with Muslims in this country choosing their Islamic identity over their American one.... that choice indicates the the expense of American identity.
along with this less likely to embrace the nation's fabled melting pot of shared values and common culture. .. and this "I know I don't have to fit in," she said. "I don't think Muslims have to assimilate. We are not treated like Americans. At work, I get up from my desk and go to pray. I thought I would face opposition from my boss. Even before I realized he didn't mind, I thought, 'I have a right to be a Muslim, and I don't have to assimilate.' "
So my issue has to do with the attitude taken, Her boss had no problem with the prayers, but she already has the attitude that she doesnt need to make an effort to assimilate.
- Apology understood and accepted.
- The next point was not necessarily birthed by reading the article alone, but I stand by it, whether the article spoke to it or not. Even though I believe that some of the interviewees do express views that are harsh with respect to becoming a part of America.
I also believe that the sexualization of society, along with the bolstering of the feel good culture with regards to sex, drugs, and alcohol are serving to do nothing but rot our society. I am a virgin until my wedding night on DEC. 16, I dont drink, smoke, or anything like that. So I agree with you on that point.
In fact, if jello shots and lowrider jeans are the American traditions you hold sacrosanct, you're in the wrong forum. .... Again, not sure why you felt the need to say that, I never hinted that I was a purveyor of that line of thought. If you read through my post history you would see that. I believe I am in the correct forum. Even so, this forum is more open to discourse/disagreement than many I've been on.
-stfu.. We will just drop that one.
- I wouldn't challenge your patriotism, because I think it is a practice of futility in face to face meetings, and even more ridiculous via website. I'm not into that game. As far as right and wrong religion, I feel that you can practice whatever religion you want, its your prerogative.. as long as that religion doesn't trample the rights of others. Everyone has free will. However, I think any religion that one ascribes to must be viewed as the correct religion in that persons eyes... otherwise, what is the point of belief in said religion? Whether or not they worship Allah or zimdog, I don't seek to deny their right to do so, but will I believe they are correct in doing so, no. I will do what I can to show them about my Jesus and the power of Christ and what it means to be a Christian.
- Obviously you do see now that I am a conservative and a Christian. I believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ. If you dont wish to share your faith with me, then dont. I was just curious, but I dont understand what the point of keeping it secret is. I have no problem sharing my private relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ via public website or otherwise. Perhaps you fear retribution from some loon, Perhaps not. I also happen to believe in the 2nd amendment and enjoy the freedoms associated with it, and down here in FL we have less restrictive laws which allow me to defend myself if some Muslim lunatic or any other lunatic wish to harm me and mine.
regards, thanks for the discourse... -lynx
I agree that the woman's attitude was upsetting, but the article is still poorly written. There is no need to choose a religious identity over a national identity. One can be a good Muslim and a good American without contradiction. I think the "assimilation" that the subjects of this article were resisting was assimilation into aspects of American culture that assume Chrisitanity is the only religion. The woman who said "I have a right to be a Muslim, and I don't have to assimilate" is rightfully upset that Muslims "are not treated like Americans." I think what she's saying is that because people are unwilling to consider Muslims to be real Americans, Muslims don't feel obligated to change their daily lives (speficic prayer times, hijab, etc.) in order to make these people happy. I don't think the young woman was upset at her boss as much as she was stating (and asserting) her fundamental right to freely practice her faith. But like I said, it's a poorly written article. At no point does it say what it thinks "American values" are.
Chinese and Jews had the same problem a century ago but the country eventually realized that patriotic Americans didn't have to observe Sunday as the Sabbath in order to be patriotic Americans. That shared struggle for recognition had some interesting outcomes, like the American Jewish tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas day, when everyone else was celebrating the holiday in church.
- Apology understood and accepted.
Thank you.
Even though I believe that some of the interviewees do express views that are harsh with respect to becoming a part of America.
That's troubling indeed. Do you think that some people express views that are harsh with respect to becoming a part of America in part because other people (such as the "Nuke Mecca!" crowd) express views that are harsh with respect to them becoming a part of America? If I were a Muslim, I would be understandably upset if I had to hear some of the things that you find on these forums. For those who tell us that Muslims will never be true Americans, they should know that they're discouraging Muslim immigrants from assimilating. Why would anyone want to join a club where he is not really wanted as a member?
I wouldn't challenge your patriotism, because I think it is a practice of futility in face to face meetings, and even more ridiculous via website. I'm not into that game.
You stand tall with that attitude.
As far as right and wrong religion, I feel that you can practice whatever religion you want, its your prerogative.. as long as that religion doesn't trample the rights of others. Everyone has free will. However, I think any religion that one ascribes to must be viewed as the correct religion in that persons eyes... otherwise, what is the point of belief in said religion? Whether or not they worship Allah or zimdog, I don't seek to deny their right to do so, but will I believe they are correct in doing so, no. I will do what I can to show them about my Jesus and the power of Christ and what it means to be a Christian.
That is the best way to approach it. Respect and education.
I have no problem sharing my private relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ via public website or otherwise. Perhaps you fear retribution from some loon, Perhaps not.
I have no problem sharing my faith either -- I am a Christian. I have also met some loons here (and there are plenty more loons out there who can access this page) and I'd prefer to keep my private relationships as private as possible, especially given that all our posts can be retrieved by anyone interested, dilligent or crazy enough to do so. Yes, a have 2nd Amendment rights, but I'd rather not have to exercise them. More importantly, I don't want my family to be put in a position that would necessitate the recourse to firearms. Or calling the police, for that matter. I hope you understand.
And I'll assume the "Dec. 16" wedding date was last year and offer your my belated congratulations.