Class,
Welcome to our blog. I feel...up-to-date, so to say.
Do you like the color scheme? I didn't put much thought into it, but it seemed pleasant enough.
OK. Down to business, after the jump.
I want this to be a space where we can develop discussions/opinions/etc. outside of the classroom, continue our dialog past the borders of face-to-face discussion in a medium that is gaining credibility as a wellspring of innovative and creative discourse.
Most tangibly, I see this blog being used in conjunction with your "group" research project (to be delineated from your research paper). Basically, as far as that project is concerned, this space will give you the options that should be open to you for any research project. On here, you will be able to post video, audio, links, original writing, etc. that can be used in coordination with discussion questions posted by you for your respective research projects, effectively (well, hopefully) broadening the scope and variety of research presented while anchoring us firmly in the relevant goings-on and vehicles for information present in our contemporary sphere, our world, our city, our block, our 2K10.
We will be discussing the blog and the research projects in more depth on Thursday.
For now, here's a trial run of what your group research projects should aim for:
Here's the original article (which you can also find in your course packet): http://nymag.com/news/features/67635/
Jacobson, Mark. "Muhammad Comes to Manhattan." New York Magazine.
30 Aug 2010: 24-32.
On June 10th, WNYC broadcast an interesting take on the Mosque story that brought into focus a similar situation that is developing in the boroughs, loosening -- in part -- the myopic fix on the Downtown Muslim Community Center's locale as the main point of contention.
"A Tale of Two Mosques." WNYC News. By Arun Venugopal. WNYC, New York. 10 Jun. 2010.
An article by AP writer,
Hajela, Deepti. "NYC Community Board Head Wants Interfaith Center". The Associated Press. 31 Aug. 2010.
Something that particularly interests me is the various borders within and around this issue, permeating and defining both the physical iteration of the issue in the world and the issue as it has formed along ideologies: Physical distance from Ground Zero was the original point of contention and out of which formed a clear border separating ideology at the protest line. To what extent are these borders real, though? In an issue that can be easily defined by its borders, is it, in fact, just that? Defined easily, too easily? Certainly, it's helpful to give general definition -- this is, in essence, how we begin to understand something, by its broadest, most essential element -- but to stop at a general definition would eliminate the possibility for nuance, a feature that is lacking, I think, in the civil discourse involved with this particular issue at hand. These two additional resources posted above stretch the borders of this particular issue, one from the inside out and the other from the outside in, bringing nuance into a discussion that could certainly benefit from a bit.
Testing.
ReplyDeleteThis Blog seems to have great potential in welcoming open and enlightened discussions outside the class room. I hope we all utilize this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteIn our first article,
"Muhammad comes to Manhattan", seems to be a controversial debate. America's First Amendment supports this right. In a multicultural society like America, especially New York, race, color and religion should coincide side-by-side. Making America a place of freedom and not create subjective discrimination.
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ReplyDeleteThe article "Muhammad comes to Manhattan" offers many viewpoints and reasoning as to why steps from ground zero ended up being the ideal place for the new Mosque . Like every conflict, there are 2 sides to the coin, those who see the mosque as a symbol of freedom & diversity in America, and those who see the mosque as a symbol of the carnage expierenced by America on September 11th. In an ideal world, I wish that the Mosque was never suggested in the first place to go right next to ground zero, only in direct repspect to those hundreds of families who lost loved ones directly due to a Muslim, yes radical, but Muslim practice, the jihaad. BUT the mosque near ground zero WAS proposed, so to uphold our American way of life, starting with Freedom, I do not believe that anyone has the right to determine where a specific religious building is allowed to be located. This conflict could help everyone as a human race to learn to be accepting, but furthermore inquisitive about other cultures, perhaps if those who did not support the Mosque, spoke to one of the relgious officials there, they would see there is a huge gap between a practicing Muslim & a Radical Muslim. America can not have a permanent vendetta against every Muslim that ever lived, or we would be just as unethical & immoral as the people who flew the planes into the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field
