Mosques, turbans and things. -Reflection on class discussions.

    Out of the discussions we had this week about the mosque and the presidential speeches, the discussion about the mosque stands out brighter in my mind. On Monday when we discussed the mosque a lot of opinions where given and our classroom turned into a debate room. Everyone had a lot of good things to say and during the talk I found myself on the fence with the issue. I will admit that I am not completely up to date on this issue, and I do not know everything that is going on in this world. I do not know the details, so do not get me wrong or let me offend you. I somewhat agree with the people who are against the mosque being built because even though it is not being put right on the site of ground zero, it is still very close. Due to the stereotype that American’s give to Muslims and Islamic people putting a mosque near the site where such tragic events took place that are believed to be the fault of persons of that race seems off, and unsettling. However, I agree that in America, the land of opportunity and freedom, it is not fair to judge any person for something someone of their race did or may have did. Caitlin brought up that its not fair to judge because white people do bad things, black people, Hispanics, Asians, and just because of one person, the whole group should not be to blame for their bad actions. In a way I do not think it is fair, to judge anyone based on 9/11 either. But I will say I have before in all honesty. There have been times when I have seen Muslim people and been uneasy around them, for no reason. Also, months after 9/11 I had to take a plane to Florida, and I was completely terrified.
    I remember also touching on people of a certain race wearing turbans and head scarves and whether or not we felt it was weird or not for those things to be worn in America. When I see someone wearing such a thing it strikes me as odd, however, this being a free country they have the right to wear whatever they please. Being that it is a traditional piece of clothing it makes sense to me that someone would want to still wear it in America even though they now have to option not to. I do not know if it it used as a security blanket type thing or if it is something that person is just now accustomed to.
Either way I think it is not something that should be looked upon or judged. It is simply a freedom of expression they chose to display.