Free Essay

Muslim Lives Matter

In:

Submitted By nana1056
Words 1080
Pages 5
#MUSLIMLIVESMATTER

The morning of February 10th when 23-year-old Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife Yusor (21) and her sister Razon Muhammad Abu-Salha (19) woke up, I doubt they even exercised the slightest thought that it would be their last. However, later that afternoon they would be killed, gunned down “execution style”, by their 46-year-old neighbor Craig Stephen Hicks. (Alam, Monavvar) The question here, as in all murder cases, is why? In this particular case the motive of this murder is what has caused a media uproar. Whatever his reasons were, these killings shine a light on the sometimes subtle but very persistent “Islamophobia” that has become a huge part of American life since 9/11.
By all reports, Brakat and Yusor were a lovely newly-married couple. Razon, Yusor’s sister is also reported to be a sweet girl who was concerned about the ever-growing hate among people of different faiths and religions across the globe. All the victims were good students and socially very conscious. Barakat was a second-year student in the graduate school of dentistry and his wife had planned to register there in the fall. Razon was also an undergraduate student; they were all students at the North Carolina State University. (Alam, Monavvar)
In the wake of this horrendous incident, there has not been any protest, demonstration or marches held anywhere. This is partly due to how it is being reported in the news. After Craig Hicks turned himself in and was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, investigators reported that Hicks had shot the victims over a parking dispute. (Bill O’Reilly, Fox News)
According to James Carey, news is not information but drama. (Martin Christopher, Social Problems Readings) In America this is especially true. The news conveys just an adequate amount of information to create a persuasive drama. (Martin, Christopher, Social Problems Readings.) Since the 9/11 attacks, American media has portrayed all Muslims as terrorists. Several polls have proven how biased Americans are against Islam and those who practice it. Everyday Americans are bombarded with news of “so-called” Islamic terrorism around the world; a label that couldn’t be more untrue and demeaning. Muslim communities in and outside the USA are wondering if the negative representations of Islam in Western media could have triggered or provoked the killing of three innocent U.S-born (but of Syrian descent) young Muslims.
After news broke about the massacre at Charlie Hebdo in France, the headline “Islamic Terror Attack” was immediately splattered on every major news broadcast and newspaper. One could feel the outrage seeping from all over the world. I remember going on my Twitter and Facebook pages and seeing #IamCharlierHebdo all over my timeline. I was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa; most of my friends on Facebook and Twitter are Ghanaians living in Ghana. This proved to me firsthand the amount of support and solidarity that was shown by countries across the globe. There were demonstrations and protest marches held in many cities and countries. CNN, one of the leading news networks in the world, live reported from France for over a week. Every other news report over that week paled in comparison. However, the same “rules” didn’t apply in this case when an American was accused of fatally killing three Muslim students. There was never a mention of the term “Christian Terrorism”. It is instructive to look how the world media reacted and reported this extremely shocking incident. Although both incidences were equally unfortunate and highly condemnable, the western media certainly labeled them different. The New York Times, a major news paper in the country, reported the incident as though it was nothing special, with a headline: “Chapel Hill Shooting Leaves 3 Muslim Students Dead; Neighbor Is Charged” and tucked into a small corner. The first line read, “A 46-year old man was arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of three students.” The Washington Post also run this headline, “Three Muslims killed in shooting near UNC; police, family argue over motive. Bill O’Reilly a prominent Fox news anchor run this headline for his news cast, “Three Muslim students killed in North Carolina. Was it a hate crime?”
My question is, if this situation had turned out to be the other way around, a Muslim man killing three young “Christian” students, would there have been any question if it was a hate crime. When I started to write this paper, I asked a few of my friends what they thought of this case, and I was surprised to find out that they had no idea that this had happened. How does this reflect on us as a country that claims to offer freedom to all its citizens? Deah, his wife and sister-in-law were all American-born Muslims whose only crime in life was being a Muslim.
With Hicks’ background and his stance against all forms of religion, it is quite hard for me to believe that he shot his three neighbors over a parking dispute. With Muslim communities in America and around the world raising concerns after the police reported that the killing had occurred over a parking dispute, the FBI started to “looking into” the case to determine if the these murders could be classified as a hate crime. A man kills three young people, each with a bullet to the head, what else could define hate? If it were a Muslim man with a background just as Hicks’, the headlines would have certainly been different.
In a country that prides itself of freedom, freedom seems like a very farfetched idea. Where is the freedom? This is a wakeup call for everyone. This is a conversation we should be having amongst ourselves. Why should their right to life be taking away because of their religious affiliation? Who will match for these young people? Why is no one speaking up for them in the news? Why is there even a question of the possibility of a hate crime? Muslim lives matter.

