Western Presumptions, Muslim Apologies: Breaking the Cycle of Bigotry and Violence
We should be sorry when narrow-mindedness defeats empathy and violence wins out over acceptance. Our responsibility lies in ending the cycle of intolerance and cultural essentialism that enables this.
by Maryam Jamshidi
A few weeks ago, I attended a panel discussion on the state of domestic terrorism and Islamophobia in the aftermath of the Sikh temple shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
A seasoned foreign correspondent from a well-known newspaper sat next to me, furiously scribbling on her pad. After the presentations ended, the journalist stood and posed a question to the lone Muslim panelist, who represented a prominent, national advocacy organization for American Muslims:
