Is it yet clear to Muslims why so many people couple violence and terrorism with Islam? Forgive me for stating the obvious, but a protester standing in the picket line with an AK-47 perched at the ready surely illustrates some degree of militarism. I will not debase truly peaceful Muslims by applying a hostile label to all members of the religion, but clearly the tendency toward physical resolutions is inherent in a vast number of adherents. The recent uproar over the Muhammad cartoons has escalated from sensible ire of the Muslim world to violent threats and displays of force at embassies worldwide.
These groups who prefer intimidation exhibitions are simply championing the cause of those who would like none other than to see Islam's eradication. And for those who know little about the religion yet are fearful of its ambitions, such foolhardy displays will not satisfy their concerns that Muslims are indeed interested in a peaceful existence. In this country, events like last year's border squabble will become acceptable to the general public as a way of intercepting potential dangers, all predicated on the equation of Islam=violence.
Regardless of the basis for their angst, Muslims need to forego violence and intimidation as a means for speaking out or they will remain eternally, 'the enemy.'
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