SOUCRES http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2015/02/16/bill-oreilly-three-muslims-murdered-in-north-carolina-was-it-hate-crime/ http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/155460/intriguing-silence-after-chapel-hill-killing http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/02/11/wolf-johns-unc-chapel-hill-shooting.cnn/video/playlists/north-carolina-college-students-unc-shooting/ Martin, Christopher. “Labor Strife Produces Disgruntled Consumers.” Social Problem Readings. Silver, Ira. 2008.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Psych 620

...The “Hate Crimes with Donald Trump’s Anti- Muslim Rhetoric. Repented attack on Muslims in the United States is higher since Donald Trump nomination for presidency and his anti-Muslim agenda. The Muslims in the United States face increasing crimes against members, and surveillance of mosques place of religious prayer areas. “Right Wing Media Attack Loretta Lynch for Condoning Anti-Muslim found on (website http; //media-matters, org, research/2015/12/04, right, wing, media, attacks. Loretta, Lynch, code20). This story is about Loretta Lynch is the United States Attorney General. This story was peer reviewed by Suen Brennan, and Brendan Karet their research study on December 4, 2015 at 7:19pm. Eastern time zone. Media Matters for the United States (American) the research department features a depth analysis of the media report and illustrating skew or any coverage inadequate issues. Loretta Lynch finally statement “Action of Predication on Violent Talk” “That against Muslim “Are Not Americans “Will be Prosecute”. Weejes editor of Bimonthly Publication United Academic Journal. The Natural Hazard Center has been serving the National, and International clearing place since 1976. This story is about how “The Natural Hazard Center” is still under attack is another recent story of the effects of Donald’s Trump Anti-Muslim Rhetoric. The Natural Hazard Center has been serving the National, and International clearing place since 1976. The primarily information is provided from...

Words: 562 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Black Lives Matter: Racism In America

...or for the topic of racism. Recently, society’s spot light has been on “Black Lives Matter” this is a movement that emphasizes police brutality against black individuals and having equal options for blacks. The movement has been presented largely through the use of social media and recently has escalated to the big stage on national TV during the super bowl. What is interesting about all of these racism topics is how it has become a one way street. The media only focuses on when black individuals are upset with the white race, or how they only air news stories about injustices happening to black people when there is problems happening to all cultures in our country and around the world....

Words: 495 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Muslims and 9/11

...Effects on American Muslims After 9/11 A recent survey about American Muslims living in households in the United States range from 0.2 to 0.6 percent. That means the United States holds around 418,000 to 1,254,000 American Muslims that live here. However, it never mattered to the Americans how many Muslims were in the United States till 9/11 happened to us. On September 11, 2001, two American planes were hijacked by Muslims and crashed into the Twin towers in New York City. It shocked and devastated the whole county. Americans were shocked and confused on what to think or do about the American Muslims that were living in American going to school with their children. However, how did the American Muslims feel about what happed? How did American react? What happened to the American Muslims and their religion after all of this was through? After the Twin Towers feel the American Muslims felt the post effect from the citizens of America. After the attack American Muslims felt some discrimination about the attack and felt the effect. When the Twin Towers fell it was caused by the Muslims flying the plan into the towers. American’s attitudes towards the American Muslims changed from letting then live in the country to all American Muslims are terrorist. Hate mail was received to many families because of their religion. The American Muslim Political Coordination Council gave a statement, “American Muslims utterly condemn what are apparently vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism...

