Americans View of Islam
Thursday, 9 March 2006
By Davyd 'Hu
An article in the Washington Post shows that more and more Americans have negative views of Islam, and people of Arab descent. A poll conducted by the Washington Post and ABC news found that 46% of Americans view Islam as a violent religion. 33% believe that Islalm is responsable for violence against non-Muslims, and one in three Americans have heard negative comments about the religion recently.
An online poll at MSNBC.com revealed this:
78% of 27,244 people said that they have unfavorable views of Islam. Why is this? Many people are claiming that this is because of frequent attacks aimed directly at Muslims by the media and politicians. It is true that most Americans don't trust Arab nations or companies, something clearly seen in the ongoing Dubai "negotiation". But does America have good reasons? The whole world has seen the effects of terrorism by Islamic fundementalists. The United States is at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and are seeing much violence and destruction done by Arabs and Muslim terrorists.
The reactions of thousands of Muslims over the Danish Muhammad cartoons resulted in violence and mass potests certainly dosen't help the public view Islam in a better way.
Ironically, while more people see Islam as a religion of violence and hate, it is the fastest growing religion in the United States, and, depending on who you ask, it might even be the fastest growing religion in the world. So whether you like it or not, Americans are going to have to learn to deal with it.
Twisted Press 
I just don’t get it. This is unfair to the innocent Muslims. The people that are involved in violent attacks are Muslims but they are just Muslims by name. Islam does not teach us to be violent in any case. It is unfortunate that so many people have such negative thoughts of Islam. It is unfair to the innocent Muslims that had come to the western countries to escape financial problems or lack of educational opportunities. These families had come to this country with the hope of leading a peaceful life but still maintaining their ability to practice their religion freely. It is very difficult for Muslims nowadays. We are disheartened because of the prejudice remarks we get from people. It’s not our fault that the Muslims that are commiting in violent attacks are doing this. It is unfortunate that they are Muslims. Just because a group of Muslims are bad does not mean that the whole religion is unpeaceful. Before people make such comments of Islam in general, please learn about the religion. It is not right that the more innocent Muslims are having to deal with such cruel behaviors.
I agree completly with Mahzabin.
I disagree with your last statement that “we” Americans will simply have to “deal” with Islam. Not so. Islam will have to learn to “deal” with Americans, because in America – Thank God – we’re protected by the freedoms of speech and of expression. Wait till Muslims have to deal with their version of Mohammed in a jar of urine paid for by the NEA. You think a fatawah on the artist here in the states is going to be tolerated? Could you imagine the first “honor killing” in Iowa? The National Organization of Women may actually finally have to stand up for women’s right. The guy will stand trail and possibly be put to death. How about when Hollywood options Salmon Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses staring Tom Hanks? Couple this with the Islamic terrorism.
People simply do not buy that Islam is a “religion of peace.” It’s anything but peaceful.
Once people stop fearing Islam and start questioning its tenets is when Islam will begin seeing the same problems. Other than itself, Islam worst enemy is also Christianity’s worst enemy; humanist secularism.