Park51 Islamic Center, Essay Example

Last year, Park51 Islamic Center proposal emerged as one of the most polarizing issues. The opponents of the project argued that the project is too close to the ground zero and thus, an insult to the victims of the 9/11 tragedy because the terrorists carried out the attacks in the name of Islam. The supporters argued that the project is an interfaith center and not a mosque as the critics have been calling it and it has never been the intention of the developers to insult the victims of 9/11 or their families. The supporters also argued that it is a fatal mistake to link terrorists with Islam because one cannot judge the larger community by the actions of the misguided few.

One can understand the arguments of the critics some of whom lost loved ones in the 9/11 tragedy because the 9/11 perpetrators were apparently Muslim. But terrorists are always motivated by distorted views of their religion that suits their personal agenda. The perpetrators of 9/11 didn’t represent the Islamic community just as Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh didn’t represent the Christian community. In addition, America was built on the basis of separation between church and the state. American constitution gives equal rights to the practitioners of all religions as well as non-religious. Thus, Muslims have as much right to practice their religious as their non-Muslim counterparts.

The mistrust and paranoia often goes up in the aftermath of a tragedy or conflict. These are the times when the true character of the nations emerges. The gap between Muslims and non-Muslims has grown since the 9/11 tragedy and it has also led to dangerous levels of Islamophobia in some parts of the country. America has always been proud of its ‘tolerant’ tradition and it’s time to prove once again that there is no place for prejudice in this country. If Part 51 project is prevented due to religious reasons, all of this will play into the hands of America’s enemies who already proclaim America as the enemy of Islam. America needs to show the world that it doesn’t only preach freedom and respect for basic human rights but also follows them in their true spirits. This is what makes America different from other countries; despite the fact that this country has been the victim of terrorist activities by Muslim fundamentalists, it still ensures that Muslims are free to practice their faith and enjoy basic human rights just like their non-Muslim fellow Americans.

I remember seeing a picture of a banner at a rally against the proposed construction of Park51 project on the internet that said, “You can build a mosque at ground zero when we can build a synagogue in Mecca”(Pareene, 2010). Upon seeing the banner, I immediately thought to myself that the protestor holding the banner doesn’t really get it. Personally, I would prefer not to live in the neighborhood of an Islamic Center or a Mosque but I still support the Muslims’ right to build the center. This is exactly what differentiates America from the Muslim countries. Even Muslims know in their hearts that it will not be possible to build a church or synagogue in Mecca but you can enjoy freedom of religion in America. If we prevent the Park51 project, what difference would be left between America and Saudi Arab as well as other conservative Muslim countries? I support Park51 project exactly because I don’t want America to be like Saudi Arab and other conservative Muslim countries.

Thus, Park51 project should be allowed to complete. The enemies of America would be hoping that the project is prevented and they can use it as propaganda for recruiting purposes. Allowing Park51 to be built is not only the right thing to do but it is also vital to our security interests. America will once again show the world why it is still the beacon of freedom and hope and why no one else can beat it when it comes to protection of minorities’ rights.

References

Pareene, A. (2010, June 7). “Ground Zero Mosque” protest ends up, predictably, with racially-motivated hatred. Retrieved July 14, 2011, from http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/06/07/ground_zero_mosque_hate