Words: 900 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Creation of Pakistan

...provided by authors of both schools of thought. The premise that Muslims and Hindus are two different nations, the point that lead to The Two Nation Theory, and that there has always been a general discontent between them can neither be dated back to Emperor Aurangzeb era, (Sayeed, 1969) nor to the British regime for their policy of divide and rule (Alvi, 2002), rather seeing it logically, throughout the course of history Hindus have seen Muslims as outsiders and invaders, as history has seen that first the Lodhi dynasty and then the Mughal dynasty invaded and then ruled India. Similarly, Muslims based on their faith, had always treated Hindus as infidels, but having said so, it seems that over a period of time both communities had somehow carved out a way to live together in the social setting of India and created an amalgam of Muslims and Hindu culture. This is evident from many rituals common in both even today, for example the marriage ceremony practiced by Indian Muslims. So conflict and concord were running in parallel between the two communities and even to this day, there are many events of communal riots in India between Muslim and Hindus simultaneous with frequent events of unity. This fact leads to an argument that if these two things have been and still are parallel to each other then what was the point in creating a separate country, if the conflicts were so strong and that it was impossible for Muslims to live with Hindus then India should have seen another partition...

Words: 1157 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Multinational Business

...about 1.8 billion numbers of Muslim in the world and about 7 million in the U.S (Religious&Tolerance, 2013). Islam can be found in the Qur’an and it is an Arabic religion which submission to the will of Allah. Muslims think Allan is their god. According to our textbook said,“ The Islam can be traced back a man who called Muhammad is a prophet in 570 BC” (Cullen & Parboteeah, 2014, p.105). Muslim who have faith in the reality and serve to Allah will go to paradise afterlife. Muslims live based on their law which Shari’ah; no matter in their life or work field. People live in this world has many norms. There are five pillars among Muslim which are confession, prayer, alms-giving, fasting, pilgrimage. I pick Saudi Arabia and China to talk how the religion in business environment. As we know Saudi Arabia has large population of Muslim, and also in west of China there are millions of Uyghur and Hui people believe Islam. I choose these two countries because they have different norms in business. First of all, dress code in business, according to their law, the devout Muslim should dress traditional for both men and women in Saudi Arabia’s work field. For example, women should “wear the high necklines and skirt that fall below the knee”, they also should wear a scarf that which cover the head. For men, “they should be covered in loose and unrevealing clothing from his navel to his knee”. (The Islamic Dress Code, 2013). However, in China, although you are Muslim, the Shari’ah law only useful...

Words: 542 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Immigration Crisis In America

...In America, the immigrant crisis runs a lot deeper than eight years. In order to understand what is happening to other countries when they welcome people into their countries for Communities in their schools, we have to understand that many times be same people turn around when they’re when they went there are enough of them and stab the very people welcome to them in the back. There are many countries that have allowed Muslims to basically take over their country or parts of by spreading their religion. This is not the first time this happens and it is not the last. The battle in the Middle East has been going on long before America was born. One of the many things I can quickly get out of control is when a religion spreads especially...

Words: 1272 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

9/11 Stereotypes In American Films

...Introduction The purpose of this thesis is to show Islamic stereotypes in American movies made before and after the attacks on 9/11 and this was inspired by the movie, American Sniper, and the backlash and the response that the movie got and it begs the question why did people react the way they did and way they did it. After the movie came out, the people who saw it had a strong opinion about it, either that it was a patriotic movie or that it was offensive to Muslims. Many Americans have grown up in a post 9/11 world and don’t remember what the world was like before that fateful day and as a consequence have grown up with the “War on Terror” and trying to find the people responsible for the attacks on that infamous day in September. After...

