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Community => Serious Topics => Topic started by: Pugnate on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 08:43:46 AM

Title: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 08:43:46 AM
This sums up my feelings on the matter as well:

&feature=player_embedded#!

It isn't even a mosque, and it isn't even at ground zero. For the past few months, I've been following the ridiculousness of it all. The paranoia has been absurd.

So yea, I just watched that video, and while I haven't always agreed with that guy, he speaks the truth on the community center.

Anyway, before commenting, please watch the video... especially Cobra. :P
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cobra951 on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 09:53:46 AM
He brings the holocaust into the picture.  Ha!  There is one key difference, Pug.  No faction of Judaism, however small, pursued the destruction of Western civilization with dogged tenacity or ample funding.  Let's not equate hatred for its own sake with vigilance or justified fear.  If you have a beehive in your backyard, you keep a wary eye on it, even if you know all they want to do is pollinate flowers and make honey, and even if you think that only one of those bees might ever sting you.

He's full of shit about Spain too.  Spain fought back the moors (los moros) after centuries of occupation.  The moors weren't there in peaceful enlightenment to begin with, as he seems to imply.  There is still a lot of cultural influence in Spain from that period.  Cordoba is part of it.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: sirean_syan on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 06:50:08 PM
It's a simple matter really: The mosque will be on private land and the local authorities approved it's construction. Freedom of religion allows for places of worship to be built and if the local population allows it, then that should be all that's needed.

I guess you could get into if it's really a good idea or if it's the appropriate thing to do (built it or allow construction), but our opinions really don't matter since this is a local issue. If someone wants to claim its an insult to 911 victims or something like that, New Yorkers are as close to the event at you can get. Again, so they have another claim to be the major voice in the discussion. I would be curious to learn what people from the city actually think. Most of what I've heard comes from people who tent to speak for more... conservative people (I was in Texas when I heard of lot of the discussion).
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: gpw11 on Thursday, August 19, 2010, 01:28:58 AM
Yeah, it's really a case where you look at it and you have to ask the people against it "Well, what the fuck do you do?"  Regardless of whether you think it may or may not be tasteless, I don't see any plausible way of stopping it that wouldn't be considered government sponsored discrimination on the basis of religion (Note: I am not a constitutional lawyer).  So, you really have to pose the question of whether or not those who are really against it would rather a Mosque built on private property somewhere near ground zero or the idea of the government pissing all over the constitution and the values they themselves likely hold dearly. 
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Thursday, August 19, 2010, 04:33:38 AM
The community center will have a swimming pool, a basketball court, and a small prayer room on the top floor. There is an actual mosque already in place and actually closer to ground zero.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Friday, August 20, 2010, 01:07:16 AM
Just another reminder that most people have no idea who we are fighting and that we are hurting ourselves in the process.

Anyone who thinks that freedom is anything but an ideal is naive.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cobra951 on Friday, August 20, 2010, 07:48:40 AM
People who don't put on blinders that are based on some naive ideal of equality, you mean.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: K-man on Saturday, August 21, 2010, 07:16:07 AM
Freedom isn't free.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Monday, August 23, 2010, 12:47:56 AM
Freedom isn't free.

I believe it costs $1.05
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Monday, August 23, 2010, 02:57:17 AM
plus tax
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: shock on Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 06:46:43 PM
Nah, tax is included.

I don't watch the news at all, but I always enjoy Olberman shitting on the news.  He gets a bit too emotional for my tastes, but he does make good points.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: gpw11 on Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 11:23:10 PM
Olberman bugs me now. His first few rants were brilliant and it seemed genuinely inspired.  After that it just seemed like a polar opposite version of a Fox news anchor or someone watched Network one time too many.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 11:44:24 PM
Olberman bugs me now. His first few rants were brilliant and it seemed genuinely inspired.  After that it just seemed like a polar opposite version of a Fox news anchor or someone watched Network one time too many.

My views precisely. I find him to be a the left's version of O'reilly, although more realistic.

The 24 hour networks are a terrible place to get news. If I ever were to watch a news program on TV it would be Brain Williams, who is the best.

