Who: Katelyn and I and our JUA group
What: We traveled today to Boston University to visit with the Islamic Society Group. They were a group of individuals who were both born and raised Muslim and converted. There was one woman who talked to us about her ideas of her religion. Her perspective and ideas were different from the woman who we talked with at the Cambridge Mosque. We noticed that she was not wearing a head scarf so we asked her if she saw that as a sin. She said, “Yes, it is a sin, but that is not who I am. I do wear it when I go to the mosque and pray, but I don’t wear it around because I don’t want to put on a show. I’m not ready. I would rather wear it when I was ready with meaning and full knowledge of it than to wear it and not fully respect it.” We thought this was interesting because the woman from the Mosque said that it was a BIG sin to not wear and she does extra prayers each day asking for forgiveness for all the times she did not wear it.
Where: Boston University, Boston, MA. We went into their prayer area within the campus.
When: December 19, 2007; second day of J.U.A. Temperature was very cold, sun was out.
Why: We went to visit this group to, again, learn and educate ourselves about the Islamic culture and how they feel in America. We asked many questions about the religion itself and how they feel, if anything, living in “this society”. They gave us very detailed thoughts about how they live. They, again, taught us about their holidays and how they celebrate, which is very different from us Americans. There is no alcohol or such involved in their celebrations. They were very open and let us tell them about what we thought about the Muslims as a whole and were very thoughtful.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Ryan and Aaron's experience on JUA DAY 2
Today we did two things. We went to the Islamic Society at Boston University and we went to the Museum of Fine Arts. At the Museum of Fine Arts we looked at Islamic art and saw how it differed from the rest of the art in the museum. We noticed that in most of the art there was gold plating on it. So if there were many vases, pots, and pictures in which the writing on it would be in gold. At BU we met with the Islamic Society and it is basically for the Muslims who attend BU. It gives them a chance to pray, celebrate, and meet amongst each other. While we were meeting with them they told us about their experiences in as well as out of school. For instance, one of the members names was Osama, and he told us about his experiences in an Islamic school, and then going to a public school. Then another member was Alex an he let us know that he just converted to Islam two years ago. He let us know the reasoning behind converting, and how his life has changed. Alex also told us about his life before and after converting.
Katelyn's, Jae Ro, and Jay Kim's experience on JUA
Who: Our J.U.A. group walked through Boston today and visited some Mosque’s
What: There were two different Mosque’s; Roxbury Mosque and the Islamic Society of Boston Mosque. We talked with an Islamic woman who answered all of our questions very thoroughly and taught our group a lot about the Islamic society. We watched a prayer that was neat to see because it is very different from the religion that we are used to, Christianity. She said that she did not “hate” us. They do not look at American’s like we look at Muslims. She told us that there are bad people in every culture and then there are good people in each culture, which was eye opening because Muslims do have a lot of good people that we do not acknowledge.
Where: Roxbury, MA and Cambridge, MA. The Roxbury Mosque is the biggest mosque in the Northeast and it has caused a lot of controversy. Reason being that people are worried about where the funding has come from and when the public thinks of Muslims and Islam, they think terrorists.
Why: To learn and get educated about the Islamic culture and why they practice like they do. We asked many questions that implied the questioning of why the we thought that the Muslims hated us. Again she told us that they do not hate us. There are many people in the Islamic culture that do, but most of them are good people. She also told us that she encounters a lot of discrimination that hurts her feelings. She said, “I would rather have them ignore me and act as if I wasn’t even there, then to say mean some about me.”
When: December 18, 2007; First day of J.U.A., temperature was FREEZING Started out about 11:00 am and got back to the Hostel around 3:30 pm.
What: There were two different Mosque’s; Roxbury Mosque and the Islamic Society of Boston Mosque. We talked with an Islamic woman who answered all of our questions very thoroughly and taught our group a lot about the Islamic society. We watched a prayer that was neat to see because it is very different from the religion that we are used to, Christianity. She said that she did not “hate” us. They do not look at American’s like we look at Muslims. She told us that there are bad people in every culture and then there are good people in each culture, which was eye opening because Muslims do have a lot of good people that we do not acknowledge.
Where: Roxbury, MA and Cambridge, MA. The Roxbury Mosque is the biggest mosque in the Northeast and it has caused a lot of controversy. Reason being that people are worried about where the funding has come from and when the public thinks of Muslims and Islam, they think terrorists.
Why: To learn and get educated about the Islamic culture and why they practice like they do. We asked many questions that implied the questioning of why the we thought that the Muslims hated us. Again she told us that they do not hate us. There are many people in the Islamic culture that do, but most of them are good people. She also told us that she encounters a lot of discrimination that hurts her feelings. She said, “I would rather have them ignore me and act as if I wasn’t even there, then to say mean some about me.”
When: December 18, 2007; First day of J.U.A., temperature was FREEZING Started out about 11:00 am and got back to the Hostel around 3:30 pm.
Lindsay's experience on JUA
The first day here we visited the mosque of Roxbury in Boston. We went there and it was closed but we still got to look around the mosque and notice that it was going to be the biggest one in the Northeast. Just looking at it from the outside it was very interesting. From there we got back on the T and traveled to Cambridge and went to the Islamic society of Boston. We talked to a lady Fatima the way that she greeted me and the other girl in my group was very different compared to the way she greeted the guys because she is only aloud to touch 5 guys in her family and everyone else is considered a stranger to her. I feel that she felt more comfortable around us that she did around the guys because we each had the chance to watch them pray where the guys went and watched the guys and Katelyn and I went and watched the girls. She told us that there are some circumstances that she is allowed to sit out and not pray one which was when a woman has there period. Also you are allowed to sit in a chair if you have a reasonable excuse like for example the lady that gave us the tour had a broken foot. She answered many questions and I think that she was very happy to have a group of students like us because she was very helpful and answered a lot of our questions we had for her. She was very nice and I think that she respected us as Americans to come and talk to her because it’s know that Americans hate Muslims and Muslims hate Americans but she told us that she didn’t hate us because there are good and bad people in every culture. Which I respect that very much. I never really thought about the Muslim life or anything like that until I joined the group “why do they hate us.” Today I learned a lot that I never thought I would learn
Aaron's experience on JUA
Today we visited a mosque in Cambridge which was called the Islamic Society of Boston. We first went to a mosque in Roxbury which is supposed to be the largest one in the north east, but we didn’t get a chance to go in because it was closed. We talked to a lady who worked at the mosque and she gave us a brief history of the Muslim religion. We learned how they pray, how many times a day they pray, the religious clothing they wear, and many other things. She answered a bunch of questions we had about Islam and Muslims, such as what age do the women have to wear the hijab, what kind of food do Muslims eat is it different from what we eat, etc. We also questions got a chance to watch people pray and hear their call to prayer.
The lady who gave us the tour also answered our question of “why do they hate us”. She let us know that the Muslim community does not hate us. It is a political thing and not so much a religious thing. She said that the Muslims that crashed in to the World Trade Centers do not account for the whole population of Muslims.
