(Sumblog 7) Ground Zero Mosque

In class we watched a video about a Muslim man who wanted to build a community center and mosque near Ground Zero. This caused a lot of anger and disruption throughout the entire nation. Some people felt as if it should be allowed and that it was part of their own religious freedom to build it there while others felt it was completely disrespectful to the individuals and families of those who passed away during the terrorist attacks. 

I can see where each group is coming from. The plan to build the mosque and community center was not an attempt to suggest that the Muslim people 'won' but rather to aim to promote positive interaction between the Muslim world and the West. I believe that this project was never meant to cause any harm or disrespect to the families of 9/11 but rather for the Muslim community to practice their faith and educate the community on the Muslim faith. It would be ignorant to affiliate the attacks of 9/11 to the entire Muslim community. The terrorists were a radical group, which many Muslims are aware of, and the majority of Muslims disagree with. Having a community center that would educate and tie the community together would be beneficial to this country. This would allow people to gain more knowledge on their faith and lose the stereotypes that do not actually apply to many Muslims.

On the other hand, I can see how people would be upset about a mosque being built so close to Ground Zero. The families of 9/11 may not all have negative views toward the Muslim community, rather it would just be a reminder of the events that took place that day. This could be a constant reminder of the pain. While the families may know that many Muslims are not radical and do not promote that violence, the mosque may still remind them of that radical group that was involved in the 9/11 attacks. They  may be okay with a mosque being built, but maybe a little further away then the current plans. 

It is important to look at an issue like this from all sides so that any personal biases can be eliminated. In my eyes, each party has a valid point which makes it difficult to decide what is best for the community.