Ok.. Can We Now Recognize that We Have A Problem?

Posted to BBC's World Have Your Say Sept 9, 2010

The burning of any books, particularly a people's holy book, is unacceptable. This is an unfortunate over-reaction to an issue that is not being dealt with. That issue is that the Americanized world and Islam need to sit down and dialogue head on about conflicting values/practices and settle an understanding.

North Americans as a whole are not accustomed to visible religious identification. Increasingly large numbers of Muslim women are changing our relatively apolitical and religious anonymity. Many people are not comfortable with this. No one dares talk of it- freedom of dress.

Countless verses in the Koran support violence against women and girls. Even in non-violent communities and families, the voice of the female spirit is subjugated to those of men. Add to this to a diverse perspective on sexuality and sex itself. Again no one dares talk of this - freedom of religion and individual privacy.

Finally, the fact that aggressors to American safety (ie. 911) acted in the name of Islam leaves a wound that was never properly cared for. Some Muslims seem to pour salt into that wound. Certainly not all Muslims are terrorists nor violent. However, this is an issue that does need to be reconciled with the world.

The fact that there is general fear to dismiss these three issues and not engage in dialogue corners some people to over-react.

Let's deal with the real issues.

Put the lighter down!