ReplyDeleteBoundaries are set up as protection against something we fear. Do we fear the everyday Muslim? No. We fear the Radical Muslim. It was the Radical Muslim who took part in the destruction of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. We cannot stop everyday Muslim from practicing their religion. They have the same right as the rest of us to gather and take part in their religion. The Radical Muslim is not the Muslim we see everyday in the street. We have to provide them with the same rights we would want ourselves. We cannot judge everyone else based on a single group of people. If a Radical Muslim decided to build a Mosque near Ground Zero as a symbol of success then that would deserve tension and a reaction. But that is not the case here.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see the outcome of this heated debate being that both sides are in fact valid.A new Mosque should be allowed to exist and yes, this one is very close to the site of the tragic events of 9/11.It is disturbing though that the people on the forefront of the oppositional debate, Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer, are such extremists to the point that you do not want to believe a word they say. The argument that stood out most to me was discussed on the radio broadcast, the idea that American Muslim children should be given the opportunity to evolve freely and not just grow up in segregation. I agree with that. I also have a slight leniency towards the head of the project, Sharif El-Gamal after reading in the article, "Muhammad Comes To Manhattan" because I can identify with his process of elimination of available locations for the Mosque. I've looked tirelessly for a location for my current business and decided on a space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn after solely demanding a location in Manhattan. This may sound extremely naive, but you take what you can get in real estate sometimes. His vigor for wanting to offer a modern American Muslim outlet is also convincing ... in a way. I cannot say for sure how I feel about this issue. I agree that the proximity of the building is questionable but to me it could potentially show a sign of strength to openly accept it culturally and show that we as Americans do not hold the whole Muslim community responsible for the actions that took place.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't Islam that took those two buildings down, it was fanaticism. It could have just as easily been a Timothy McVeigh that flew into them. McVeigh was a Roman Catholic and a registered Republican ... do you think anyone would protest some kind of Roman Catholic Republican type center thing being built at 45–51 Park Place? The fact that the people who flew into the World Trade Center happened to be Muslim makes all this rhetoric and jingoism possible. These people's (i.e. the Pamela Geller and Robert Spencers) opinions wouldn't be taken seriously in any other context. They need a populist irrational fear in order to exist and to stay in existence they need to perpetuate that fear. The impetus of that fear (at the risk of sounding as conspiratorial as those mentioned above) comes from The State's need to legitimize American military movement in Arab countries. It was the governments prompt to pump up the chests of every American ... it is pure propaganda; completely manufactured fear. And the only thing any US citizen got out of it was the loss of rights under the guise of safety, that and the ability rightfully express xenophobic slogans now and again.
ReplyDeleteThe “neighborhood” issues brought about by some of the Sheepshead Bay residents, in my opinion, have valid claim (i.e. noise, loss of parking, decreased property values, etc.) but, neighborhoods change. You can't run every new comer out of your neighborhood just because you grew up there. Your status (or place) within that neighborhood hasn't changed. It is the familiarity of the neighborhood that people are afraid of losing. I've lived in this city for nearly 20 years and it is a completely different place now than it was then. Change isn't good or bad, it just is; however it is difficult as it messes with our feelings of nostalgia; my old apartment is a restaurant now and it is certainly odd to eat dinner where my couch used to be but, the food is pretty damn good.
What ever happened to "respecting one's religion?" It is unfair for Americans to discriminate agains one's religion. In addition, Muslims are entitled to freedom of religion, which is granted by the 1st admendment of the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, building a Mosque in the city should be acceptable.
ReplyDeleteThis wasn't the first time I had heard of this mosque story and somehow, a different part of the story hits me every single time I hear it. The first few times I couldn't get over how bigoted I feel those people (the Geller and Spencer supporters) are and how I honestly can't comprehend how people follow that sort of thing. At the same time, they are being followed because as with all extremists, if you yell it loudly, there will be someone who has nothing else to listen to, and will follow you; regardless of the things you might be saying. I don't mean to discredit the families and relatives of those who were affected by 9/11 events, but when's enough? In an article about this same story I read in the Metro a few days ago, the author wrote that there are mosques already in the area, a block or two north from 45-51 park place. There are no protests on these mosques and they have been there for years, I feel that just because this mosque is new, doesn't mean it deserves an avalanche of ignorant, racist protesters. And the claims that the mosque will be on the 14th floor of a "Islamist Supremacist Mega-Mosque at Ground Zero" (which Geller and Spencer have dubbed it, according to the article "Muhammed Comes to Manhattan") 'looking down on the site of ground zero' is just narrow-minded and crazy.
ReplyDeleteMuslims have just as much a right to pray like any other people of faith. It's surprising that a city such as New York City, as diverse and seemingly accepting, would be so intolerant towards a project that could only benefit it's residents.
