By Pamela Sweetwood
Recent events have provoked simplified thinking. To indict Islam as a whole is greatly misguided. Beliefs are on a continuum. Christians may limit their practice to Easter and Christmas or be overzealous in attacking Planned Parenthood clinics. For years I was heavily involved with the Humane Society. Some would presume I thought and acted the same as PETA activists. I admit they may be more committed to the cause than I but whether their methods or positions are right are up to personal interpretation. Similar variance occurs within other religious, racial, feminist and political groups.
Our country is diverse and that has been an asset and part of the beauty of America. The political rhetoric of the last few months by various candidates is beyond troubling.With each new target, I expect people will find it unacceptable. That hasn’t happened. The Republican platform tends to be fear-based. It is treading into hate-based.
Candidates of course are entitled to their opinions. I’m in disbelief there are supporters in great numbers sharing such views.
Tolerance and empathy for others are becoming even more critical as demographics change, income disparity widens, and world events demand understanding of the complexities and forward thinking rather than abrupt irreversible reactions.
To presume all who follow Islam is radical is ignorant. To treat everyone the same within in a category is a great disservice to all. Our greatest danger may be acceptance of intolerance.
Pamela Sweetwood was an ISU student, like many, who never left town. She works in higher education and has a history with many community non-profits organizations.
The opinions expressed within WJBC’s Forum are solely those of the Forum’s author, and are not necessarily those of WJBC or Cumlus Media, Inc.
