A new disease has infected the United States. It's not SARS, it's not the swine flu, but Islamophobia. America's new found fear of Muslims has recently come to the forefront of the American media. Americans are committing heinous crimes against Muslims. Whether it be the stabbing of a Muslim cab driver or the banning of headscarves, it has become clear that the fear of Muslims and Islam as a religion are unfortunately not only a national problem but a worldwide one. To fully understand this disease plaguing our country and the world as a whole, one must first understand the origins of it, effects it will have in the future, and how Americans can hope to stop it before it is too late.
Keep a sharp eye on the news this weekend -- an uber-Christian pastor plans to hold a "Koran Burning" on September 11. This could drastically effect your topic. Like, say, by causing another terrorist attack.
ReplyDeleteMajor, this is a great topic. Very controversial but important to bring up in class. For the purpose of this assignment, make sure you *inform* us about Islamophobia. Stick to facts -- if such a thing is possible -- and the most objective information you can provide.
ReplyDeleteFor your persuasive speech later in the semester, feel free to build upon this speech and comment on how this topic affects society.
I'm really interested to hear this brief. A lot of people in this country don't realize what is going on and I believe that the best way for people to understand and learn what is happening is to teach them.
ReplyDeleteMajor, I received an email with this event announcement today -- how timely! I thought you might be interested:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.americanprogress.org/events/2010/10/islamophobia.html