The lady who gave us the tour also answered our question of “why do they hate us”. She let us know that the Muslim community does not hate us. It is a political thing and not so much a religious thing. She said that the Muslims that crashed in to the World Trade Centers do not account for the whole population of Muslims.
Ryan's experience on JUA
Today was very interesting and informative day in Boston. First, our group visited the Roxbury Mosque, the largest Mosque in the Northeast. It was amazing to see a building to see such a large building made out of mostly bricks. We weren’t able to go inside today, but we learned all about how people go there to worship and pray to Allah.
After that, we visited the Islamic Society of Boston in Cambridge. We talked to a Muslim woman from Morocco, who gave us a lot of information on the religion as well as the culture. We asked her about our group’s theme, “Why do they hate us?” She assured us that she as well as most of the Islamic religion did not hate us, and it was the small group of terrorists that did. She also told us about how they pray and how often they pray. Next, she made sure she answered our questions to the best of her ability, and let us witness a prayer session. She made it so that the girls and boys in our group were separated, because that is how Muslims have to pray.
In conclusion, aside from the frigid walking around, I enjoyed our first day in Boston very much. I feel as though I have already learned a lot of information to answer the question “Why do they hate us?” Tomorrow, hopefully we can end our Junior Urban Experience in a bang and learn some more about the Islamic religion.
After that, we visited the Islamic Society of Boston in Cambridge. We talked to a Muslim woman from Morocco, who gave us a lot of information on the religion as well as the culture. We asked her about our group’s theme, “Why do they hate us?” She assured us that she as well as most of the Islamic religion did not hate us, and it was the small group of terrorists that did. She also told us about how they pray and how often they pray. Next, she made sure she answered our questions to the best of her ability, and let us witness a prayer session. She made it so that the girls and boys in our group were separated, because that is how Muslims have to pray.
In conclusion, aside from the frigid walking around, I enjoyed our first day in Boston very much. I feel as though I have already learned a lot of information to answer the question “Why do they hate us?” Tomorrow, hopefully we can end our Junior Urban Experience in a bang and learn some more about the Islamic religion.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
What is Islam?
Since our group has decided that the "they" to whom we wish to address in our question is people of Islamic faith, we must gain an understanding of their culture and beliefs. This understanding will serve two purposes. First, we can ask better, more in depth questions. Secondly, it will set us apart from the typical "us" - the American who can't tell his Shiite from his Sunii.
Watch this video! On our two-day journey, we will be visiting the Boston University Islamic Society. This is something they put together to spread knowledge of their faith.
Thirsty for more? Check out http://www.cair.com
JUAers! Find an article and post it along with your driving question.
Watch this video! On our two-day journey, we will be visiting the Boston University Islamic Society. This is something they put together to spread knowledge of their faith.
Thirsty for more? Check out http://www.cair.com
JUAers! Find an article and post it along with your driving question.
Welcome
Welcome!
We are here to answer a question. Actually, we are going to
Right now, lives are being lost and billions spent to protect Americans from the increasing threat of terrorism. In this time when men, women and children around the world have been filled with hate and a desire for the destruction of the
But who is "they?" It's not as if there's one group or solidified block of people united by experience, creed, or ethnicity that has decided to eliminate the
Depending on what answer
Friday, January 12, 2007
Mike's Essential Question Response
Essential Question Response
Since the emergence of the Middle East as a group of countries engulfed in conflict and hate, the western world has played a part in the slow deterioration of this barren region. It all began before World War 1, when the Ottoman Turks had control over the whole of the Middle East. When the war to end all wars began the British and French war machines encouraged the people of the Middle East to rise up and help cripple the already weakening Ottoman Empire with the promise of being allowed to unite as one Arab Nation. Upon hearing this proposition many Arab leaders joined forces and began inciting riots and organized a series of guerilla attacks on Ottoman supply lines. When the Turks were finally defeated and the war ended, the Arab leaders were not given their promised land due to the land interests of the French and British governments. Instead it was split between the victorious nations. The Arab leaders were left the very infertile and arid lands that now make up Saudi Arabia (only 2% is considered suitable for cultivation). Since then the western nations of the world have used treaties and empty promises that have led to the separation of the Arab people into different warring and unorganized states. But now they are doing something about it and they see us as a viable target. Or at least that’s what we are to believe. Do they really hate us? Or do we just think they do?
To answer this question a group of my fellow class mates and I went to Boston, the closest major city to our school in rural New Hampshire. Our first stop was in Harvard Square where we searched for printed media regarding the Middle East. There were a few posters and bumper stickers but most of the media we found regarding our subject was found in a local bookstore. The opinions, from what we could tell, varied from book to book. This concentration of information was not distributed publicly but it’s there if one wanted to learn about the Middle East.
Our next stop was the Islamic Society of Boston to watch a prayer and have a basic overview of Islamic beliefs and practices. Our guide gave us a tour of the building and showed us how before prayer they have a ritual washing where they cleanse themselves before opening up to god. Afterwards we watched an afternoon prayer, which consisted of submitting oneself to god. Once this was over we had a very informative question and answer session. I learned that Islam itself does not actually support the killing of innocent people, but it is actually the extremist leaders that misinterpret the basic message. This disproves the stereotypes of Muslim-Americans that we have today. They in fact do not hate freedom and do not want to kill innocent people. The truth is they just disagree with some of our western practices such as dressing in a revealing manor or drinking. Our guide also said that Mr. Bush’s description of terrorists “hating freedom” was to simplistic and out of place in the deeply philosophical realm of religious belief.
The next day we went to the American Friends Service Committee to meet with Joseph Gerson, an influential speaker and member of this activist organization. The majority of this meeting was taken up by a very extensive and informative lecture about the history of the Middle East from the Crusades to modern times. His overall point was that we should not be surprised with discontent coming from the Middle East considering the long history of violence caused by the Western World. Even Mr. Gerson was becoming very infuriated at our own “ignorance” about the middle eastern world and began delving into our psychological inability to see the terrible situations in this region. From his very “enthusiastic”, for lack of a better word, speech I was able to understand the reasons for hate and disgust directed towards the West from the Muslim world in a historical sense. Unfortunately I was still not entirely sure what the average Muslim in the Middle East thought of the United States because Mr. Gerson spent all his time presenting reasons why they should hate us but none about why they do hate us.
After a few minutes on the subway we were in the Boston Commons. Here David Tanos and I conducted a survey regarding the Iraq War. For an hour or two we wandered asking random people a list of questions we had put together beforehand. Overall we were able to decide that the majority of Bostonians in this area do not support the war and think everyone in Iraq hates us. There were also a few other replies to our questions that we did not write down because that answer was not an option. For instance a very odd looking man we asked immediately said, before I could finish my question, that the war in Iraq does not exist and then hurried in the opposite direction like he was trying to avoid someone.