Words: 1237 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Executive Summary

...Summary Muslims in Europe Europe is a lovely place with rich and beautiful history but recently there seems to be many problems arising that are causing great conflict and stress. Europeans and surrounding areas are extremely diverse in culture, religion, education, and background that there seems to be never ending conflict. Extremist thoughts and ideas might not be extreme to some but conservative thoughts and ideas might be radical to others. This diversity is what European countries are trying to overcome. In Britain, some non-religious schools seem to be taken over by Muslim influence and teaching extremism and strict Islamic Ideas. In Ireland, a pastor spoke strongly against Islam and their and extremist ideas, which obviously has angered the Islamic community. What we are seeing in Europe is a clash between western and Islamic civilization. Britain has found itself angering Muslims in trying to root out religious conservatism from a few schools. One school inspector downgraded a largely Muslim institution that failed to protect the children from “extremism.” The school is not a religious school but was being heavily influenced by the Muslims. Anti-gay comments were excused, girls were not being called on in class, Islam was the only religion being taught, and the list goes on. Other schools were inspected and found similar results. Britain is dramatically promoting tolerance of others, freedom, and anti-terrorism in schools which is offending many Muslims along the...

Words: 525 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Black Lives Matter Persuasive Speech

...My fellow students, I have recently been asked whether or not I support the “black lives matter” movement that has been sweeping our country. This movement highlights the struggle of African-American people and although the African-Americans have had their struggles in this country, so have other groups. To simply say black lives matter wouldn’t sit right with me, because I know all lives matter. Nevertheless, I feel the black lives matter movement is important. Americans have the right to protest in order to create a better society. African-Americans are protesting police brutality and profiling. This has forced the police to be put under a higher level of scrutiny. I personally think that his is positive, but to put a negative connotation...

Words: 370 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Warefare

...Warfare Evolution War is a never ending, yet historical event. It is supposed to be used to solve conflicts. It is supposed to determine which nation will be considered the more superior nation and to determine which nation would be considered to be the weakest. Although war is supposed to be used to solve conflicts, often times instead of solving conflicts it either makes matters worse or creates new problems. According to the Merriam Webster’s dictionary, war is defined as, “a state or period of fighting between countries or groups. It is also defined as an organized effort by a government or other large organization to stop or defeat something that is viewed as dangerous or bad (War, 2016).” War consists of a lot of violence, and unfortunately we as a society, think that is the best way to get our point across and the best way to solve problems. It is a situation that affects so many people. Not just those involved in the actual fighting in the war, but their families, their friends, and each country included in the war. When we send soldiers in to fight a battle, a lot of them will not make it back home to see their loved ones again. They may not even understand or agree with the reason behind the war. They just know they were called to serve their country and that’s what they will do. Based on the history of the United States of America, we have been at war for about 90% of the time since 1776. Some of the wars that have been instrumental within our history and that I...

Words: 3306 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Religion and Morality

...questions still evolve as to what makes a human being decide what is right, or wrong in their walk as a citizen of the world. As to the choices of being right this essay is referring to the moral equates of truth, respect, and the honor of human life. As to the choices of being wrong references will be made to lies, sin, and the disregard for human life. Looking at the similarities of Islam and Christianity one can find many common ideologies between the two religions. Although there may be some likeness between these two powerhouse religions there are certainly many differences to be discussed. It would be important to note that in the belief of Islam one similarity between Islam and Christianity are that both believe in one God. The Muslim faith is a monotheistic religion and they are very firm in their dedication and commitment to Allah. Christianity, too, is a belief in one God. Monotheistic in principle; however, some differences exist because of a belief in one God in three persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. These three are one, yet separate. For example, an egg is one, however; it has a shell, a yolk, and the white. These three parts make up one egg. Christians believe in one God with three personal traits. In Islam, Fisher (371) gives an account of a new prophet being born, Muhammed. Many Americans are familiar with this prophet because of the encounter the United States of America had with radical Islamist religions on September 11th, 2001. Islam...

