Distinguish between Muslims and terrorists
Just a few mornings ago, I opened The Bruin to learn that the Los Angeles Police Department had decided to shelve its Muslim mapping plan (“Police give up plan to map Muslims in Los Angeles,” News, Nov. 16).
I was surprised, not because the LAPD had decided to shelve the idea, but because the idea existed in the first place. The plan is wrong on many levels.
As an American citizen and atheist, I have prided myself on being part of a diverse and accepting nation, particularly on our freedom and diversity of religion. This mapping effort makes clear that our society sees Muslims as a foreign and dangerous group.
The plan is accusatory in nature. It was to be implemented by the LAPD’s counterterrorism bureau, a law enforcement agency, instead of a religious analytical organization. This sets Muslims apart from “the rest.” Apparently, we need to remind ourselves that American Muslims are still American and should not be treated differently from any other religious group.
Also, particular care should be given to differentiating between Muslims and Muslim extremists. Most Muslims do not associate themselves with Islamic extremists, just like most Catholics do not associate themselves with Irish Catholic extremists. Violent radicals are found in almost every religion. Muslims are no exception.
Recent Islamic extremism is not solely related to religion, but culture. In his videos, Osama bin Laden makes reference to the West and berates Western culture, which includes Western religions. The point is, radical Muslims are American-hating individuals who happen to be Muslim. Since the issue is much narrower than religion, it makes no sense to stigmatize all of Islam.
It’s important to remember that as Americans we have a duty to protect and respect our fellow Americans. I hope that soon, when I open the paper again at breakfast, I will find this article. And hopefully it brings comfort to the Muslim readers and to all who appreciate tolerance of other theistic and atheistic views.
Nicholas Ellerman
Fourth-year, French and biology