Our final meeting was with a former soldier that served in Iraq until February. He explained to us how the locals, where he was stationed, reacted to the US presence. And quite surprisingly, many of them loved America. They would cheer and gave them presents when they were on patrol because it was these brave men and that had lifted the veil of tyranny from their country. The only discontent was from the middle aged male insurgents who were attacking them. He also reassured us that despite Saddam not having weapons of mass destruction he did have enough explosives to have a 2-5 ton explosion every day for the next few years (each ton of explosives can move about a ton of dirt or an 18 wheeler). From this I was able to finalize my research and formulate my final opinion.
Now that we had covered all possible points of view with the time allotted to us (keep in mind I do not consider myself an expert on this subject and I’m just going with what I have) I decided that they many don’t hate us as in you and me, yet they do not appreciate our government and our exploitation of their land. They were appreciative of our presence in Iraq but are becoming weary of the constant attacks, as any one would. Those that do hate us are being led by extremists and fake prophets. So a better question that we could have asked ourselves is who hates who?
Since the emergence of the Middle East as a group of countries engulfed in conflict and hate, the western world has played a part in the slow deterioration of this barren region. It all began before World War 1, when the Ottoman Turks had control over the whole of the Middle East. When the war to end all wars began the British and French war machines encouraged the people of the Middle East to rise up and help cripple the already weakening Ottoman Empire with the promise of being allowed to unite as one Arab Nation. Upon hearing this proposition many Arab leaders joined forces and began inciting riots and organized a series of guerilla attacks on Ottoman supply lines. When the Turks were finally defeated and the war ended, the Arab leaders were not given their promised land due to the land interests of the French and British governments. Instead it was split between the victorious nations. The Arab leaders were left the very infertile and arid lands that now make up Saudi Arabia (only 2% is considered suitable for cultivation). Since then the western nations of the world have used treaties and empty promises that have led to the separation of the Arab people into different warring and unorganized states. But now they are doing something about it and they see us as a viable target. Or at least that’s what we are to believe. Do they really hate us? Or do we just think they do?
To answer this question a group of my fellow class mates and I went to Boston, the closest major city to our school in rural New Hampshire. Our first stop was in Harvard Square where we searched for printed media regarding the Middle East. There were a few posters and bumper stickers but most of the media we found regarding our subject was found in a local bookstore. The opinions, from what we could tell, varied from book to book. This concentration of information was not distributed publicly but it’s there if one wanted to learn about the Middle East.
Our next stop was the Islamic Society of Boston to watch a prayer and have a basic overview of Islamic beliefs and practices. Our guide gave us a tour of the building and showed us how before prayer they have a ritual washing where they cleanse themselves before opening up to god. Afterwards we watched an afternoon prayer, which consisted of submitting oneself to god. Once this was over we had a very informative question and answer session. I learned that Islam itself does not actually support the killing of innocent people, but it is actually the extremist leaders that misinterpret the basic message. This disproves the stereotypes of Muslim-Americans that we have today. They in fact do not hate freedom and do not want to kill innocent people. The truth is they just disagree with some of our western practices such as dressing in a revealing manor or drinking. Our guide also said that Mr. Bush’s description of terrorists “hating freedom” was to simplistic and out of place in the deeply philosophical realm of religious belief.
The next day we went to the American Friends Service Committee to meet with Joseph Gerson, an influential speaker and member of this activist organization. The majority of this meeting was taken up by a very extensive and informative lecture about the history of the Middle East from the Crusades to modern times. His overall point was that we should not be surprised with discontent coming from the Middle East considering the long history of violence caused by the Western World. Even Mr. Gerson was becoming very infuriated at our own “ignorance” about the middle eastern world and began delving into our psychological inability to see the terrible situations in this region. From his very “enthusiastic”, for lack of a better word, speech I was able to understand the reasons for hate and disgust directed towards the West from the Muslim world in a historical sense. Unfortunately I was still not entirely sure what the average Muslim in the Middle East thought of the United States because Mr. Gerson spent all his time presenting reasons why they should hate us but none about why they do hate us.
After a few minutes on the subway we were in the Boston Commons. Here David Tanos and I conducted a survey regarding the Iraq War. For an hour or two we wandered asking random people a list of questions we had put together beforehand. Overall we were able to decide that the majority of Bostonians in this area do not support the war and think everyone in Iraq hates us. There were also a few other replies to our questions that we did not write down because that answer was not an option. For instance a very odd looking man we asked immediately said, before I could finish my question, that the war in Iraq does not exist and then hurried in the opposite direction like he was trying to avoid someone.
Our final meeting was with a former soldier that served in Iraq until February. He explained to us how the locals, where he was stationed, reacted to the US presence. And quite surprisingly, many of them loved America. They would cheer and gave them presents when they were on patrol because it was these brave men and that had lifted the veil of tyranny from their country. The only discontent was from the middle aged male insurgents who were attacking them. He also reassured us that despite Saddam not having weapons of mass destruction he did have enough explosives to have a 2-5 ton explosion every day for the next few years (each ton of explosives can move about a ton of dirt or an 18 wheeler). From this I was able to finalize my research and formulate my final opinion.
Now that we had covered all possible points of view with the time allotted to us (keep in mind I do not consider myself an expert on this subject and I’m just going with what I have) I decided that they many don’t hate us as in you and me, yet they do not appreciate our government and our exploitation of their land. They were appreciative of our presence in Iraq but are becoming weary of the constant attacks, as any one would. Those that do hate us are being led by extremists and fake prophets. So a better question that we could have asked ourselves is who hates who?
Curtis' Essential Question Response
Curtis K. 1/8/07
JUA Paper
Most of the world is involved in the war on terrorism involving different extremist groups in the Middle East. They have performed terrorist acts such as 9/11 and others around the world. Why are they doing this and is it just those groups that feel this way or do normal Middle Eastern civilians and Muslim Americans feel this way?
On our JUA trip “which by they way was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life,” we met with a few different Muslim people from the Islamic Society of Boston. There we got to ask them any questions we wanted, such as about their religion, what they thought of America, what they thought of those extremist groups in the Middle East, and what Muslims in the Middle East thought of the US.
When the average American thinks of the Muslim religion they automatically think of those extremist groups running around with guns killing people praising to their god. When in fact it is very similar to Christianity and religions like that. They believe in one god. They believe man should not kill one another which is a very serious belief to them just like the beliefs of the US.
They think of America as a great opportunity. A great opportunity to get away of the conflict in their countries, and to come over here and be free, practice their religion how they want, to be able to make their own decisions about life and to pursue their dream.
When I asked them about what people in the Middle East thought of the US. They said that they like it, they like our freedoms, and how you can do what you want to do in life while following their humanity rules. On the down side they also don’t like some aspects of the American way. They don’t believe in how we advertise and disrespect our bodies and women especially in the sense of nudity and sexual racism. One thing that they absolutely disregard is homosexuality. That is one thing that they don’t tolerate.
