Under the Same Sun

“Smears perpetuate propaganda, hate”

by kasey henricks

“I’m not voting for Obama because he’s a Muslim.”

How do you respond to a comment like that?

I wish I could say this is a comment I overheard in one isolated instance, in jest or on TV, but it’s not. I’ve heard this statement on numerous occasions from different people, and it’s even been spoken amongst close relatives of mine.

Several times, I’ve responded by looking at the person and laughing. I don’t laugh to insult; I laugh because the comment is purely absurd, and I assume the speaker must be joking. Once I realize it’s no joke, I have to think about how to respond.

I have to start by addressing the most obvious aspect of the statement – it’s not true. Most times I respond by saying Obama is an outspoken Christian and former member of United Trinity Church of Christ in Chicago. (After all, it was only weeks ago when his Christian preacher, Jeremiah Wright, was in the mainstream media spotlight.) Obama even wrote about his journey towards becoming a Christian in his memoir, “Dreams from my Father.”

But underlying implications to the comment: “I’m not voting for Obama ’cause he’s Muslim,” signal deeper concerns are at stake than just misinformation. This comment indicates a form of prejudice towards a group of people – Muslims. It implies that being a Muslim is bad, and it lumps all Muslims into one category, even though the Islamic faith is as diverse in its forms of practice as is the Christian faith. Even if Obama was a self-proclaimed Muslim, would it automatically make him a bad candidate? And why should it prevent anyone from voting for him? Unless of course, you have a negative bias towards the Muslim population.

Now I’m not here to defend Obama. As with most politicians, I have concerns with some of his political stances and voting record. However, if Obama is to be criticized then that criticism should be rooted in truth.

These rumors about Obama being a Muslim are propaganda, and propaganda is dangerous. It’s dangerous because people are selective beings. We hear what we want to hear. We believe what doesn’t contradict our views. And we remember what reinforces our beliefs. Once misinformation is out there it gains power, especially if the involved person isn’t there to defend him or herself. Such lies tend to take on a life of their own. And just because a lie is not real does not mean that a lie cannot have real consequences. In this situation, Obama claims he’s a Christian, but a lie says he’s a Muslim. The real consequence is this lie will likely cost him votes in November.

Further, this misinformation reveals prejudices yet to be overcome in our country. If we as Americans believe in religious freedom for all, then why should following one religion be better than following another? Is being a Muslim any worse than being a Christian? Let’s not forget that although our country has dealt with terrorism from Muslim extremists, these extremists do not represent the majority of the Muslim population. To assume we know what it means to be Muslim, ourselves never having been Muslim, simply exhibits our own ignorance. How can we begin to understand a religion so culturally, geographically and historically diverse?

Refusing to vote for a Muslim defines prejudice. It’s a form of hate. It’s a view that prejudges the candidate before getting to know the candidate. And to make matter worse, these judgments don’t always line up to how reality truly is.

Don’t believe everything you hear. And realize that every piece of information you choose to believe and perpetuate has real life consequences for other people – whether or not your belief is actually true.