"I can’t trust him… He’s an Arab!” Sound familiar? If not, take a quick glance at this lady from a McCain rally (she comes after the first guy):
First-of-all, I would like to point out that Webster defines the word “Arab” as a member of an Arabic-speaking people. In other words, this means that an Arab is defined independently of religious identity. So, we’ll just assume that grandma was probably equating Arabic people with Muslims. But grandma isn’t just an anomaly; there are many people in the United States just like her who believe Barack Obama is a Muslim. Just take a look at a few quotes taken from McCain/Palin supporters at an Ohio rally:
-“I’m afraid if he wins, the blacks will take over. He’s not a Christian! This is a Christian nation! What is our country gonna end up like?”
-“Just the whole, Muslim thing, and everything, and everybody’s still kinda - a lot of people have forgotten about 9/11, but… I dunno, it’s just kinda… a little unnerving.”
And just for kicks…
-“He must support terrorists! You know, uh, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. And that to me is Obama.”
**Taken from Crooks and Liars**
This equating of Barack Obama and Muslim identity brings us to a very important question; is there something wrong with trusting a Muslim as president? Or better yet, being a Muslim in general?
As Colin Powell recently pointed out on Meet the Press, there has been an increase of sayings such as, “Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim” permitted among the members of the Republican Party. This display of ignorance and intolerance can easily breed hate, and hate can ultimately result in fascism. So, how do we combat this type of behavior? Moving towards a multicultural society is how!
This is why multiracial/multicultural Americans are an integral part for the future of America. Many of us come from parents of different races, ethnicities, religions, political parties, etc. so we know first hand how it is to not fit in with a distinct group. Some would say we have an edge at embracing and accepting difference because we are the epitome of difference. For example, have you ever been in a situation with your “friends” where one says something intolerant about a group of people? You know that it is wrong and you feel bad about it, but you don’t have the courage to speak up. Well this passive action is what keeps racism, ethnocentrism, and all similar “isms” alive in America. Most multiracials are generally equipped to combat this type of behavior, but just like every other person, we exhibit passive action sometimes.
No longer will we stand for passive action! An active multiracial and multicultural movement would quickly bind Americans together because we tend to look at our similarities rather than our differences. However, even though some would say multiracials have more exposure for combating ignorance, intolerance and racism, it will take every man and woman to exude righteousness in the face of adversity to transform this country into a multicultural society where even a Muslim can be president.
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written by Travis, October 08, 2009
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written by Travis, October 08, 2009
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written by Chameleon, October 09, 2009
Travis, in regards to your question about who the author is, Chameleon is a blog without one specific author. It is a blog that "gives global perspectives for the multiracial and multicultural enthusiast." This means that any person can submit an article that could possibly be posted on this blog.
As for your question about how to start a multiracial movement, the answer is that it takes a lot of individuals like you, me, and the people described in the last paragraph of the blog.
This blog will be updated biweekly so expect to see an article in the future about your particular question.
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written by Priscilla, October 09, 2009
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written by Jdubb, October 09, 2009
Clever way to connect arabs with a multicultural society. Both are tolerant and apex to your theme.
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written by Luke S, October 10, 2009
Lol I can see the cardboard signs already..
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written by K, October 10, 2009
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written by Chameleon, October 11, 2009
Leah, in America many multiracials such as Obama don't have the opportunity to openly identify as multiracial. They are just considered black/African-American by many people in the United States. If we can do away with this notion of strictly white or black (or whatever your mix may be) with no inbetween, then we'll be one step closer to equality and one day even being denominated just as human.
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written by Leah..., October 11, 2009
I see that the author responds to posts. Cool!
So let me ask, why don't we just push a humanity "agenda" instead of a specific one like a multiracial/cultural one?
Do you think it's two separate things or one and the same? If they are one and the same then scratch what I said..but please explain to me and other readers why..
-Leah
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written by Sushilicious, October 12, 2009
^_^
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written by Amy Ingril, October 12, 2009
Nice article btw.
[Amy]
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written by R.G.R, October 12, 2009
Lol I can see the cardboard signs already..
Lolzz..signs...forget that.
I can see the bumper stickers... ggggg.ggggggg gggg
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written by Drunk on being mixed , October 13, 2009
Screw that...people need to learn how to fix their issues themselves and don't place expectations on others they themselves couldn't commit to.
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I couldn't have said this any better myself. The fact is open minded/multi-oriented/cultural what have you..folks promote that progressive mindset. That's what life should be about.