They don’t really know why these extremist groups are doing this. They have a sense to why, and that is because we have all these freedoms to do what we want and to express our bodies freely. Such as nudity, homosexuality, freedom of speech, just all of these they might not like and they want to try to change it.
They said that they don’t think that there is any Muslim Americans that feel this way about America, they all love it here, and just feel so grateful to be able to come here and live a good, free life. If you think about this though, this could be another reason why those extremist groups are doing these acts, because America is influencing the world so much that their people want to move here and get away from their original life’s and start over, and they just don’t like this so this is how they feel they can make a difference.
JUA Paper
Most of the world is involved in the war on terrorism involving different extremist groups in the Middle East. They have performed terrorist acts such as 9/11 and others around the world. Why are they doing this and is it just those groups that feel this way or do normal Middle Eastern civilians and Muslim Americans feel this way?
On our JUA trip “which by they way was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life,” we met with a few different Muslim people from the Islamic Society of Boston. There we got to ask them any questions we wanted, such as about their religion, what they thought of America, what they thought of those extremist groups in the Middle East, and what Muslims in the Middle East thought of the US.
When the average American thinks of the Muslim religion they automatically think of those extremist groups running around with guns killing people praising to their god. When in fact it is very similar to Christianity and religions like that. They believe in one god. They believe man should not kill one another which is a very serious belief to them just like the beliefs of the US.
They think of America as a great opportunity. A great opportunity to get away of the conflict in their countries, and to come over here and be free, practice their religion how they want, to be able to make their own decisions about life and to pursue their dream.
When I asked them about what people in the Middle East thought of the US. They said that they like it, they like our freedoms, and how you can do what you want to do in life while following their humanity rules. On the down side they also don’t like some aspects of the American way. They don’t believe in how we advertise and disrespect our bodies and women especially in the sense of nudity and sexual racism. One thing that they absolutely disregard is homosexuality. That is one thing that they don’t tolerate.
They don’t really know why these extremist groups are doing this. They have a sense to why, and that is because we have all these freedoms to do what we want and to express our bodies freely. Such as nudity, homosexuality, freedom of speech, just all of these they might not like and they want to try to change it.
They said that they don’t think that there is any Muslim Americans that feel this way about America, they all love it here, and just feel so grateful to be able to come here and live a good, free life. If you think about this though, this could be another reason why those extremist groups are doing these acts, because America is influencing the world so much that their people want to move here and get away from their original life’s and start over, and they just don’t like this so this is how they feel they can make a difference.
Dan's Essential Question Response
Dan E.
January 7, 2007
Junior Urban Adventure
Since the events of Sep. 11, 2001, even more tension than that which was already present developed between many Muslims and the USA which leads to the question, are all Muslims taught to hate western culture and more specifically the USA, or is this radical Muslims trying to speak for all of their religion?
From my shortened experience in Boston with the Junior Urban Adventure group, “Why do they hate us,” I gathered research which led to my answer of the essential question above.
I do not believe all Muslims are taught to hate the USA. Many Muslims, especially younger ones, fall into the trap of radicalism. They see how they can do something great for their faith, even if it is through blowing themselves up. They are convinced of the Western culture being filled with infidels, and we are just people who need to be cleansed. This is a very small percentage of all Muslims around the globe, but a group who carry so much political and military power, they can wreak havoc anywhere. We saw this firsthand with the collapse of the Twin Towers, the burning of the Pentagon, and Flight 93’s crash in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. These actions were done in the name of Allah by radicals. Many Muslims around the world and especially in the USA condemned the men who took part in it and their leaders, but this led to the widespread stereotype that all Muslims are violent people who hate our Western culture. Through speaking with American-Muslims, I find this stereotype to be completely false. Many people around the world have nothing to base their accusations against Islam on except the actions of terrorists. I see how ridiculous that is after talking to Muslims who condemn Islamic terrorists. I was told by an American-Muslim, “I cannot say those men are not Muslim, but I may say their actions are not Muslim actions.” The radical Muslims are the ones who are focused on, because they are committing the actions, which leave moderates unable to communicate their thoughts on the subjects. The reason for the tension between the USA or western cultures and Islam is because of the completely different cultures both groups have. Here in the USA, people drink and don’t dress modestly for two examples. In Islamic cultures, there is no drinking, they must dress modestly and just those two small things can cause some Muslims to dislike or hate our culture.
Given all of the research I have done and the people I spoken to, I believe it is absolutely unfair and irresponsible to say Islam hates western culture. There are small groups of people who are Islam that hate western culture, but these are radicals taking up the attention of our media and attempting to speak for their whole religion and that is why is may seem to some people that Islam hates the USA and western culture.
January 7, 2007
Junior Urban Adventure
Since the events of Sep. 11, 2001, even more tension than that which was already present developed between many Muslims and the USA which leads to the question, are all Muslims taught to hate western culture and more specifically the USA, or is this radical Muslims trying to speak for all of their religion?
From my shortened experience in Boston with the Junior Urban Adventure group, “Why do they hate us,” I gathered research which led to my answer of the essential question above.
I do not believe all Muslims are taught to hate the USA. Many Muslims, especially younger ones, fall into the trap of radicalism. They see how they can do something great for their faith, even if it is through blowing themselves up. They are convinced of the Western culture being filled with infidels, and we are just people who need to be cleansed. This is a very small percentage of all Muslims around the globe, but a group who carry so much political and military power, they can wreak havoc anywhere. We saw this firsthand with the collapse of the Twin Towers, the burning of the Pentagon, and Flight 93’s crash in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. These actions were done in the name of Allah by radicals. Many Muslims around the world and especially in the USA condemned the men who took part in it and their leaders, but this led to the widespread stereotype that all Muslims are violent people who hate our Western culture. Through speaking with American-Muslims, I find this stereotype to be completely false. Many people around the world have nothing to base their accusations against Islam on except the actions of terrorists. I see how ridiculous that is after talking to Muslims who condemn Islamic terrorists. I was told by an American-Muslim, “I cannot say those men are not Muslim, but I may say their actions are not Muslim actions.” The radical Muslims are the ones who are focused on, because they are committing the actions, which leave moderates unable to communicate their thoughts on the subjects. The reason for the tension between the USA or western cultures and Islam is because of the completely different cultures both groups have. Here in the USA, people drink and don’t dress modestly for two examples. In Islamic cultures, there is no drinking, they must dress modestly and just those two small things can cause some Muslims to dislike or hate our culture.
Given all of the research I have done and the people I spoken to, I believe it is absolutely unfair and irresponsible to say Islam hates western culture. There are small groups of people who are Islam that hate western culture, but these are radicals taking up the attention of our media and attempting to speak for their whole religion and that is why is may seem to some people that Islam hates the USA and western culture.