Another thing that hit me was the notion of protectiveness of our neighborhoods and our city. Using myself as an example, I get defensive every year when I see the University Students (mainly NYU, SVA, New School) who move into my neighborhood every September, lately, into my building. Aside from the students, who seep into every pore of my neighborhood; The East Village, there is also the ever-moving-in white yuppie. People often mistake me for one of these students, or one of these new move-ins, because I'm part of that age-group. In my elevator, I often find myself saying the following; "No, I've lived here for 15 years," to the question of whether I have just moved in. The feeling of slight hate for the entering people of what I feel is "my" neighborhood, is something I definitely feel, and can understand this feeling within the community of Sheapshead. At the same time, it's not that I hate certain races in my neighborhood, I hate their gentrification. And as a white girl in the Village, I'm also part of that gentrification (even if I don't "do it" as much as I feel others do). The blatant expulsion of even the plans for a mosque in Sheapshead, is something I see as sad, in the most simple of terms. It results in the conclusions I've aforementioned; that even in this diverse city, there are people who are intolerant and non-accepting.
I disagreed with the leaders of the Majilis Ash-Shura of relocating the construction two blocks away from ground zero. It is not necessary because no matter where it is built, there will still be people going against it and thinking it is a “bad” mosque. A critic, Teresa Skavo stated, “If there is evil wrong with certain people in a certain group that doesn’t mean the entire group is affiliated.” Even though it is the 21st century, a lot of people are still not open minded. Many people assume a whole group is “bad” just because a mistake was committed by a few members of the group. It just happen the incident of the 9/11 attack was related with the Muslims. From my perspective, the Mosque should either be constructed according to the original plan or it shouldn’t be built at all.
ReplyDeleteI feel very strongly that the grounds to prevent the mosque's construction amount to religious discrimination. All elements of American society must actively engage it's Islamic community in greater dialog. The only way to dispel the fear many Americans harbor for Islam is for them to get to know it better. Should ANY organization teach hate or fund terror both domestic and international then such an organization should be prosecuted and lawfully shut down like any other criminal/terrorist organization. Large foreign donations warrant careful auditing, however, it appears that the project is in full cooperation. I believe that a mosque near ground zero that was dedicated to upholding unwavering peace and the hope of putting an end to radical Islamic terror from within the religion of Islam itself would honor the dead of Ground Zero by taking a bold stand to improve our world. Let us hope that America can unite itself to uphold the principles we cherish: life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and peace.
ReplyDeleteThe building of the mosque is also new to me. I was not in the country for the entire summer and I got back seeing in the news that their was a big controversial issue with a mosque that is going to be build just near ground zero. At first I didn't have any personal opinion but after I kept hearing different people say that they will fight until the end just for the mosque not to be build I said this is going to be big. I believe the mosque should be allowed to be built anywhere and by it being built near ground zero it can be seen as a symbol that we the american people don't see islamics and anything associated with them as a plot for terrorism.
ReplyDeleteI think there are many people fighting with the mosque being built because it's almost september 11 again and nobody wants to see anything associated with islam when they go down to ground zero to remember their loved ones. I also think many people are against the mosque because it will cost 100 million dollars and many ask where is the money going to come from which make them think it'll be funded by terorists. It is one thing to not want a mosque built near ground zero but now if many people are fighting for one not to be built in their own neighborhoods just shows that their is discrimination.
When I began reading the article, "Muhammad Comes to Manhattan" the first thing that popped into my head was "that's a dumb idea to build a mosque close by the world trade center". Then I noticed that I was thinking ignorant and I had to think beyond that. So, I started to look at the different point of views, brought up in the article, and radio broadcast and I came to a conclusion. I feel that the mosque can/should be build wherever, if it's in Brooklyn queens or in Manhattan, by the world trade center it shouldn't be a problem. I don't think we should shun off a whole community/race of people because of a couple of bad apples. I bet half of us don't even understand their religion and trust me, I'm one of them. We should give them a chance, to show us what the practice of Muslim really is and prove us wrong. I feel that we could learn the difference between radical Muslim and the practice of Muslim and try to forget the past and begin a new future.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article "Muhammad comes to Manhattan" a lot came to my head like why would they try to build a Mosque so close to the World Trade Center site, the place where still today people yet failed to get over the terrible tragedy of September 11. Then as I kept reading on I thought how ignorant people can be. I understand the whole world is aware of the race where the people responsible for the attack are from. Knowing that does not mean that we should all target this group of people as the bad guys. We should not blame a whole group for the actions of 1 or two people. It's like voting to me majority rule, Im pretty sure the majority of the Islam people could be good; but then there's also one bad apple in the bunch. Islam people shouldn't be penalized for that one bad apple. My point is that these protectors should be more understanding against this group of people, they shouldn't be blamed for what happened on September 11. If they want to build their Mosque close to the site they are free to do so. It is not like they're setting up boundaries and rules of who goes in and out, it is welcomed for everyone who wants to come.