I generally catch everything online, and for humor go to Stewart and Colbert to dissect it, who are brilliant (although Stewart often tends to push it).
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Quemaqua on Thursday, August 26, 2010, 01:05:08 PM
I hate all of it and don't listen to anyone.  I'm sure this comes as a big surprise.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: scottws on Thursday, August 26, 2010, 02:37:55 PM
LOL.  Actually I am with you on this Que.  American media has turned into tabloid journalism and is all terrible with the possible exception of Brian Williams (as previously mentioned).

I only follow news via the BBC now.  I remember when I first started doing that I was like "Holy shit!  Real news actually exists!"
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Quemaqua on Thursday, August 26, 2010, 04:28:02 PM
Yeah, that's actually true.  I don't go out of my way to watch too much other stuff either, but news via the BBC or stuff I've run across from Japan is usually *far* better than what American media outlets have become.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: K-man on Thursday, August 26, 2010, 06:01:37 PM
Well, the market is so flooded with news outlets, typical journalism doesn't hack it any longer.  Now it's a competition to see who can one-up the other with outlandish stories, commentary, or just plain rumors.  It's less journalism and more entertainment.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cobra951 on Friday, September 10, 2010, 12:43:23 PM
I was listening to NPR on the way in this morning and there was a report about cultural centers in major cities suspending celebration of the [Eid ul-Fitr] holiday on September 11.  While I think it's a smart PR move, and I understand why the decisions were made, it still is utterly ridiculous that it has to happen.  I'm not wholly educated on Islam, but wouldn't that be akin to Christians delaying the celebration of Christmas? 

They also mentioned a poll that said 49% of Americans have a negative view of Islam.  No doubt due to Fox News and stories about extremists.  I'd wager a guess that if opinions of Christians were solely based  on the actions of backwoods fundamentalist Christian militia they'd have a huge problem with it.

No backwoods fundamentalist Christian militia ever pursued the destruction of Western civilization with dogged tenacity or ample funding.

Fox News gets a lot of blame for things, but I don't think you can blame them for this one.  People generalize; and in this case, they are generalizing based on the greatest fear they have faced in several generations.  My suggestion to Muslims who don't want to be unfairly grouped in with our mortal enemies is to step forward and help eradicate the evil that festers within their ranks.  As older Japanese Americans will attest, being passively peaceful is not good enough during times like these.  That suggestion applies anywhere in the world, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: K-man on Friday, September 10, 2010, 02:15:20 PM
People certainly generalize, but Fox News and their ilk are certainly doing their part to make sure people don't think differently.

And the reason backwoods fundamentalist Christian militias haven't pursued destruction is because they lack the ability to organize (and the funding). 

I guess a better comparison would be the Westboro Baptist Church.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: bullshark on Tuesday, February 01, 2011, 09:11:12 AM
My suggestion to Muslims who don't want to be unfairly grouped in with our mortal enemies is to step forward and help eradicate the evil that festers within their ranks.  As older Japanese Americans will attest, being passively peaceful is not good enough during times like these.  That suggestion applies anywhere in the world, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Forgive me but I am unclear what invoking older Japanese Americans is supposed to convey here.  Justification for internment camps, gratitude for Japanese American servicemen, or something else.  Please clarify, thank you.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cobra951 on Tuesday, February 01, 2011, 09:37:08 AM
Internment camps wouldn't happen now, and they shouldn't.  I was alluding to the general anti-Japanese attitude in America, even against those who lived here legitimately.  I have nothing but admiration for Japanese Americans, and how they handled their crisis.  They took the hate and mistrust stoically, and tried to show American patriotism as best as they could under the circumstances.  One example was going above and beyond the call of duty in the American military.  They did more than they were required to do, more than most Americans would have done, to prove their loyalty.

