10th Annual Muslims in Memphis Celebration

Special to Rhetoric Race and Religion
by Michael McKinzie

“The Muslims in Memphis project aspires to present Islam to the Memphis community in a positive and informative light.” In efforts to help facilitate this unity, city leaders have designated March as the official month set aside for Muslim celebration in Memphis. Included in the Muslims of Memphis mission statement is the desire to “erect exhibits, provide speakers, and interact with the larger community of which we are an integral part.” On March 3, 2012 I was invited to such an event to celebrate with Memphis Muslims that included a panel discussion of the following topic: “What is the Truth about Islam and Muslims in America? Everything you always wanted to know- but were afraid to ask.” The discussion was moderated by Daniel Tutt (Activist, Speaker, and Ph.D. Student in Continental Philosophy and Communication) and the panelists consisted of Reverend Dr. Steve Stone (Lead Pastor of Heartsong Church), Bashar A. Shala, M.D. (Chairman, Board of Trustees of Memphis Islamic Center), Reverend Cheryl Cornish (Pastor of First Congregational Church), and Remziya Suleyman (Kurdish Political Activist).

The purpose of this discussion was to create a positive interfaith dialogue in order to educate, inform, and dispel myths about Islam and Muslims that have permeated this society for far too long. For decades now certain government officials (those with malicious political and military motivations) in collaboration with popular media have perpetuated and projected racist propaganda into American society creating negative stereotypical images that demean, dehumanize, and vilify all Arabs. First and foremost, the panelists made it clear that not all Muslims condone or engage in terrorist activities. As a matter of fact, they emphasized that Islam is opposed to violence, and the factions responsible for the terrorism displayed by popular media sources represent a small percentage of Muslims. Secondly, panelists emphasized the desire of American Muslims to achieve peaceful existence, mutual understanding, and mutual respect among Americans from other faith perspectives. The panelists made it clear that all Arabs are not in the business of being at war with Christians and Jews; instead, they are the ones that are ostracized and objectified by much of American society. According to Suleyman, the racism always existed, but since the September eleven attacks, their mistreatment has been heightened and Muslim families have more so become the targets of social oppression.

Dr. Shala suggests that positive images of Arabs are the remedy needed to dispel many of the myths regarding Islamic culture. Muslims are mothers, fathers, and have families too. Muslims too are indeed productive members in American society who occupy positions as doctors, nurses, firemen, police officers, grocery attendants, etc. According to Shala, these are the images that need to be projected into society by popular media in order to reverse the mindset which cannot see past certain negative stereotypes. The panelists also emphasized the desire of American Muslims to follow the laws of the land in which they live. Christians, Jews, and Muslims should not allow religious differences to cause hatred for other members of the human family as that would be antithetical of the spiritual laws put into place by the God of the Universe who we all claim to know and love.