Words: 2033 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Gun Control

...How Has September 11, 2001 Changed Muslims Lives? Jasmune Howell Eng/258 July 15, 2013 Karen Walker How Has September 11, 2001 Changed Muslims Lives? Before September 11, 2001 Muslims were not treated differently and were treated as an(take out the word an) Equals where ever they went and they respected the United States of America. Because Muslims Say that the United States of America is a free Country and that Muslims are treated better in the United States of America. On September 11, 2001 that all changed for Muslims due to a horrifying incident that cause two commercial airplanes to crash into the twin towers in New York City, killing people immediately and it was found that there were Muslim suicide bombers don’t need “and” on each flight that flew into the twin towers killing themselves as well as hundreds as well. Upon this taking place (this is a run-on sentence) Muslims all over started to receive different feelings and they retrieved different reactions in regards to what took place during September 11, 2001. Some of the scenarios took place after September 11, 2001: There was a Muslim family that planned a party for the family and as the families started to arrive they found that when family members arrived there was a large crowd outside of the restraint telling them they should go back to their country and among the Muslim families were children and they would ask their parents what country do they think we are from we were born...

Words: 406 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Spread Of Islamophobia In America

...Islamophobia affects many people, even if they do not identify as Islamic. There has been a dramatic increase in violence and bigotry in America that is directly related to Islamophobia. If Americans do nothing to stop the spread of Islamophobia, America would become an increasingly dangerous place to live, and it would become a repetition of the events preceding World War II. There are many things Americans can do to prevent Islamophobia from becoming a permanent, unsolvable problem in the United States, such as electing political leaders that would lead America in a positive direction. The future of the United States lies on Americans’ abilities to let go of the past and work together to make the United States a peaceful, welcoming, and accepting place for people of all races and religions to...

Words: 693 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Reaction Paper

...appearance? When will the racism subside? When will Muslims and non- Muslims come together as one? These are the questions I ask myself when I hear about the fight between Muslims- Americans and Americans. This wasn’t always my mind-set about Muslims; I used to hate them all because of the tragedy of 9/11. When 9/11 occurred I was sitting in my sixth grade math class, and I still to this day believe I saw an airplane flying low. I was devastated because I thought all Americans’ were going to perish that day. I went home and cried to my mom continuously repeating “I want to live; I am only a child”. She didn’t have a response to give me because she didn’t know the possible outcome. As a child growing up that was the worst day of my life, and from that day forward I despised anyone who resembled the Muslim religion. I just wanted them all to drop dead, so we as Americans could feel safe again because no matter where I went I felt as though there would be another attack. As I began to grow up I realized I couldn’t think that way about all Muslims because not every single one of them was a part of the violence. Shouting Across the Divide broadcast opened up my eyes even more about what Muslims actually have to go through living in America. Listening to this story made me feel gloomy and partially guilty. I believe I was guilty because I was once among those who frowned upon Muslims. I say this because yes at one point I hated all Muslims after 9/11, but I never would approach them or...

Words: 683 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Islam Text

...The Sunna, and the Sufi. The Quran is the holy book of the Muslims. It literally means the recitation (Zwemer 2002). It is the most holy text of the religion and central to the faith. It is also the best-known sacred text of Islam. The Muslims claimed that Allah handed down the words of the Quran to Mohammed through an angel named Jibril (Zwemer 2002). It was composed for a period of approximately 20 years sometime in 610 CE to 630 CE. Quran literally means recitation. The Muslims considered this text as a miracle and a proof of Mohammed’s prophethood. The Muslim believed that the Quran is the final authority when it comes to matters of faith and doctrine. It is considered divine and sacred. However, although the Quran is the most holy and sacred text of the Islamic religion it is not the sole source of inspired message and tradition among the Muslim. The Muslim as of equal importance to the faith also views the Sunna. Sunna means a clear path. The Muslim considered the Sunna as the record of what the prophet had said, done, condoned or condemned (Zwemer 2002). In other words, the Sunna is the complete biography of the prophet. Here, it discussed the Mohammed’s customs, practices teachings and sayings. The Sunna give the Muslim believer an idea on how Mohammed live on earth and how he followed the teachings of the Quran. It is a guide to all Muslim as they apply the principles of Quran in their life. The Muslims believe that Mohammed was the perfect human being and the only...

Words: 666 - Pages: 3