Hello, 365-ers! Today I was sitting down at my computer and editing my photo that I had shot yesterday, and after I wrote up a novel on what this photograph reflected, it hit me that perhaps others on 365 have posted photographs that reflect injustice that has been dealt against them. Here is my photograph that represents prejudice and it was inspired by a patron who boldly stated that she has a problem with people of my religion and did not want to be helped by me.
Do you have a photograph that was inspired from injustice, ignorance, intolerance? Share it with the world-----or a in our case, a piece of the world. :)
I'm curious for more of the story - what place do you work at and what religion do you classify yourself as belong to and what was her problem with that?
Here's the thing, I just read the description on your picture, and I am a Muslim as well. And there's nothing wrong with that, there's nothing wrong with us. And to be quite frank, there's nothing wrong with THEM. Yes I know that this may seem as "racism" or we may call it "Islam-o-phobia" but it's really not their fault.
Let me explain why.. To begin with, I know that not all of the Muslims are terrorists, but literally about 99 % of terrorists are Muslims. Why is that? Islam MUST be a terrible religion then! It's not, it's just because Muslims LOVE to interpretate the Quran in their own way which is wrong in so many ways. There are so many things that a lot of muslims do today that aren't even MENTIONED in the Quran. Moreover, ARABS are the problem. Now please don't get me wrong, I am fully an arab, arab family, I live in Egypt.. everything. But we arabs have mixed our traditions that make no sense with religion. So traditions + Islam = disaster. I have to be honest, people "fear" us because they usually see Muslims on tvs and stuff this way : Extremely aggressive men shouting and hating on everything and everyone, and women in burqas being led by men. Which is NOT the true picture of Islam, but it's what shown to people. If I weren't an arab muslim, If I had lived in somewhere outside of the Middle East, I would have the same reaction. Ofcourse that doesn't justify her actions, or anyones actions, I am strongly against racism and prejudice, and I believe that everyone should be accepted for who they are, so don't waste your time and effort thinking of people like her, they doesn't deserve your energy or your anger, or anything. Just ignore people like these and don't let their words ever affect you, at least that's what I do :)
@daliadestructo I completely understand where you're coming from and I agree with you as well. I can see how and why people would fear us. I lived in the UAE half of my life and I was raised in Arab surroundings and culture, so I know what it's like to have Arab men shouting about nonsense and women covered in black. I can see what people would fear. Fear in some cases stems from ignorance. People fear what they don't know because they don't understand. If they take the time to understand and learn and know that Islam is really NOT synonomous with terrorism, then they wouldn't fear the religion, but they'd fear the people who call themselves Muslims while killing people. However, this lady didn't seem to have "fear" in her. She stated that she has a problem with people of my religion and I feel that it's more of a hatred issue, and not fear. Fear at least could be remedied; hatred is a completely different creature and it would take more than understanding to eliminate it.
I'm not angry with her, and I do not hate her. At first I was very annoyed and taken aback and I think I will continue to feel shocked and sad when situations such as this occur. I feel sorry for her and all the other people who live in complete seclusion of anything that is out of their element and I can only hope that they'll stop creating barriers.
So yes, I understand what you're saying and to some degree, I do agree. :)
@daliadestructo Sometime I have to remind myself that you are a young person of 18. You have such a way with words in a language that is your second language. What I am trying to say is that, to me, you are wise beyond your years and if you were my child I would be so proud of you
everyone hates someone...the way of the world...it will never change..if ppl have a diff opinion they hate you cos yours is different if you have a scar or disability some ppl avoid you..this is 2011 and people still hate others...for lots of reasons..why?? cos were humans...animals dont hate...no matter what colour faith if your disabled gay etc yet when someone behave bad they get told you act like an animal.....no we act like humans...so called civilised humans..there will always be hate anger and superiority in ppl change will never happen its sad but true
@daliadestructo I find your viewpoint enlightening and interesting. But I must say that violent extremists seem to exist in many religions. Currently here in the US, we have a group of Christians that are protesting at dead soldiers’ funerals, holding hateful signs and yelling horrible things at those attending. There was a time in our history when people were put on trial by Christians for being witches and then killed. Yet, most Christians do not share those views. They’re giving people who want to do what is right and to help others in need. I also think the media plays a role in inciting racism by repeatedly reporting on the extremists so that is all we see. It causes some to think that every Muslim is a violent terrorist. Fortunately, they are in the minority, but unfortunately, the ignorant exist. It seems so easy and so obvious to just live and let live. Then we would have peace.
I’m sorry you had to experience this Kima. Thank you for posting this. And don’t let people like her get to you. It’s her problem.
A person who is proud of what they believe in is a strong person.
Those that criticize and point fingers are weak cowards.
Religion is personal. Faith is eternal. I don't know where you're from, and it should not matter. Muslim, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Baptist, etc, it should not matter. Religion is of peace.
It is the radicals of every religion that slander their faith with their own beliefs. Be who you are. Embrace it, and stand proud. of it.
Peace. In the words of the 60's, Live and Let Live.
@daliadestructo Rock on Dalia. I am so sick of profiling. I am friends with many Muslims. If "thosethat think they know really "knew" what it is really about....well, they should be so blessed. It is quite peaceful in my opinion.