ReplyDeleteI feel that most Americans jump to conclusions too quickly. In times of media facilitated frenzy and chaos, information is skewed and the truth becomes clouded behind assumptions with little to no evidence. Although. I understand that the wishes of those affected by 9/11 should be respected, it should not be the cover-up reason as to why the mosque by the World Trade Centers shouldn't be built. After going over these resources I realized that change is inevitable and slowly, but surely wounds will have to heal. As a nation founded on the tenet of "freedom of religion", it is our duty as Americans to see through that every religious group has access to these liberties. There are absolutely no negative intentions associated with the creation of this mosque and by accepting its presence, hopefully we can becomes a more unified and healed nation.
ReplyDelete"If there is evil wrong within certain people in a certain group, that doesn't mean that entire group is affiliated; that you could just conglomerate everyone together and say, 'Oh well, that faction has issues, (so) that means everyone has issues in that group.' C'mon. Thats old time thinking. Not today. Not 21st century today." Listening to Teresa Schavo, say these lines from the "A Tale of Two Mosques" broadcast, I was filled with content that there were people who felt the exact same way on this matter as I did.
ReplyDeleteLike most of the other authors to the blog entries already on this thread, I already knew a decent amount concerning the building of the mosque "at" (I personally don't feel that two blocks away at the previous residence of a Burlington Coat factory is "at")the World Trade Center site. However, these readings filled me in a lot of holes in my understanding, and impassioned me with thoughts.
As per the technique Jacobson was trying to achieve in the beginning of "Muhammad Comes to Manhattan," he assumes the role that he, as well as many other Americans had in response to both 9/11 and the placing of the mosque in that area. But as the article goes on, he begins to undergo a change of heart as he opens up and realizes the true impetus behind the building of the mosque. I felt giving his real-world account was a great idea, as that would serve to help convince the readers of his work to make the same inward change that he did.
The article also opened my eyes to the world of anti-mosque protesters and "Islamaphobes." In a city as diverse (the term "melting pot of the USA" comes to mind) and progressive as NYC, I'm so shocked that people as backwards and filled with bigotry existed. As simply as i can put it, people like Geller and Spencer make me sick. Their community seems like a pool of excrement that serves as a breeding ground for a population of people just like them to fuel their hate for people unlike them, misunderstanding of the facts at hand, and outright lies. As much as I find dislike in bigots, I can revel in the (my interpretation of Jacobson's feelings) similar attitude Jacobson portrays in his work about them. He quotes Spencer at their TGIF dinner, "'Because the freedoms we enjoy are in danger. You might not know it now, because it is just the beginning. But 25, 30 years from now, you're going to think of this place and say to yourself, (italicized) Spencer was right (/italicized).'" It would seem that Jacobson pokes fun at his thoughts, with the italicizing of his words and the commentary he adds, proving some of their statements wrong in the essay and using negative aspects to describe the duo (he writes "self described 'NYC career girl' is not without eccentric train-wreck fascination" to describe a Geller's past, which weakens her argument.)
I agree wholeheartedly and found myself nodding on the train in agreement as i read Sharif El-Gamal's (front header of the building of this mosque) words when asked if given the chance, would he change his actions: "'Yes,' he answered in a low voice. 'Even knowing everything, I would have done it again. Because there was a conversation that had to be had, and now we're having it."
In the end, just because, as Jacobson put it, "one moron-scumbag would be Jihadi" does something in the name of his perverse idea of a religion which actually promotes peace and love (contrary to Spencer and Geller's argument, I bet, doesn't mean that the whole religion and all of its followers are to blame. Listening to Schavo say that quelled the rage within.