My parallel here is that well-meaning Muslims should go above and beyond the call of duty to demonstrate their peaceful intent, educate Western masses who think peace-loving Islam doesn't really exist, and whenever possible, help curb the violence, by exposing extremist militants, or their haunts.  Sitting on the sidelines and letting the fringe element get all the attention does not work well for them during this time.  You can point fingers at the media or at provincial Americans all you want.  The status quo won't change for the better until someone changes it.  I suggest that those with the most to lose should have the greatest interest in positive change.  The Japanese understood this, 65-70 years ago.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: bullshark on Tuesday, February 01, 2011, 11:11:08 AM
Internment camps wouldn't happen now, and they shouldn't.  I was alluding to the general anti-Japanese attitude in America, even against those who lived here legitimately.  I have nothing but admiration for Japanese Americans, and how they handled their crisis.  They took the hate and mistrust stoically, and tried to show American patriotism as best as they could under the circumstances.  One example was going above and beyond the call of duty in the American military.  They did more than they were required to do, more than most Americans would have done, to prove their loyalty.

My parallel here is that well-meaning Muslims should go above and beyond the call of duty to demonstrate their peaceful intent, educate Western masses who think peace-loving Islam doesn't really exist, and whenever possible, help curb the violence, by exposing extremist militants, or their haunts.  Sitting on the sidelines and letting the fringe element get all the attention does not work well for them during this time.  You can point fingers at the media or at provincial Americans all you want.  The status quo won't change for the better until someone changes it.  I suggest that those with the most to lose should have the greatest interest in positive change.  The Japanese understood this, 65-70 years ago.

Ah I think I see what you are getting at.  I disagree with some of your conclusions but that's okay.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cools! on Monday, February 07, 2011, 01:40:49 PM
I'm sort of against the mosque. It seems insensitive and too soon after 9/11. I'm all for freedom of religion, who isn't really, but there's also a time and place for things.

To me this is like any other situation where a community is opposed to building a factory, highway or whatever in the area, wether or not it's an informed opinion or not. Yes, people are misinformed about Islam right now, but if people are so opposed to building a mosque there then your first step should be to educate the people. And if people don't listen, give them time and keep trying.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Monday, February 07, 2011, 03:33:38 PM
It is a rec center with a mosque on a single floor, and it is many blocks away from ground zero. I think there may already be a mosque closer to the site.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 01:03:25 AM
It is a rec center with a mosque on a single floor, and it is many blocks away from ground zero. I think there may already be a mosque closer to the site.

Exactly.

The same people that vehemently cite the constitution on every issue don't understand freedom of religion. Have the people that built the mosque supported violence? Are they supporting suicide against other people?

It seems as though the fear of the mosque is not instigated through fact, but through religious xenophobia.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cobra951 on Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 10:04:27 AM
Come on.  Don't be naive.  It's not the religion itself that causes the fear.  Unfair association perhaps, but it's not religious xenophobia.  Generalizing is built deep into our psyche.  Tapir, good eats; sabretooth, eats me. 

"Have the people that built the mosque supported violence?"  I don't know.  Have they?
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 11:08:35 AM
Pretty much what Gandhi said. You can justify bullshit stereotypes any way you want.

Quote
"Have the people that built the mosque supported violence?"  I don't know.  Have they?

fuck you.

Quote
My parallel here is that well-meaning Muslims should go above and beyond the call of duty to demonstrate their peaceful intent, educate Western masses who think peace-loving Islam doesn't really exist, and whenever possible, help curb the violence, by exposing extremist militants, or their haunts.  Sitting on the sidelines and letting the fringe element get all the attention does not work well for them during this time.  You can point fingers at the media or at provincial Americans all you want.  The status quo won't change for the better until someone changes it.  I suggest that those with the most to lose should have the greatest interest in positive change.  The Japanese understood this, 65-70 years ago.

There are plenty of well meaning Muslims who stand up for their faith and peaceful way of thinking and life. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they should advertise to every close minded hick in the world who gets his news from networks intent on ratings rather than actual news.

Them wasting their time to convinces the likes who generalize would be equal to the average American trying convince the rest of the world that he isn't a fat stupid racist redneck. The people who have that absolutely incorrect view of Americans don't deserve to be reconditioned. It would be like talking to a brick wall.

The other point is who exactly do you present the average peace loving Muslim minding his/her own business? We get a lot of European networks, and they often show the average Muslim. If many Muslims conducted peaceful demonstration against extremism, or if powerful Muslim leaders condemned extremists, how would that be exactly shown to the racist American? How are they supposed to reach you?

Because a long time Pakistani cleric Ghamidi, who is considered one of the top five Muslim leaders across the world has condemned terrorism, suicide bombing etc. I've seen him show up on BBC several times. Has he been on Fox News?

What about the millions, and I mean MILLIONS of Indian and Pakistani Muslims who took to the streets two years ago against terrorism? What about the Muslims who marched in London?

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00f55pY8bYaSL/610x.jpg)

Have you heard of that? Of course you haven't. Because you are arm chair critic, with little perspective of what is actually happening.

Here is a list of Muslim countries:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Muslim_majority_countries

Tell me how many want to kill you.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cobra951 on Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 12:57:27 PM
Right back at you.  If you can't handle the heated discourse without hurling epithets, after knowing me this long (as well as any one can know another online), imagine the impossibility of communication between peoples who start out from mutual fear and animosity.  This is an enormous global problem.  Generalizing is what is happening.  I'm saying it's natural, and cannot be reasoned away.  If the only daily exposure we get to Islam is death and destruction, what do you expect?  You can preach all you want that only a few of the many species of shark will attack humans, but you can bet anyone who sees a signature fin will hop out of the water in a frenzy.

Look at our mutual enemy in the face.  Look at him!  Recognize him.  Help me fight him.  Don't fight me.  It gains us nothing, and risks losing it all.

Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 08:22:44 PM
Sure, generalizing is natural. But is the first thought in your head child rapist when you meet a priest? Do you immediately associate any Christian with creationism? If somebody got bit by a dog do you stay away from all dogs?

And you do get daily exposure to Islam every day through these forums. There are several Muslims on here, do you immediately think terrorist whenever one of them posts? You're not generalizing, you're just justifying an awful attitude.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cobra951 on Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 10:09:28 PM
I thought of using the pedophile priest scandal, but went with sharks instead.  Parents are less trusting of priests now.  The problem involves comparatively few priests, but it's clearly endemic.  Remember, my family is Catholic, and I have an overwhelmingly positive attitude toward the Catholic church.  This blemish is very real, though, and I will not blame the media for its negative impact on the church.  They deserve it.

I'm frankly at a loss here.  I thought we were adults living in the real world, not ostriches.  It's a two-part problem.  Part 1: lunatic fringe commits atrocities under the name of one religion, getting increasingly barbaric over time.  Part 2: this lunacy is nearly *all* that Americans get to see associated with this religion, for over 30 years, tarnishing their attitudes toward it.  Human beings generalize naturally.  It is a survival skill that got us here from the Stone Age.  We can pretend that we don't, but the pretense doesn't wash deep down, where our fears reside.  Drop some suburban princess in a dark alley in the inner city, and let's see how well her egalitarian ideals fare. 
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Xessive on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 12:36:44 AM
I my opinion, it just takes a little bit of resourcefulness and some intelligence to look something like Islam up and see a more balanced view of it. Muslims shouldn't have to go on an awareness campaign, we do that as a courtesy. Do we have Chinese/Japanese/Christian/Jewish/whatever awareness week? No, "awareness events" almost exclusively disease or health condition related plus Islam.

It seems to me that most people who are "living in fear" of Islam want to stay that way; they're not interested in learning more about it because they're comfortable with identifying Muslims as "enemies of the state." It's easy to point at the "evil" foreigners and say "they're the cause of all our woes." It was the Russians the last couple of decades, and the Japanese before that.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 04:54:33 AM
I'm not denying radicalism is a threat, it just seems that your fears are a bit irrational. It would be like me getting angry a catholic church is being built near a school. Sure it's based on truth but it's a complete over reaction
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: beo on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 06:15:21 AM
This thread makes me sad. :(
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: PyroMenace on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 09:48:19 AM
This thread makes me have an irrational hate for old people.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cools! on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 10:16:02 PM
I agree with Cobra.

