Although African-Americans are a free race and equal to every other human being, racial discrimination against them became explosive during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.  Most of us know the story of Rosa Parks who was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person in 1955.  In 1957, nine African-American students had to be escorted between classes to keep from be harassed by white students during the Desegregation of Little Rock High School.  There are certainly many more such episodes in history.  All this turmoil because there were those who didn’t like people with darker skin.

Just as the 1950’s was a harrowing time for racial discrimination in the United States, today’s discrimination is becoming equally as vicious and ugly, particularly against those who following Islam.  In previous posts, we have discussed several individuals who have been harassed, arrested, deported and even killed.  Some have been accused of tampering with or destroying evidence.  Some have been interrogated or denied legal counsel for hours.  Yes, discrimination is alive and well, from our government, law enforcement officials and everyday citizens.

Tatiana Gruzdeva, Khusen Taramov, Ashurmamad Miraliev, were all deported or denied re-entry into the U.S.   Konstantin Morozov is being held until they decide what to do with him.  Robel Phillipos, Dias Kadyrbayev and Khairullozhon Matanov are all awaiting trial, for making poor choices or simply being associated with the Tsarnaevs.  And as we know Azamat Tazhayakov’s trial is already underway.  Ibragim Todashev was killed.  The Tsarnaev Brothers.  Granted, some of the accusations are very serious and have affected many, but it is my belief that many of these accused and acquaintances are being targeted for only one reason:  They are Muslim or are known to associate with Muslims.

These are just some of the latest examples of the harassment, detentions and arrests.  Many such instances can be found across the country that are not directly related to the Boston Marathon Bombings.  Tarek Mehanna was convicted and has been imprisoned for what some are calling a “thought crime.”  A number of prominent Muslim-Americans have been monitored for years all the while denying any involvement in terrorism or espionage, and none advocates violent jihad or is known to have been implicated in any crime.  (Thanks Emptywheel)

Islamophobia:  Hatred or fear of Muslims or of their politics or culture; prejudice against Muslims

Prejudice, hatred, fear.  People can hate because they fear.  People can be prejudice because they fear.  The way I see it, it all begins with FEAR of Muslims and this fear originates for two basic reasons.

9/11 – On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever scarred by a radical Islamic terrorist organization.  So it is completely normal for people in the United States to fear these type of attacks may occur again.  However, it is also widely believed that those responsible for the terrorist acts upon the United States on 9/11 were not ordinary Muslims, but rather radicalized or extremists.  Muslim is routinely a synonym for terrorist.  Not all Muslims are radicalized.  Not all Muslims are extremists.  So it is unfair to judge an entire religion or culture based on a group of extremists.

Lack of Knowledge – Much of the way of Islam is simply unknown to many.  Many Muslim women dress differently than non-Muslims.  Muslims don’t speak of God the way Christians or Catholics do, but rather refer to their Almighty as Allah.  I understand that Jesus plays a completely different role in the Islamic world than in the Christian world.  Now everyone out there feel free to correct me in any way, as I am certainly no expert on the subject of Islam.  My point is that many people fear Muslims simply because they don’t understand them and they can be different from what some people are used to.

Is this our government’s way of trying to make sure the events of 9/11 never happen again, by rounding up anyone “similar” to those radical Muslims who were the perpetrators?  As the government embraces a “counter-radicalization” approach to counterterrorism, prosecutors are turning radical beliefs into criminal acts.  Is this their excuse for their obvious (in my opinion) discrimination?