Dispute In Houston Suburb Highlights Cultural Bigotry In The US
December 8, 2006 11:49 am Current AffairsSome consider America to be a melting pot of people from different backgrounds, creeds, religions, and cultures. However, that mixture increasingly seems to be one of oil and water. They co-exist but don’t blend. This modern form of racism that is prevalent in today’s society doesn’t eliminate the racial tensions, religious conflicts and cultural condemnation. Yesterday, I read “Houston suburb in dispute over mosque plans” that brought this reality front and center.
In the Houston suburb of Katy, TX, residents publicly expressed their anger with the plans to build an 11-acre mosque and facilities in their neighborhood. Some of the residents expressed a belief that the Muslims will bring terrorism and an increased security risk to the town. Many members of this community united to deter the Muslim committee, Katy Islamic Association (KIA), from building by creating an anti-Islamic website, by trying to buy away the land, and by conducting pig races to offend the Muslims.
This attempt to offend the Muslims is in vain. Kamel Fotouh, KIA president, noted that Muslims are not offended by pigs, they just don’t consume pork. Despite the negative reaction the Muslim community has received, KIA is still pushing forth with their establishment.
Post-911, President Bush seemed intent on making an enemy image of the Muslims in order to further his goals of war. Through calling them “terrorists,” “war mongers,” “wrong doers” and “extremists,” he has dehumanized and demonized the entire Muslim population. This may explain why the Katy, TX community finds it acceptable to be so belligerently vocal about their disdain for Muslims and their misconceptions about the Islamic culture and background. How will America ever be a melting pot when hatred, bigotry and racism continue to exist?
