Some S. Florida Latinas converting to Islam for emphasis on family, women's roles

South Florida Sun-Sentinel ^ | January 3 2006 | Tal Abbady

[brytlea]

Scholars say Matos is part of a growing number of Latin women converting to Islam for its emphasis on family, piety and clearly defined women's roles, values converts say were once integral to Hispanic culture but have waned after years of assimilation.

The women are among 40,000 Hispanic converts to Islam in the United States, according to the Islamic Society of North America.

[brytlea]

This was in our local paper. I thought it might be of interest.

[Emmet Fitzhume]

"Some S. Florida Latinas converting to Islam for emphasis on family, women's roles"

That's right. Reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and instead embrace a 7th century deathcult. See how far that will take you in life. (sarcasm)

[SteveMcKing]

"The women are among 40,000 Hispanic converts to Islam in the United States, according to the Islamic Society of North America."

And "according to me", I have had intimate relations with 40,000 women.

[manic4organic]

They've given up their souls to Satan.

[NavVet]

Slavery had clearly defined rolls for blacks
The Nazi's philosophy had clearly defined rolls for Jews

Any woman converting to Islam because of its clearly defined rolls for women, should think about exactly what their new roll would be.

[B.O. Plenty]

I think this is mostly bullsh!t....if latinas are "converting", it will not be long before they are converting back...right after their husband beats them, and makes them stop driving....heh heh heh

[Rakkasan1]

roles for women?
what, like designated punching bag?

[siunevada]

Weren't there several similar stories in the media in 2005?

There were also 150,000 adult converts to the Catholic Church last year. There will probably be a similar number at Easter this year. I doubt the Sun-Sentinel will be exploring that news anytime in the near future.

[BTHOtu]

There was a similar article in the San Antonio, Texas newspaper last year. I suspect CAIR is sending out talking points.

[brytlea]

I generally don't read this paper (my husband insists on getting it because he likes to read the sports and business section but the whole thing gives me hives). But, I suspect you're right.
susie

[brytlea]

I hope you're right. However, I can see some similarities in the cultures.
susie

[Rakkasan1]

Al queda meets al quesadilla.

[kenth]

"Everyone is doing it. You should too. You don't want to be uncool, do you?"

NavVet is spot on. There are clearly defined rolls; doesn't mean they're any good.

[COBOL2Java]

...values converts say were once integral to Hispanic culture but have waned after years of assimilation.

Assimilation???? Assimilation to what? Do they tune to any TV station besides the Spanish networks? Do any of them speak English? I'd say that's step #1 towards assimilation.

[nickcarraway]

They probably see that Muslims actually believe there religion and they see a lot of Christians who don't really believe their religion.

[siunevada]

Hunh. Here's Melissa Matos in an October, 2005 UPI story:

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20051026-043000-8471r

They must have taken the story from Lisa Bolivar of - ta da! - the Sun-Sentinel:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-nw30ramadansep30,0,2961024.story

That's a non-functioning link but I'll bet Lisa's 9/30/05 story is still in the Sun-Sentinel archives somewhere.

If not, al jazzeerah has it posted:

http://www.aljazeerah.info/News%20archives/2005%20News%20Archives/October/1-b%20n/American%20Muslim%20News%20Briefs,%20October%201,%202005.htm

Melissa must be a "go to" person for the Sun-Sentinel staff.

[COBOL2Java]

...it will not be long before they are converting back.

Ain't gonna happen. Islam's pretty much a one-way street, not withstanding those very few who are courageous enough to escape the cult.

[Semper Paratus]

Spanslam!

[COBOL2Java]

Sounds like one of Denny's breakfast specials...