Its about time that NYC leave behind bigots and anti-Islam or anti-you-can't-do-that-for-no-other-reason-than-I-don't-agree-with-it-even-though-it-is-your-personal-right-to-do-whatever thinking, and allow for this city to become more liberal in its allowing of freedom, justice, and cease of hate.
Its about time.
First thing to bring up is....1 There is a lot of ignorant people....People who believe that Islam is a bad religion and is filled with hate and evil..This is false. The religion itself is beautiful. Just because a religion is beautiful doesn't mean that all it's supporters are beautiful as well. If you look at the Christian/Catholic religion, there were some pretty evil people who were apart of this religion. Look at the Ku Klux Klan. Imagine if people were ignorant and believed everyone who was catholic was as evil as the Ku Klux Klan. Then we would have a major issue.
ReplyDeletePracticing of the Islam is beautiful because it is a beautiful religion. When it comes down to it because of our rights the building of the Community center/mosque cannot be stopped. It would be going againest the core values of the United States of America.
Personally if the tables were turned and a Catholic hate group were to have done this crime I would be okay with the building of a Church close by as long as it represented the Catholic Religion. When I say that I mean If the same hate group that committed the crime had something to do with the Church being built close by then I would be highly offended.
All in all, Al Qaeda doesnt't represent the Islamic Religion, they represent hate. If they have something to do with the building of the Community center Mosque then I am againest it. If not then there is no reason the Mosque/Community Center should not be built.
After reading this article i was compelled to ask two questions, Why would any religious group want to go through the amount of hassle this has brought and is going to bring them. As long as there is a war going on because of 9/11, things are still fresh in everyone's minds and they are still looking for someone to be held accountable, Osama hasnt been found and America will blame anyone and everyone they feel is connected in some way. Because of some religious views shared with islam and the extremists that flew those planes, some people will blame the entire religion whether wrong or right. why dont they move it and avoid all the headache but then again, most religious folks might say this is just the devil testing them and they are going to have faith and fight for what they believe in.
ReplyDeleteThe other question that came to mind was, Why are there so many people affected by this move. Most of the people complaining will never even be close to the mosque or bothered by it. for the people in Brooklyn who are worried about noise and crowds, they on the other hand has a point and really have something to complain about. I agree with John A, they have nothing to do with the planes and shouldnt be held responsible for what happen. I guess in the end someone is gonna have to cave and i dont think its going to be the American public as they have nothing tangible to lose and if the mosque goes up there will probably be protests and headaches. I dont agree but a person is smart, people are stupid and people are the ones against it.
After listening to all the views and reading about this topic the one thing that comes to mine is why? Morally speaking I don’t think its okay for a mosque to be built so close to ground zero .I feel like it’s a sense of disrespect to these families that will go to ground zero to remember their loved ones. I’m not saying my opinion is right or even “American” of me. I come from an area in Brooklyn where there is pretty much a church on every other block and nobody has ever protested against that. It is unfair we as Americans should respect every ones faith .We should not attack this religious group for the sins of some radical believers. I also feel like we should all be aware and not be so out right disrespectful to one another. But I think these people in the neighborhood and the leaders wanting to build this mosque can come to a Agreement on what will be best on both parties banishing them and treating people like there not worthy to be in your neighborhood is wrong and can be concluded to be a setback on what we are fighting for and that’s peace. Overall these people should be able to build their mosque anywhere
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Kedne. i feel ground zero is a place commemorating the thousands of people killed that day because of a terrorist attack. I Don't believe that its is fair that innocent Muslims should have to suffer because of what a some of their people did but i also think that to have a mosque so close in proximity wouldn't be sensitive to those who lost loved ones in the attack. also its not as though they want to put a small little mosque, they are planning to build this 13 story building. so building the daddy of all mosques to me is not the best idea. yes, America is a place where people come to express their religious freedom but at what cost? I understand that property wise it makes a perfect option but location wise its way too controversial. I think by putting this mosque up more people are going to be upset and bothered then happy. i also think that it no longer is about the mosque its self but what it stands for- and this is a huge problem that cant be solved that easily. so in my opinion, i think the people behind this project should be sensitive to those who were effected and back down. this is new york, plenty of locations open up and i don't think there is a need to rush these kinds of things. they should be happy to be building this huge mosque and instead its constant fighting. i say find a new location.
