"With all of the recent ISIS terrorism, it makes me wonder -- should I be scared of Muslims?" While speaking with a professor last semester, I informed him that Deah Barakat, an American Muslim killed in the UNC Chapel Hill hate-crime shooting, was my cousin. Moving through conversation, he asked me the above question.
No. There is absolutely no religion of God on Earth supporting the hateful, unspeakable actions of ISIS. I understand that due to the way the human mind works, we classify people into mental categories to help us guide our interactions so that we may anticipate their behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. This is helpful in accommodating communication styles different from our own, while also establishing communication similarities. I also understand the fears that people associate with ISIS. I worry for our world, too.
However, I go to Texas A&M University -- a school made of people from around the globe. I am blessed to be surrounded by educated, aware Aggies who do not tolerate stereotypes. Fearing the general Muslim community because one does not know if they should associate them with ISIS is, in fact, stereotyping.
I am not angry at my professor. Instead, I am sad this person potentially doubts and distrusts over one billion people in the world because of a group of men on the other side of the world committing acts of hell, not acts of Islam, and surely not acts of God. This person is disregarding what makes the earth a beautiful place, even amidst all its evil: human diversity.
Even through all the darkness in this world, there is so much wonder to experience. There are so many people and places we have not met or seen, yet, that will teach us parts about ourselves that we never knew even existed. But to fully experience all of the goodness in this world, it will require taking a leap of faith. It will require trusting someone different from you. It will require learning about other cultures and lifestyles. It will require accepting people of all kinds. It will require believing in the full part of the glass. It will require empathizing and loving on the human race.
Yes, you may face questions like the one my professor asked me. However, do not settle on an unanswered question. Find new people, things, and places on this earth that continue to grow you, challenge you, and move you. Above all, just love and don't assume.
If you would like to learn about what a great man Deah Barakat was, go to Our Three Winners Facebook.
