In this piece, two Muslims visit middle America to see how divided the U.S. really is and speak with people about different issues at the forefront of national debate. The writer had a lot of meaningful - and at times, perplexing - conversations, but ultimately concludes that the U.S. is such a diverse and nuanced place, that boiling regions and peoples down into simplistic tropes and stereotypes is as impossible as it is inaccurate. We salute this writer and her friend for making their journey ...
The Rise of Muslim Style
The Growing Push for Religious Literacy
A growing number of teachers and educators are pushing for religious literacy lessons in public schools. The teachers assert that it is crucial for children to be taught about major world faiths because this knowledge helps eliminate stereotypes and prejudices, and teaches children how to engage in potentially contentious discussions in a thoughtful and civil way. Additionally, in an increasingly connected global society, knowledge of religious beliefs and practices is now considered fundamental ...
Inclusion, Acceptance, and American Pride at the NYC Muslim Day Parade!
This weekend, thousands gathered in New York City for the city's annual Muslim Day Parade, a day to celebrate American Muslim culture and all that the Muslim community contributes to the city and country as a proud part of the larger American family. The event was important, too, for its message of inclusion and acceptance, as members of other religious communities joined in the festivities, including Rabbi Marc Schneier of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, who was the grand marshal of ...
Proud Muslims, Proud Americans
A new study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that 1 in 5 Americans believes that Muslims (and atheists) lack First Amendment rights. This is, of course, completely false; the U.S. Constitution does not deny people rights based on religious beliefs. American Muslims value these rights very highly and members of the American Muslim community are engaged and active citizens who help their neighbors, run for office, and defend the U.S. and American ...