ReplyDeleteI'm posting this for Nate Smith (so, this is not me, Prof. Dodson; in fact, it's Nate Smith, your classmate):
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article i was compelled to ask two questions, Why would any religious group want to go through the amount of hassle this has brought and is going to bring them. As long as there is a war going on because of 9/11, things are still fresh in everyone's minds and they are still looking for someone to be held accountable, Osama hasnt been found and America will blame anyone and everyone they feel is connected in some way. Because of some religious views shared with islam and the extremists that flew those planes, some people will blame the entire religion whether wrong or right. why dont they move it and avoid all the headache but then again, most religious folks might say this is just the devil testing them and they are going to have faith and fight for what they believe in.
The other question that came to mind was, Why are there so many people affected by this move. Most of the people complaining will never even be close to the mosque or bothered by it. for the people in Brooklyn who are worried about noise and crowds, they on the other hand has a point and really have something to complain about. I agree with John A, they have nothing to do with the planes and shouldnt be held responsible for what happen. I guess in the end someone is gonna have to cave and i dont think its going to be the American public as they have nothing tangible to lose and if the mosque goes up there will probably be protests and headaches. I dont agree but a person is smart, people are stupid and people are the ones against it.
I do not know why this issue has become such a big deal. This is America and we should be allow to excise our first amendment, freedom of religion. I do not know why people oppose to the mosque being built in Park Place, it's two blocks away from the WTC and I don't think it would symbolize superiority of Muslims from Americans. I agree with John A, there's good and bad people in every religion and we shouldn't judge an entire community for the few bad ones.
ReplyDeleteIn qouting Nate, "I guess in the end someone is gonna have to cave and i dont think its going to be the American public as they have nothing tangible to lose and if the mosque goes up there will probably be protests and headaches. I dont agree but a person is smart, people are stupid and people are the ones against it".
ReplyDeleteI did not understand his view point, why did he distinguish American public and Muslims?, Most "Muslims" living in America are "Americans".Either by birth or naturalization.
Islam is the religion and Muslims are the followers of Islam, it is just a religion like any other. Yes there are extremist in every religion and political gains have caused further misuse of religion and culture.
We are all Americans and should be proud of our culture and individual religion and not just have a "melting pot" where there is no diversity, and leave in peace in the "United States of America", as Americans.
To Answer the question Tarek asked...
ReplyDeleteI said the american public and muslims...i used that to distinguish the groups as there are two sides. you dont hear many muslims against the mosque being built so it wouldnt make sense to say americans are against it.
I am not saying muslims are not american or anything of that sort. Im saying the American public fighting against the mosque have nothing to lose. if it goes up, what are they losing? the only ones who has something to lose is those american muslims who are tyring to put it up...i just didnt think there was a need to say american muslims as i was clearly talking about the people oposing it. I am a Jamaican by birth so dont believe im an American thinking we are better than anyone else.
Thanks Nate, I always appreciate a good debate.
ReplyDeleteI don't think its right to distinguish a nation with a religion. You can compare America with Afghanistan,Iraq or any country, but I don't think it would be right to compare America or any country with any religion.
yes, American's of Muslim religion should say more for their right, but it may be because they are scared to express their feelings in fear of being targeted as being extremist, as it has happened in the past.
First of all, I think that all people are free to follow any religion they choose. Islam is no better and no worse religion then Christianity. People who follow Islam have right to have their own place of worship.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think that choosing a location near grand zero is not a good idea. The islamophobia does, indeed, exist in our post 9/11 society, and we can not ignore this fact. I think that building a mosque near grand zero will not solve this problem of islamophobia, but it will, on the contrary make it worse, causing a never ending debates and more misunderstandings between the people of different religion.
Another thing that that comes to my mind, is safety:How safe will people who go to that mosque feel? The building of the mosque may attract anti-islam protestants and cause riots.There are fanatics among people of all religions, and there is no guarantee that some day an anti-islam fanatic won't try "take a revenge" on Muslim people. We do not live in a perfect world and people have certain stereotypes about certain groups of people/nations/religions.
That's why i think grand zero is not a good location for this mosque.
After reading the articles and listening the views, I think ground zero is a good location for this mosque. We are living in a very diverse society which main goal is to provide a free and fair soiciety for everyone despite race or culture. Therefore much respect shud be given to the muslims. They shud be able to build or place their mosque where ever they like without facing any discrimination.
ReplyDelete