Sunday, August 14, 2011

My Fellow Americans

So this post attracted the attention of Unity Productions Foundation, and they have asked me to share some information about a project of theirs called My Fellow American.  According to their website, "My Fellow American is an online film and social media project that calls upon concerned Americans to pledge and spread a message that Muslims are our fellow Americans. It asks people of other backgrounds to pledge, and share a real life story about a Muslim friend, neighbor, or colleague that they admire. Using the power of social media, My Fellow American seeks to change the narrative – from Muslims as the other, to Muslims as our fellow Americans."




What a lovely idea and worthwhile project.  After watching the shenanigans in Iowa over the weekend and listening to Michelle Bachman talk about Real America, I have to wonder, where would Muslim Americans (and  Jewish Americans, Gay/Lesbian/Transgender Americans, Atheist Americans, or anybody other than the White Straight Christian Americans).....where would they fit in?  Just something to ponder.

Unity Productions Foundation is a "501©3 media and education non profit organization. The mission of Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) is to create peace through the media. Founded in 1999, UPF produces documentary films for television and online broadcast and theatrical release, and implements long-term educational campaigns aimed at increasing understanding between people of different faiths and cultures, especially between Muslims and other faiths. We are convinced of the power of media to empower citizens with greater understanding and to nourish pluralism in America."



Pluralism?  Where would pluralism fit in with Michelle Bachman's Real America?  Hmmm....it didn't fit into
Anders Behring Breivik's Real Norway. 

The emerging Nationalism in America, where are we really wanting to go with this?  I've said it before and I'll say it again - If America is a Christian country...what does that mean for me?  I'm not a Christian.  What does it mean for you?  Even if you're Christian, are you the Right Kind of Christian?  You should find out, don't you think? Because Real Americans have very specific ideas about this, you know.  The Club will start out large because there will be all these non-Christians to deal with. But once they're gone...The Club will focus on itself and it's parameters are certain to narrow. If you're Catholic or Mormon or Jehova's Witness.....I'd be a trifle worried. 

First they came for the Communists,
And I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Communist

Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist,

Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew,

Then they came for me,
And there was nobody left to speak out for me
                    

                                                              Pastor Martin Niemoller


Do you know any Muslim Americans?  Jewish Americans?  Buddhist Americans?  Atheist Americans? What place do you see for them in Real America?

7 comments:

  1. All of the above. I know all of the above. The thing is, and I don't know how many people really think this way... most of us just live our lives. We do the best we can etc... all the political posturing and the idiots from ALL parties (I think they're all shit and we need to scrape them from our soles) doesn't affect me.

    Most people just... live.

    And I think most people have room in their personal philosophy for just about anything.

    We're just not noisy about it.

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  2. Unfortunately, it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. Maybe most of us should squeak more?

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  3. Hey, no fair! I wanted to say "squeaky wheel". Now I got nothing but just to let you know that you're right.
    Your Friend, m.

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  4. from the video - "...how important it is that we understand the true nature of Islam - that we see it for what it realy is..." and I agree with this comment...just however, not in the same context as the speaker... If mainstream would take the time to educate themselves...they wouldn't be so scared... It's ignorance at its best in America... My challenge to anyone if they buy into this.. Do you know someone who is Muslim? Do you really? I bet not...because if you did, you wouldn't be quick to judge... That usually gets them quiet... It's same mentality over (not to simplify things) the Harry Potter stuff....I hate Harry Potter, it's witchcraft and satanism...really...did you read the books? No. Did you see the movies? No. Ah, I see, so you really don't know anything about it...other than what someone told you...who probably also didn't actually read the books...and you are just blindly following... No, I'm not blind, I just know I hate them... sigh Ignorance at its best. Unfortunately, America has no excuse for being ignorant. Third world countries where education and communication is limited, and what is out there is controlled? You have an excuse for being ignorant. America? No excuse. Signed - a proud friend of several Americans...who just happen to also be Muslim.

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  5. Mark - I've already had someone squeak at me. But it's okay because he's praying for me. To the Christian God, of course. Which, as you can imagine, is a huge relief to me as an ethnically Jewish atheist.

    Gene Anne - you're so smart. It runs in the family.

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  6. Thanks for speaking up for groups that can't always do it for themselves!! Hooray for Sardine Mama. Are you running for any offices?

    Also ... I think we need to try to stick up for the decent politicians. Yes, there are some! Our government and what it does are far too important for us to give up on everyone who is a politician. Remember the word "statesman"? We live in an age where politicians, every last one of them, are demonized so roundly that it seems impossible for any of that kind of nobility to exist any more. It worries me.

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