The wealthiest 400 Americans now own more than the rest of our countryman combined. During the economic crisis the gap between the rich and poor has increased dramaticaly. I am afraid of the consequences of such stark inequality.
@lisjam1 Thank you for that. I agree with you that extremists, radicals and terrorists exist in all religions. The media, however, sheds light on the Muslims for the most part. But your comment is appreciated and I will definitely not let people get to me. Or try not to. ;)
@moncooga Wise man you are, Chris. I will definitely remain a happy person!
@bornthisway I love this. It's amazing. Brilliant!
@lolanae This is awesome. I love the photograph and also the symbolism behind it.
@michellegaynor As do I and I am right there with you! Great photo!
@smapp Isn't it sad? We are sitting here watching as other countries demand for their freedom, their rights, while we are going through similar situations. Vicious cycle.
Kima, if I may put my small two cents in. I don't think most people are apposed to your religion. I know I am not. But when I hear about some muslim men wanting there women to abide by muslim law here it makes me scared for them. I don't think the men should be able to kill there wife here in the us or make them cover up with all black unless the women agree with it. Women here are free to have their own thoughts and go to school. If I have been watching this happening and I am wrong about it, I am so sorry. I just want everyone to be happy and get along and be tolorent and respectful of each other. And no one should have to die no matter what they believe. Hope you understand what I am trying to say. I don't mean to should hard, just trying to show my perspective on it.
@michellegaynor Love your shot . . . I have friends and family affected by the inequity in the laws as well . . . I say, if you don't believe in same sex marriage, then don't enter into one . . . can't understand what all the fuss is about!!!!!
@miata2u I totally agree with it! And men don't even HAVE a right to do that , to tell their wives what to do . And that's because they misundestand the Quran. It was mentioned CLEARLY that a women has the right to choose for herself whether or not she would like to dress in black. A man has no right whatsoever to kill her or force her to do something, but it's because ARABS had these traditions, and so they still follow them thinking they are following "Islam" the right way. Men also believe that they are superior, only because in the Quran it stated that "Men are only one rank higher than woman BECAUSE of what they spend and earn at work" Which means that if a woman works, she has equal rights with the man. Moreover, when it comes to inheritance, the man takes twice the woman's money only because he will have to be the "breadwinner" of a house one day and spend this money on himself, his wife, and his children, while on the other hand, the woman has the right to keep ALL her money to herself. It's us Arabs who piss me off actually, very immature and they think they know everything when they clearly don't. I know all of this and have researched A LOT about it, and read the Quran several times, because you can call me part-feminist so I get pretty frustrated when Arab men believe they are better in any way.
@lynne3804 Thank you so much! That was very very sweet (: !
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Close to my heart, I have friends and family who this affects. The right to marry should be equal no matter what your sexuality.
Let me explain why.. To begin with, I know that not all of the Muslims are terrorists, but literally about 99 % of terrorists are Muslims. Why is that? Islam MUST be a terrible religion then! It's not, it's just because Muslims LOVE to interpretate the Quran in their own way which is wrong in so many ways. There are so many things that a lot of muslims do today that aren't even MENTIONED in the Quran. Moreover, ARABS are the problem. Now please don't get me wrong, I am fully an arab, arab family, I live in Egypt.. everything. But we arabs have mixed our traditions that make no sense with religion. So traditions + Islam = disaster. I have to be honest, people "fear" us because they usually see Muslims on tvs and stuff this way : Extremely aggressive men shouting and hating on everything and everyone, and women in burqas being led by men. Which is NOT the true picture of Islam, but it's what shown to people. If I weren't an arab muslim, If I had lived in somewhere outside of the Middle East, I would have the same reaction. Ofcourse that doesn't justify her actions, or anyones actions, I am strongly against racism and prejudice, and I believe that everyone should be accepted for who they are, so don't waste your time and effort thinking of people like her, they doesn't deserve your energy or your anger, or anything. Just ignore people like these and don't let their words ever affect you, at least that's what I do :)
I'm not angry with her, and I do not hate her. At first I was very annoyed and taken aback and I think I will continue to feel shocked and sad when situations such as this occur. I feel sorry for her and all the other people who live in complete seclusion of anything that is out of their element and I can only hope that they'll stop creating barriers.
So yes, I understand what you're saying and to some degree, I do agree. :)
I’m sorry you had to experience this Kima. Thank you for posting this. And don’t let people like her get to you. It’s her problem.
Those that criticize and point fingers are weak cowards.
Religion is personal. Faith is eternal. I don't know where you're from, and it should not matter. Muslim, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Baptist, etc, it should not matter. Religion is of peace.
It is the radicals of every religion that slander their faith with their own beliefs. Be who you are. Embrace it, and stand proud. of it.
Peace. In the words of the 60's, Live and Let Live.
Stay happy.
Peace.
@moncooga Wise man you are, Chris. I will definitely remain a happy person!
@bornthisway I love this. It's amazing. Brilliant!
@lolanae This is awesome. I love the photograph and also the symbolism behind it.
@michellegaynor As do I and I am right there with you! Great photo!
@smapp Isn't it sad? We are sitting here watching as other countries demand for their freedom, their rights, while we are going through similar situations. Vicious cycle.
@lynne3804 Thank you so much! That was very very sweet (: !