had hoped we'd of evolved more socially by now...
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:05 am
USA is currently at war with several Muslim countries.
Was it the right thing thinking all Germans were horrible people? Was it right thinking all Russians were out to get you? Not all Germans were Nazis, and not all Nazis were blood-thirsty barbarians, and not all Russians wanted to bring America down. Most people want the best for themselves, sometimes that doesn't really settle with everyone else. But the most comfortable thing is making a generalization, this is easier when you want to bring your country to war and bomb the hell out of the other side. You make it seem as though you're fighting the ultimate evil, and all means are acceptable. And many people see it through the media and propaganda and grow to believe it. This process usually occurs on both sides.
This is stupid, simplified thought, but as someone above me said, it is to be expected. People resent what they see as an enemy. Of course Islam isn't the enemy of the United States, but many Muslims are right now. The media is doing an awesome job terrifying people and giving a false image of the nature of things in far away places. This DOESN'T say there are MANY Muslims out there who use a distorted version of Islam to promote their war on the West. This is seen in America, and this is perceived as the true Islam. Maybe you can't blame them. There are many 'Muslims' who think that too...
Just as much as people in America might hate Muslims, such hate exists on the other side.
Really, this is how humanity has always been.
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 9:18 am
Call Me Apple I exepct people to act like it's 2010 and be cival. My whole point is that you expect too much of an average person in 2010. We haven't progressed *that* far. Quote: Quote: Muslims attacked us, Muslims blow up innocent people around the world, Muslims quote their Scripture when they behead prisoners... NO. Those are terrorists, they could claim any religion and still do the same thing. Are you aware that terrorists do suicide attacks DAILY in Pakistan? Killing their fellow "Muslims" They are not Muslims, dont even put them in the same category, good lord. Maybe you don't think they are 'true' Muslims, but the onus is on you to show that. They don't just claim any religion, they claim Islam. It is not accurate for people to stereotype all Muslims as being extremists, but it's to be expected. Quote: Quote: In the same manner, if you go to most Muslim countries, you will find that the majority of people (not just the terrorist groups) there resent or hate all Americans. It works both ways. So...how many Muslim countries have you been to to know this...? I'm actually relying on factual evidence rather than my subjective experience. Muslims More Critical of Westerners Than Vice VersaI was also thinking of a poll that showed a majority of Muslims world-wide supporting Osama Bin Laden, but attitudes have shifted enough that that is no longer the case. He isn't as popular as he used to be. Quote: Quote: I guess my point is, accept that you'll have to deal with misunderstanding and negative stereotyping if you are a Muslim in Western society. You are of the religion that our enemies hold up as their identity. I'm not saying that hate towards you is justified, I'm saying that you needn't act surprised by it. Are you aware that religious stereotyping in America is illegal? And again, we are not at war with Muslims, we are at war with terrorism. Quote me the law. Discrimination may be illegal; stereotyping falls under freedom of thought. Everyone stereotypes to some degree. Quote: Quote: It sounds from the way you say 'my life choice' that you converted to Islam. So don't act like you didn't know what you were getting into. You know, i had no idea it would be this way. I guess I was naive to how Muslims were treated. I guess so. Quote: Quote: If you truly believe, you will be ready to undergo persecution for your belief. And persecution is not necessarily a bad thing (for those undergoing it; of course it is wrong on the part of those who are persecuting). For example, the Bible tells us Christians to take joy in suffering for Christ (although those of us in the US today don't undergo this in any significant way). Do your best to be a witness to what you believe Islam to truly be, and recognize that the people hating on you are not the type of people you would want to have as friends in any case. Obviously if you receive actual threats against your person, that may need to be something you need to take seriously, but it sounds like you're just getting the typical rants from internet idiots. I've considered turning some people in, just because I'm paranoid when it comes to the internet. And I dont think we should have to undergo any persecution, again, its 2010! It's insane how we (people of different faiths) treat each other. I really had hoped we'd of evolved more socially by now... Like I said, we *have* progressed a ton since World War II. But you expect too much of people.
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:34 am
Nebulance is right... you can't expect too much out of anybody this day and age. Apple is also right, things shouldn't be this way. I know that not all muslims are terrorists and it looks like everyone else in this thread does too. Most of the people who do things like what is being done to you are ignorant fools who delight in being close-minded and should be ignored because they are not worth anyone's time. If you feel paranoid just remember your internet safety rules :don't give out any info on where you live, ect.... and you should be safe. Also I would like to point out that there are a few people who seem to be trying to fight stereotypes like that if only people would pay attention, Don't mess with the Zohan is one of these movies (for those of you who haven't watched it, it helps promote peace between Jews and Muslims and makes the ignorant rednecks and greedy rich businessmen the bad guys which is how it is in the real world (for the most part)) The best way I can think of to fight such behavior is by writing books and making movies that get your message across ect...
