U.S. government insensitive to culture?
I've been meaning to get on here and reply to a reader who commented on my posting about the Marines building an Islamic prayer center at Quantico. Sometimes I just reply in the comment section, but Wa Salaam brought up some points I felt should be addressed up front and not in a pop-up box.Wa Salaam is a journal from a Muslim American who is trying to "introduce the Islamic lifestyle to mainstream America and other Western Countries in a non-threatening and palatable way." I feel some connection to Wa Salaam because I'm trying to do the same with respect to Republican ideals in the very liberal Bay Area. I don't always agree with Wa Salaam, but I appreciate anyone who takes the time to explain their position...which is why I should explain mine based on his comments.
I asked the question in my post...Isn't it odd that it's always Americans who need to be politically correct and sensitive of other religions and cultures?
Wa Salaam replied with...
I hope you are not implying that the World or even Muslims for that matter are picking on the US. Singling out the US for it cultural insensitivity.
My reply...
No Wa Salaam, I'm not implying that at all. In fact, my original question should actually be posed to the liberal America-haters who believe culture and diversity should be stuffed down our throats. Quite frankly, I doubt other nations - or religions for that matter - could question American multiculturalism. We are one of, if not the most diverse country in the world; a melting pot in every sense. Its American freedom and culture that has embraced this diversity and helped build this nation to what it is today. You can't walk through any American city without seeing 30, 40 or 50 different cultures, all of which are a celebration of our very own.
No, the point I'm making with my above question is that America in general is diverse. America in general is culturally rich. America in general embraces all backgrounds. I don't believe we have to build Islamic Prayer Centers for 24 people out of 12,000 to show we respect Islam, or all Muslims for that matter. America's immigrant foundation should confirm our multiculturalism. I don't believe we have to ban Christmas to prove we are an accepting nation.
The problem I see and where I went with my post is that many from the left think otherwise. I can't tell you how many times I hear people out here traduce suburbia because they perceive it to be overtly Caucasian. Yet they rave about the latest restaurant or bar because it was so diverse. My thinking is...who cares! If you are truly diverse and truly accepting, you won't notice multiculturalism. You'll see everyone equally and will respect them for who they are. When I see a man with middle-eastern features walking down the street, I see a man, like me, walking down the street. It is those who rise up and proclaim we should see otherwise are those who will forever keep us different.
The other problem I see Wa Salaam is because of our immigrant heritage and strong multicultural society, I feel much of "American culture" is lost in the fray. For example, over 80% of this nation is Christian. But there are liberals and atheist who believe we should ban anything Christian from the public eye. Whether they like it or not, Christianity is very much a part of American culture. The difference with America is our constitution says you can be Muslim and still be American. It says you can be Buddhist and still American. It says you don't have to believe in any religion and still be...American. But there are those who lose sight of this and believe we should abandon our culture and our origins to somehow prove we embrace others. I just don't agree with that and will do my part to remind Americans that we too - all 200 different nationalities and all - can still have our own culture while respecting others.
Wa Salaam also replied with...
The bottom-line is that the "US Government" with all of the social-diversity surrounding it remains uniform, and is still very much insensitive to culture... except when strategically useful politically, I'm sure you will not refute this...
My reply...
I agree and disagree. You won't find many other countries that have the vast array of religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds holding high-office like we have here in America. We're constantly beating ourselves up and calling ourselves insensitive while ignoring the facts that we are generally just the opposite. Again, I don't think we have to ration out seats in Congress by race or religious background to prove we are diverse. Freedom means we have a choice in who we elect. If the majority of our politicians are white males, it says two things to me. 1., America is electing white male politicians and 2., the majority running for office are white males. Insensitive? Hardly. This nation and its majority Anglo-male legislature are responsible for the largest minority home ownership and wealth in the world. It's responsible for more food and aid to third-world nations than any other and again has probably the softest immigration laws of any sovereign nation. And the insensitive U.S. government is also home to an African-American woman Secretary of State, a Hispanic Attorney General and Secretary of Commerce, an Asian Secretary of Labor, not to mention Cuban senators and an Austrian governor who can hardly say the world California.