Chien's Essential Question Response
JUA, Why Do They Hate Us
Chien Miller
On December 11, 2006, the junior class departed from New Hampton School, at five a.m. to venture and seek out answers on the Junior Urban Adventure (JUA). Upon arrival at the Hostel in Boston, all the groups unloaded from the buses and stored our backpacks until the day was done. Students picked a topic area in which they wanted to explore. Individuals spent time throughout JUA to come up with an essential question based on their topic to be answered; however, this is not an ordinary question, it is one that can only be answered through their experience in Boston.
Once out of the hostel, each group parted their separate ways for a fast breakfast, and furthermore to their first destination to find answers. My group was why do they hate us, and our first learning stop was at Harvard Square. At this stop, our group divided in half, one group went and looked for printed media on our topic (books, magazines ect…), while the other looked for posted media (billboards, posters ect...). The next stop was a mosque, in which we toured, watched, and later talked to about any question we had. The next day, the first place we went to was the American Friends Service Committee where we were able to listen to his lecture and ask furthermore questions to help us answer our essential question. The last learning experience we came upon was a Marine who came back from Iraq. All of these learning blocks can be found with more information on our blog at, http://www.jua2006why.blogspot.com/.
Since 9/11, we have been on the offensive against terrorism. With the action that the United States has taken in Iraq, have we assumed the role of a bully and given the people of Iraq a war they do not want? At the mosque, one of the guests speaks said “some Muslims want to get foreign troops out of Iraq” The Islamic believe is a very antiwar religion for example, they are against killing of innocent life, including trees and the earth. One of the Muslim speaks said a very interesting quote, “Killing one soul is killing all.” According to the American Friends Service Committee, in their “Ten reasons Why the U.S. Must Leave Iraq” shows the following, “Iraqis want the United States to leave now “Recent polls reveal that Iraqi opinion coalesces on four demands: (1) an end to foreign occupation, (2) compensation to Iraqis for damages caused by the U.S. invasion, (3) release of Iraqi prisoners, and (4) establishment of political and military institutions independent of outside influences. A survey in Iraq commissioned by the British military in September 2005 found that 82 percent of Iraqis “strongly oppose” the continuing presence of coalition troops, and 45 percent feel attacks against coalition troops are justified. The battle for heart and minds has been lost.” The Iraqi vet that we talked to told us that there was no weapons of mass destruction, however there were fields of bombs, rockets, and many more weapons.
I have gathered much valuable information from this trip and have found answers to what I was in search of. JUA was not only a great time for me, but also a great learning experience, learning about different view points, and religion. I now see a wider picture of three different views; one from a religion that some people do not have a clear understanding of. Second, we saw how an antiwar organization felt about politics, and finally, there was the vet that gave us direct input on the situation in Iraq. JUA has more then defiantly been helpful and has shown me a greater understanding of us, the US.
Chien Miller
On December 11, 2006, the junior class departed from New Hampton School, at five a.m. to venture and seek out answers on the Junior Urban Adventure (JUA). Upon arrival at the Hostel in Boston, all the groups unloaded from the buses and stored our backpacks until the day was done. Students picked a topic area in which they wanted to explore. Individuals spent time throughout JUA to come up with an essential question based on their topic to be answered; however, this is not an ordinary question, it is one that can only be answered through their experience in Boston.
Once out of the hostel, each group parted their separate ways for a fast breakfast, and furthermore to their first destination to find answers. My group was why do they hate us, and our first learning stop was at Harvard Square. At this stop, our group divided in half, one group went and looked for printed media on our topic (books, magazines ect…), while the other looked for posted media (billboards, posters ect...). The next stop was a mosque, in which we toured, watched, and later talked to about any question we had. The next day, the first place we went to was the American Friends Service Committee where we were able to listen to his lecture and ask furthermore questions to help us answer our essential question. The last learning experience we came upon was a Marine who came back from Iraq. All of these learning blocks can be found with more information on our blog at, http://www.jua2006why.blogspot.com/.
Since 9/11, we have been on the offensive against terrorism. With the action that the United States has taken in Iraq, have we assumed the role of a bully and given the people of Iraq a war they do not want? At the mosque, one of the guests speaks said “some Muslims want to get foreign troops out of Iraq” The Islamic believe is a very antiwar religion for example, they are against killing of innocent life, including trees and the earth. One of the Muslim speaks said a very interesting quote, “Killing one soul is killing all.” According to the American Friends Service Committee, in their “Ten reasons Why the U.S. Must Leave Iraq” shows the following, “Iraqis want the United States to leave now “Recent polls reveal that Iraqi opinion coalesces on four demands: (1) an end to foreign occupation, (2) compensation to Iraqis for damages caused by the U.S. invasion, (3) release of Iraqi prisoners, and (4) establishment of political and military institutions independent of outside influences. A survey in Iraq commissioned by the British military in September 2005 found that 82 percent of Iraqis “strongly oppose” the continuing presence of coalition troops, and 45 percent feel attacks against coalition troops are justified. The battle for heart and minds has been lost.” The Iraqi vet that we talked to told us that there was no weapons of mass destruction, however there were fields of bombs, rockets, and many more weapons.
I have gathered much valuable information from this trip and have found answers to what I was in search of. JUA was not only a great time for me, but also a great learning experience, learning about different view points, and religion. I now see a wider picture of three different views; one from a religion that some people do not have a clear understanding of. Second, we saw how an antiwar organization felt about politics, and finally, there was the vet that gave us direct input on the situation in Iraq. JUA has more then defiantly been helpful and has shown me a greater understanding of us, the US.
David's Essential Question Response
David T.
Essential Question
01/03/07
Since the plummet of the twin towers Americans have developed a phobia of Muslims and Middle Easterners. All assaults so far committed against western civilization have been committed by radical Muslims, during the latest attempt to cause mayhem both men and women of different ethnicities were involved. The only common denominator among those who tried to plant liquid bombs on British planes was their religion. Are we targeting radical Muslims enough in our campaign for national security?
Yes, we are making great strides to target radicals who misinterpret the teachings of Islam, but we are ages away form being able to say the American nation is safe; we need to prioritize our country’s threats and target the significant menaces. National security is a very complex matter. It doesn’t merely consist of protecting our flights. National security spans from securing our international and national flights to protecting our borders and maintaining safety in our schools and homeland. To insure a truly secure nation we must exceed in all these areas and create programs, which will insure permanent security versus temporary fixes.
After the tragic attack on New York City a group of German news reporters completed an intriguing study. They attempted to board both American and other nations’ flights with the same utility knives the terrorists of 9/11 used to commandeer the planes, which were crashed into the twin towers. In the process of going through airport security checks, boarding and getting off planes only 2 out of the 7 German news reporters were caught for carrying dangerous objects. The other five successfully smuggled the dangerous weapons aboard their flights. While major infractions such as these pass unnoticed, 80-year-old grandmothers catch the eyes of airport security and are harassed for having nail clippers, in their purses…
Concerning our nation’s borders, especially the southern one, we all know they are merely lines drawn in sand and dirt for illegal immigrants pass over whenever they wish. Illegal immigrants are floating into the country by the hundreds and if a terrorist wishes to make his job easier, he doesn’t go through the hassle of trying to get a visa and entering the United States legally, when all he needs to do is travel to Mexico and then run across the Mexican-American boarder. In the matter of a week he’ll be roaming the U.S. freely like it was magic. While it is so easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country, it is borderline impossible for legitimate workers and businessmen to enter the United States legally. A dear Hungarian friend of my family has been trying to enter the United States for the past 4 years to work for my father as his company’s manager. We have gone through painstaking and degrading processes to obtain a working visa for our family friend, which would allow him to work for my father in the United States. We have seen lawyers and federal officials by the dozens, we have been looked down upon by all, and with every attempt we made to bring a working and contributing taxpayer into the country we have been told with a condescending tone to forget it.
Our nation has made advances in security, we are making advances even at this moment, but the question remains will we reach an adequate level of national security before the next extremist attack on our nation, because we all now it is already being planned or executed.
Essential Question
01/03/07
Since the plummet of the twin towers Americans have developed a phobia of Muslims and Middle Easterners. All assaults so far committed against western civilization have been committed by radical Muslims, during the latest attempt to cause mayhem both men and women of different ethnicities were involved. The only common denominator among those who tried to plant liquid bombs on British planes was their religion. Are we targeting radical Muslims enough in our campaign for national security?
Yes, we are making great strides to target radicals who misinterpret the teachings of Islam, but we are ages away form being able to say the American nation is safe; we need to prioritize our country’s threats and target the significant menaces. National security is a very complex matter. It doesn’t merely consist of protecting our flights. National security spans from securing our international and national flights to protecting our borders and maintaining safety in our schools and homeland. To insure a truly secure nation we must exceed in all these areas and create programs, which will insure permanent security versus temporary fixes.
After the tragic attack on New York City a group of German news reporters completed an intriguing study. They attempted to board both American and other nations’ flights with the same utility knives the terrorists of 9/11 used to commandeer the planes, which were crashed into the twin towers. In the process of going through airport security checks, boarding and getting off planes only 2 out of the 7 German news reporters were caught for carrying dangerous objects. The other five successfully smuggled the dangerous weapons aboard their flights. While major infractions such as these pass unnoticed, 80-year-old grandmothers catch the eyes of airport security and are harassed for having nail clippers, in their purses…
Concerning our nation’s borders, especially the southern one, we all know they are merely lines drawn in sand and dirt for illegal immigrants pass over whenever they wish. Illegal immigrants are floating into the country by the hundreds and if a terrorist wishes to make his job easier, he doesn’t go through the hassle of trying to get a visa and entering the United States legally, when all he needs to do is travel to Mexico and then run across the Mexican-American boarder. In the matter of a week he’ll be roaming the U.S. freely like it was magic. While it is so easy for illegal immigrants to enter the country, it is borderline impossible for legitimate workers and businessmen to enter the United States legally. A dear Hungarian friend of my family has been trying to enter the United States for the past 4 years to work for my father as his company’s manager. We have gone through painstaking and degrading processes to obtain a working visa for our family friend, which would allow him to work for my father in the United States. We have seen lawyers and federal officials by the dozens, we have been looked down upon by all, and with every attempt we made to bring a working and contributing taxpayer into the country we have been told with a condescending tone to forget it.
Our nation has made advances in security, we are making advances even at this moment, but the question remains will we reach an adequate level of national security before the next extremist attack on our nation, because we all now it is already being planned or executed.
Connor's Essential Question Response
Connor
Why do they hate us?
Throughout history relationships with America and the world have been rocky. More so in the last 5 years have there been real major conflicts between parts of the world, mostly the Middle East, and America. Why are Americans hated, and if they are what are reasons they are hated? America is hated, but not for the reasons many think, like for our freedom and our way of living, but more for the fact that we at war with the Muslims. Yes, Muslims do hate us, how would you feel if another countries military was in our country, ruling and having complete control over us, well you would get mad and gain hatred towards them. “Yes”, Muslims do hate us hearing first hand for a former US Marine, who in fact was stationed in Iraq. He stated that “only about 10% of the people in the middle east don’t like us.” The ten percent that hate or dislike America are mostly middle aged men. The women and children and some men, the elders they are actually grateful for what we have done, as we got Saddam out of power they were almost free, they could do mostly anything they wanted, and not be in fear of being killed by Saddam’s troops, kids could go out and play soccer, women could go to the market and have no fear of being raped.
No one likes war, but this war was inevitable. If we were not attacked on 9/11, we would be attacked another time. If we didn’t go to war after 9/11 then we would be going to war another time. The hatred from the Taliban and from Saddam was to great. It was going to happen sooner or later. People think that it is all the presidents falt that we are at war and were there for oil, or because we just want to fell that we have power, they think that we would have been better off having some one else in office. In my opinion this is all nonsense. We had to go to war, it was a lose, lose situation. When 9/11 happened we were all angered. Mostly every one was jumping on the band wagon for stopping Saddam and the Taliban, and when we got into the thick of the fighting then many said it was a bad idea Bush is a fool to do this. Now think if the Bush did not take a stand and fight against terrorism, he would be thought as a coward and many other countries and terror cell would fight against us.
But be as it may what happened, happened and we have to move on and become one. To show nothing can break us down, it may knock us to one knee but were strong and we can defend ourselves from these people. To solve this problem we have to be one as a nation.
Why do they hate us?
Throughout history relationships with America and the world have been rocky. More so in the last 5 years have there been real major conflicts between parts of the world, mostly the Middle East, and America. Why are Americans hated, and if they are what are reasons they are hated? America is hated, but not for the reasons many think, like for our freedom and our way of living, but more for the fact that we at war with the Muslims. Yes, Muslims do hate us, how would you feel if another countries military was in our country, ruling and having complete control over us, well you would get mad and gain hatred towards them. “Yes”, Muslims do hate us hearing first hand for a former US Marine, who in fact was stationed in Iraq. He stated that “only about 10% of the people in the middle east don’t like us.” The ten percent that hate or dislike America are mostly middle aged men. The women and children and some men, the elders they are actually grateful for what we have done, as we got Saddam out of power they were almost free, they could do mostly anything they wanted, and not be in fear of being killed by Saddam’s troops, kids could go out and play soccer, women could go to the market and have no fear of being raped.
No one likes war, but this war was inevitable. If we were not attacked on 9/11, we would be attacked another time. If we didn’t go to war after 9/11 then we would be going to war another time. The hatred from the Taliban and from Saddam was to great. It was going to happen sooner or later. People think that it is all the presidents falt that we are at war and were there for oil, or because we just want to fell that we have power, they think that we would have been better off having some one else in office. In my opinion this is all nonsense. We had to go to war, it was a lose, lose situation. When 9/11 happened we were all angered. Mostly every one was jumping on the band wagon for stopping Saddam and the Taliban, and when we got into the thick of the fighting then many said it was a bad idea Bush is a fool to do this. Now think if the Bush did not take a stand and fight against terrorism, he would be thought as a coward and many other countries and terror cell would fight against us.