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:54 am
Quote: Are you aware that religious stereotyping in America is illegal? Seriously? eek
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 11:00 am
Nebulance Maybe you don't think they are 'true' Muslims, but the onus is on you to show that. They don't just claim any religion, they claim Islam. It is not accurate for people to stereotype all Muslims as being extremists, but it's to be expected. This scenario could easily be changed, to a black guy robbing a liquour store. Would then all black guys be subjected to being feared when they go in a store? No, they should not. But people still do it. I give that example because its wrong. But the same idea as Muslims & terrorism. I dont see why one is accepted and the other isnt. ((Well i damn well hope you dont accept the other example)) Nebulance I'm actually relying on factual evidence rather than my subjective experience. Muslims More Critical of Westerners Than Vice VersaI was also thinking of a poll that showed a majority of Muslims world-wide supporting Osama Bin Laden, but attitudes have shifted enough that that is no longer the case. He isn't as popular as he used to be. I would say experience trumps polls and statistics anyday. I'll let you know how my trip to Pakistan goes. I'm a white American. Nebulance Quote me the law. Discrimination may be illegal; stereotyping falls under freedom of thought. Everyone stereotypes to some degree. My mistake, I meant the word "profiling" instead of stereotyping lol Which is still illegal. Racial, religious and any otherwise profiling. Quote: If you truly believe, you will be ready to undergo persecution for your belief. And persecution is not necessarily a bad thing (for those undergoing it; of course it is wrong on the part of those who are persecuting). For example, the Bible tells us Christians to take joy in suffering for Christ (although those of us in the US today don't undergo this in any significant way). Nebulance Like I said, we *have* progressed a ton since World War II. But you expect too much of people. We HAVE to expect more from people, if we dont raise the bar they'll never get there.
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 11:01 am
Artto Quote: Are you aware that religious stereotyping in America is illegal? Seriously? eek No, no, i meant profiling. My mistake.
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:03 pm
Call Me Apple I dont know what about the internet makes people so brave, i guess the anonymity. But i have gotten some VERY brave messages, even here on innocent ol' Gaia xd People who have NEVER met me, or talked to me, telling me I am not a human but a monster, telling me i'm brainwashed, and even saying they hope i get sent to GTMO. I can understand some people are passionate about their opinions, but isnt sending me threats as bad as a Muslim sending threats? Why all the hate? Even when Muslims like me, OPENLY deny having any affiliation to insane bombers?
How am I supposed to cope with these insane people who comment at my life choice? Easy solution: Tell them, "You're right, there's no sense in denying it now. I am as you say I am and I'm coming after you next." JUST KIDDING There's not too many ways you can deal with people like that, either be completely obnoxious towards them because you can't take them seriously (it may backfire on you), or just ignore them. Their claims do not merit a response, on Gaia you can click the 'ignore user' button so you don't hear from them again and report them. If you are more of an optimistic sort of person you could try to explain to them that you are not an evil monster for believing in God and point out that all religions have their dark moments and if they aren't religious then point out Stalin or Pol Pot because believe it or not even without religion people can still find a way to manipulate and hurt others.
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:17 pm
In one sense, yes, we have to expect more of people. We have to demand that they continue to progress. However, let's not act so surprised and hurt when they disappoint us.
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Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:59 am
I have studied most of the main religions and I can effciently say that nothing I find in Islamic religion can be connected to terrorism, unless you are an idiot who connects everything that isn't nice and American to terrorism. Christianity has caused just as much, if not more, needless deaths and sensless violence as Islam has. People fear the unknown, which is why a startling amount Americans fear everything that isn't good old Christian behavior. Ignorance is the real terror here.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:03 pm
dimentia44 I have studied most of the main religions and I can effciently say that nothing I find in Islamic religion can be connected to terrorism, unless you are an idiot who connects everything that isn't nice and American to terrorism. Christianity has caused just as much, if not more, needless deaths and sensless violence as Islam has. People fear the unknown, which is why a startling amount Americans fear everything that isn't good old Christian behavior. Ignorance is the real terror here. ^^ Anyhow, to Apples, we DO have to raise the bar. We have to spread the truth of Islam, condemn terrorism, & make sure people know that there is nothing right with profiling ANYONE. Islam is in no way equated to terrorism because the teachings are opposite. It will take time, but if we Muslims rise & speak against what is wrong & what should not be associated with us, then inshallah, people will hopefully start to understand.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:05 pm
Nebulance I am going to be so horribly un-PC here. sweatdrop What do you expect? Seriously, we're lucky that US society has progressed enough that we're not dumping all Muslim-Americans into concentration camps like we did with Japanese-Americans during World War II. The fact is, people are overly prone to stereotyping and suspicion. Muslims attacked us, Muslims blow up innocent people around the world, Muslims quote their Scripture when they behead prisoners... do you really expect the average American to be open and accepting to Muslims? In no way am I saying that this is excusable or justifiable; I am saying that it is to be expected because of the nature of people. sad In the same manner, if you go to most Muslim countries, you will find that the majority of people (not just the terrorist groups) there resent or hate all Americans. It works both ways. I guess my point is, accept that you'll have to deal with misunderstanding and negative stereotyping if you are a Muslim in Western society. You are of the religion that our enemies hold up as their identity. I'm not saying that hate towards you is justified, I'm saying that you needn't act surprised by it. Either you were born Muslim and have grown up knowing that misunderstanding from other cultures is of course to be expected, or you converted to Islam, in which case you knew just what you were getting into. It sounds from the way you say 'my life choice' that you converted to Islam. So don't act like you didn't know what you were getting into. If you truly believe, you will be ready to undergo persecution for your belief. And persecution is not necessarily a bad thing (for those undergoing it; of course it is wrong on the part of those who are persecuting). For example, the Bible tells us Christians to take joy in suffering for Christ (although those of us in the US today don't undergo this in any significant way). Do your best to be a witness to what you believe Islam to truly be, and recognize that the people hating on you are not the type of people you would want to have as friends in any case. Obviously if you receive actual threats against your person, that may need to be something you need to take seriously, but it sounds like you're just getting the typical rants from internet idiots.
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