Americans Muslims have been around before the Civil War but have only recently been pushed into the public’s view. As more Muslims are born within the U.S. and as the immigrants keep coming, American Muslims will have to develop their own identity as a community. Thus far they have been broken down by race, religious sect and color. However, as the community is under pressure by negative media stereotypes both American-born and foreign-born Muslims have begun to band together into a singular community.
To this date the American Muslim community has not promoted a strong leader that can ban together all adherents of the Islamic faith into one strong group. The reasons may rely in the diverse nature of Muslims from varying parts of the world and their recent transformation into American life. However, 2nd and 3rd generation Muslims are more likely to put their minds and muscle behind a single leader if all of the different political and religious groups can come to an understanding. Therefore, it is necessary to have a major Islamic conference where upon a unified agenda can be developed that adheres to the basics belief of all American Muslims.
Few American Muslim heroes have emerged. Folk tales and urban legends have not been developed that help define what American Muslims believe in. For the most part, Muslims still hold closely to those cultural identities and stories that come from the “old” world such as Lebanon, Turkey, Yemen, Bosnia, etc. This lack of identity can be rectified by allowing the history scholars and the professional writers work together towards developing a comprehensive list of actually heroes in America.
Even though American Muslims outnumber the Jewish American population by nearly double, the Muslims have shied away from any political involvement. Unfortunately, the pro-Israeli and pro-Jewish lobby is able to exert a one-sided story on the White House and the general populace. In order for Muslims to be seen as legitimate contributors to the United States and not “pegged” as subversives they must become politically involved. Working outside the system no longer works. There is no other choice then to vote, donate, and protest.
As the American Muslim population grows exponentially, with its large families and successful professional careers, they will find their sheer numbers and money to be an asset to political influence. The only requirement is the will and the motivation to do something about their situation. They must give up any associate with foreign identity and culture and embrace the new and emerging Muslim American identity.
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American Muslims and U.S. Foreign Policy: What are their major objectives, and how are they being implemented? ..(1999, September). Middle East Policy Council. Extracted on 12/28/2005 from
http://www.mepc.org/public_asp/forums_chcs/19.asp
Pipes, D. (2002, June). (American Muslim Council)”Mainstream Muslims? New York Post. Extracted on 12/27/2005 from http://www.danielpipes.org/article/423/
Lubman, S., Scheinin R. (2001, Nov. 14). U.S. Muslims seeking vision of their faith in secular land. Mercury News. Extracted on 12/27/2005 from http://www.islamfortoday.com/america06.htm