But be as it may what happened, happened and we have to move on and become one. To show nothing can break us down, it may knock us to one knee but were strong and we can defend ourselves from these people. To solve this problem we have to be one as a nation.
Jimmy's Essential Question Response
Jimmy
1/7/07
JUA
With major differences and growing tensions between American and Middle Eastern societies, how does American entertainment affect the way that middle easterners view our country?
In my research, I concluded several things but it is impossible to find facts as the responses are just based on opinion. We visited the Islamic Society of Boston while on our JUA. We were givin a tour of the place and we learned a lot about Islam and it was very interesting. I got a chance to ask the leaders some of my questions. The conclusion that I came to was that many people deffinitly view our entertainment offensive because in other cultures they live a humble life and try to keep themselves pure and spiritual. When they see the things we put out on tv they find it rude and offensive not just to their religion and culture, but also themselves. It effects them personally and this makes it a personal thing along with their culture and religion. We also touched on other things that corresponded with my question. We addressed other issues such as the war in Iraq and the growing tensions with the middle east because of this conflict. During my research I encountered something interesting. While many people in our group had other questions involving the war in iraq, the question I asked actually had a lot to do with other problems such as the war in Iraq. Entertainment was actually a very small part of the big picture of why they hate us. To middle easterners, this is what America looks like. We invade their countries, take control of their lives and oppress them even if its for their own good. We tell them what to do and then while they are trying to see what good we are actually doing, we mock their religions and their cultures by insulting them with movies and entertainment for our own laughs. Does this look like a nation that’s really looking out for other people. We choose the way people look at us. It is not because they believe in different things then us, it is how we show them what we think about their cultures and religions. At this point in time, we look like a country that cares about nothing but what is good for them. We are better then everyone else and we don’t care, they aren’t people like us so why should we care. Lets make fun of them and laugh about it, that will really solve our problems. To me, this is what we are viewed as by other countries and is the reason that they hate us. Many people think that they are the ones who are crazy, blowing up children with bombs and killing them selves for some rediculous cause, but they know nothing about the real culture and people and focus on the few who do those evil things to justify their actions. Why do they hate us? Just take a look at the way we treat and portray middle easterners and I think you will see for yourself how obvious it is.
1/7/07
JUA
With major differences and growing tensions between American and Middle Eastern societies, how does American entertainment affect the way that middle easterners view our country?
In my research, I concluded several things but it is impossible to find facts as the responses are just based on opinion. We visited the Islamic Society of Boston while on our JUA. We were givin a tour of the place and we learned a lot about Islam and it was very interesting. I got a chance to ask the leaders some of my questions. The conclusion that I came to was that many people deffinitly view our entertainment offensive because in other cultures they live a humble life and try to keep themselves pure and spiritual. When they see the things we put out on tv they find it rude and offensive not just to their religion and culture, but also themselves. It effects them personally and this makes it a personal thing along with their culture and religion. We also touched on other things that corresponded with my question. We addressed other issues such as the war in Iraq and the growing tensions with the middle east because of this conflict. During my research I encountered something interesting. While many people in our group had other questions involving the war in iraq, the question I asked actually had a lot to do with other problems such as the war in Iraq. Entertainment was actually a very small part of the big picture of why they hate us. To middle easterners, this is what America looks like. We invade their countries, take control of their lives and oppress them even if its for their own good. We tell them what to do and then while they are trying to see what good we are actually doing, we mock their religions and their cultures by insulting them with movies and entertainment for our own laughs. Does this look like a nation that’s really looking out for other people. We choose the way people look at us. It is not because they believe in different things then us, it is how we show them what we think about their cultures and religions. At this point in time, we look like a country that cares about nothing but what is good for them. We are better then everyone else and we don’t care, they aren’t people like us so why should we care. Lets make fun of them and laugh about it, that will really solve our problems. To me, this is what we are viewed as by other countries and is the reason that they hate us. Many people think that they are the ones who are crazy, blowing up children with bombs and killing them selves for some rediculous cause, but they know nothing about the real culture and people and focus on the few who do those evil things to justify their actions. Why do they hate us? Just take a look at the way we treat and portray middle easterners and I think you will see for yourself how obvious it is.
Matt's Essential Question Response
Matt M.
Answer to Essential Question
JUA 2006 ‘Why Do They Hate Us?’
December 13th, 2004, American forces in Tikrit, Iraq found and successfully captured Iraq’s former president Saddam Hussein. This enormous victory for the Coalition carried many promises and assumptions of Iraq’s future. The “Butcher of Baghdad” was no longer a threat to the people of Iraq, however what did this really mean? Roadside bombings, kidnapping, and fear still ran the recently freed country. Americans began to ask a question that would determine the true future of Iraq – why are the Iraqis resisting an opportunity for stability after a three-year war in their country and an even longer regime of terror?
There are many ways to determine the answer to this essential question. Many have studied the ordeals the Iraqi people have experienced in recent history and considered the relationships between Middle Eastern countries while analyzing religious conflicts to result in a conclusion. Others put themselves in the places of the Iraqis to find out why they have such distaste for American culture. Americans have been told through the media time and again, “They hate us because of our freedom” This reason however, is not valid. Terrorists are not jealous of the freedoms Americans posses - terrorists fight for many reasons, but one which is common regards religious control in the new Iraqi government. The war between the Shiites and Sunnis has been fought since the beginning of Islam and will always be a factor in Iraqi politics. The new constitution formed in Iraq is favored by most Shiites; however the majority of Sunnis are extremely upset with the change in power. This conflict is one of the biggest reasons for violence, upset Sunnis still loyal to Saddam trying to take back control through means of terror. That is not to say that all terrorists are Sunnis it is just the majority.
A more general examination of the Muslim people reveals why they have such a hatred of the United States. The Gulf War originated in 1990 when Saddam invaded Kuwait under the belief that the Kuwaitis had been drilling Iraqi oil by slanting the drills over the Iraq–Kuwait boarder, after a sweeping defeat led by the American coalition the UN placed sanctions against Iraq.
While in Boston, we learned about such sanctions while spending some time at a local mosque. Our teacher of Islam, Bilal Kaleem, educated our group about the extremes these sanctions put on the Iraqi people. The outcome was a complete lack of medical supplies and food resulting in the deaths of an estimated million people. Bilal believes this is one of the biggest reasons why Americans are hated so much in Iraq; a result of the perceived impact that American politics have on the lives of the Iraqi people. The War on Terror is creating more terror in native citizens, thus turning these individuals into the people the Coalition forces are fighting against.
Is an end to this war in sight? Listening to the media leads people to believe there is no progress being made in Iraq and the war is an unending uphill battle. This is the complete opposite view of the United States Marine whom we interviewed before leaving Boston. He helped shed light on what is really going on in Iraq. Contrary to the media’s description of how Iraqi citizens view the soldiers in their country, the Marine told us the majority of Iraqis he encountered loved the American soldiers and were grateful for their aid in eliminating Saddam’s oppressive regime. The army estimated ten percent of Iraqis were willing to kill Americans, a larger amount disliked the soldiers, but the vast majority did indeed welcome the foreign legion.
Analyzing the ten percent of Iraqis willing to kill is comprised of mostly 20 year old males who most likely did not receive any benefits under Saddam. It is my belief that they fight not for what they think is right for their country or family, but because they believe terrorism is the cool thing to do. News stations confirm this theory in some ways when soldiers report that the clothes of terrorists they have killed are expensive western style imports proving their hatred for America may be strong enough to kill American soldiers yet not motivated enough by their cause to stop giving money to American retailers.
Americans are faced with the challenge of waking up each morning and wondering if today is the day the next 9/11 takes place. This fear is why terrorists succeed and it is only when Americans and Iraqis stop living in this constant state of panic can they truly defeat terrorism. Americans on a local level can start by being more tolerant of Muslims in their community. Racism only promotes a growing list of why some Middle Easterners hate American people. Tolerance to other people’s religion will show you care about their lifestyle and demonstrates a tremendous amount of respect, and in turn they will show the same respect for you.
Answer to Essential Question
JUA 2006 ‘Why Do They Hate Us?’
December 13th, 2004, American forces in Tikrit, Iraq found and successfully captured Iraq’s former president Saddam Hussein. This enormous victory for the Coalition carried many promises and assumptions of Iraq’s future. The “Butcher of Baghdad” was no longer a threat to the people of Iraq, however what did this really mean? Roadside bombings, kidnapping, and fear still ran the recently freed country. Americans began to ask a question that would determine the true future of Iraq – why are the Iraqis resisting an opportunity for stability after a three-year war in their country and an even longer regime of terror?
There are many ways to determine the answer to this essential question. Many have studied the ordeals the Iraqi people have experienced in recent history and considered the relationships between Middle Eastern countries while analyzing religious conflicts to result in a conclusion. Others put themselves in the places of the Iraqis to find out why they have such distaste for American culture. Americans have been told through the media time and again, “They hate us because of our freedom” This reason however, is not valid. Terrorists are not jealous of the freedoms Americans posses - terrorists fight for many reasons, but one which is common regards religious control in the new Iraqi government. The war between the Shiites and Sunnis has been fought since the beginning of Islam and will always be a factor in Iraqi politics. The new constitution formed in Iraq is favored by most Shiites; however the majority of Sunnis are extremely upset with the change in power. This conflict is one of the biggest reasons for violence, upset Sunnis still loyal to Saddam trying to take back control through means of terror. That is not to say that all terrorists are Sunnis it is just the majority.
A more general examination of the Muslim people reveals why they have such a hatred of the United States. The Gulf War originated in 1990 when Saddam invaded Kuwait under the belief that the Kuwaitis had been drilling Iraqi oil by slanting the drills over the Iraq–Kuwait boarder, after a sweeping defeat led by the American coalition the UN placed sanctions against Iraq.
While in Boston, we learned about such sanctions while spending some time at a local mosque. Our teacher of Islam, Bilal Kaleem, educated our group about the extremes these sanctions put on the Iraqi people. The outcome was a complete lack of medical supplies and food resulting in the deaths of an estimated million people. Bilal believes this is one of the biggest reasons why Americans are hated so much in Iraq; a result of the perceived impact that American politics have on the lives of the Iraqi people. The War on Terror is creating more terror in native citizens, thus turning these individuals into the people the Coalition forces are fighting against.
Is an end to this war in sight? Listening to the media leads people to believe there is no progress being made in Iraq and the war is an unending uphill battle. This is the complete opposite view of the United States Marine whom we interviewed before leaving Boston. He helped shed light on what is really going on in Iraq. Contrary to the media’s description of how Iraqi citizens view the soldiers in their country, the Marine told us the majority of Iraqis he encountered loved the American soldiers and were grateful for their aid in eliminating Saddam’s oppressive regime. The army estimated ten percent of Iraqis were willing to kill Americans, a larger amount disliked the soldiers, but the vast majority did indeed welcome the foreign legion.
Analyzing the ten percent of Iraqis willing to kill is comprised of mostly 20 year old males who most likely did not receive any benefits under Saddam. It is my belief that they fight not for what they think is right for their country or family, but because they believe terrorism is the cool thing to do. News stations confirm this theory in some ways when soldiers report that the clothes of terrorists they have killed are expensive western style imports proving their hatred for America may be strong enough to kill American soldiers yet not motivated enough by their cause to stop giving money to American retailers.
Americans are faced with the challenge of waking up each morning and wondering if today is the day the next 9/11 takes place. This fear is why terrorists succeed and it is only when Americans and Iraqis stop living in this constant state of panic can they truly defeat terrorism. Americans on a local level can start by being more tolerant of Muslims in their community. Racism only promotes a growing list of why some Middle Easterners hate American people. Tolerance to other people’s religion will show you care about their lifestyle and demonstrates a tremendous amount of respect, and in turn they will show the same respect for you.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Question
Davids question. Since the plummet of the twin towers Americans have
developed a phobia of Muslims and Middle Easterners. All assaults so far
committed against western civilization have been committed by radical
Muslims, during the latest attempt to cause mayhem both men and women of
different ethnicities were involved. The only common denominator among
those who tried to plant liquid bombs on British planes was their
religion. Are we targeting radical Muslims enough in our campaign for
national security?
developed a phobia of Muslims and Middle Easterners. All assaults so far
committed against western civilization have been committed by radical
Muslims, during the latest attempt to cause mayhem both men and women of
different ethnicities were involved. The only common denominator among
those who tried to plant liquid bombs on British planes was their
religion. Are we targeting radical Muslims enough in our campaign for
national security?
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Jimmy's Essential Question
With major differences and growing tensions between American and Middle Eastern societies, how does American entertainment affect the way that middle easterners view our country?
Friday, January 05, 2007
Dan's Essential Question
Since the events of Sep. 11, 2001, even more tension than that which was already present developed between many Muslims and the USA which leads to the question, are all Muslims taught to hate western culture and more specifically the USA, or is this radical Muslims trying to speak for all of their religion?
Chien's Essential Question
013fSince 9/11, we have been on the offensive against terrorism. With the action that the United States has taken in Iraq, have we assumed the role of a bully and given the people of Iraq a war they do not want?
Sub. Question:
Because of our actions, what countries are against our plan?
Sub. Question:
Because of our actions, what countries are against our plan?
Connor's Essential Question
Relationships between America and the world have been rough throught out history. More so in recant years has there been major argument and even war, therefore America has been not very well liked. Why are Americans hated and what have they done to deserve and get the hatred given towards Americans?
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