You guys sound very naive at times. How many of you would actually want to live near a Mosque? Chances are, if you ask around, a lot of people would choose to live near a church or a synagogue instead. There's a reason for that, call it racism, stereotyping, whatever, it's still present and it's going to take decades for this mentality to go away.


Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Xessive on Friday, February 11, 2011, 12:18:23 AM
I agree with Cobra.

You guys sound very naive at times. How many of you would actually want to live near a Mosque? Chances are, if you ask around, a lot of people would choose to live near a church or a synagogue instead. There's a reason for that, call it racism, stereotyping, whatever, it's still present and it's going to take decades for this mentality to go away.



I live near three masjids (mosques). The church is down the street.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: beo on Friday, February 11, 2011, 01:05:14 AM
I really wouldn't care less about living near a mosque! What, do people who live near mosques catch aids or something? I hardly think that i'm naive, just because i'm not a bigot.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Friday, February 11, 2011, 01:16:27 AM
The chances are that most of you have at some point been very close to a mosque in Canada/America, without realizing it. Just some of the mosques in Toronto.

http://www.google.com.pk/search?q=mosques+in+toronto&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

You are also ignoring the fact for some reason that this isn't even a mosque. It is a rec center open to all, with a prayer floor.

I also don't understand this justification of stereotyping by shrugging it off as human nature. To me, that's more like burying your head in the sand. Women's rights, equal rights to black people, the rights of homosexuals wouldn't have been achieved if people had just blamed it on human nature to oppress them.

As for Cobra, I reacted the way I did, *because* I know him. I remember his patriotic statements after the US invaded Iraq.

Quote
I really wouldn't care less about living near a mosque! What, do people who live near mosques catch aids or something? I hardly think that i'm naive, just because i'm not a bigot.

There are a lot of British Muslims and chances are that Beo interacts with them. There are also a lot of mosques in the UK.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: angrykeebler on Friday, February 11, 2011, 01:50:05 AM
(http://files.sharenator.com/Meanwhile_in_Finland_Meanwhile_in_Finland-s800x600-46576-580.jpg)
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Friday, February 11, 2011, 06:13:54 AM
I agree with Cobra.

You guys sound very naive at times. How many of you would actually want to live near a Mosque? Chances are, if you ask around, a lot of people would choose to live near a church or a synagogue instead. There's a reason for that, call it racism, stereotyping, whatever, it's still present and it's going to take decades for this mentality to go away.




I can't tell if this is sarcastic or not. If it isn't, do you live in an overwhelmingly white place or something? These views are just foreign to me, I've never heard anybody in real life say anything like it.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Friday, February 11, 2011, 07:57:45 AM
*Exactly*

These views are really foreign to me as well. I've never heard any of the white people I've worked or mingled with say anything this islamophobic, and I've had a lot of frank conversations with a lot of people I've gotten close with. Many express fears etc., but nothing this irrational.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: K-man on Friday, February 11, 2011, 11:25:11 AM
I agree with Cobra.

You guys sound very naive at times. How many of you would actually want to live near a Mosque?


Why would I care?  It's a place of worship.  Unless it's got an AK-47 shooting range behind it I'm not the least bit concerned.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cools! on Friday, February 11, 2011, 12:29:23 PM
You need to go out more then.

People aren't as "nice" as you think they are, even in Canada. I live in an area with a mosque and whenever someone who hasn't been to the area comes over, a small percentage of them will cringe in that not so subtle way. They don't have to actually say anything (some do) to make their dislike clear. Luckily it's not a majority among my generation and youth, but it's still present even though we are supposed to be so enlightened and free of prejudice.

And yes, what I've seen in Canada is nothing compared to what I've personally experienced when I lived in in other countries, like Belgium, or what I hear from my relatives in Germany and Russia these days. If you've never been on the receiving end of racism in Canada, consider yourself lucky, because after having lived in 5 countries I have, and I known it all to well by now to spot it even in the smallest of facial expression.

I don't attribute it to human nature. I'm not justifying anything. I'm simply pointing out that even in countries like Canada there is plenty of racism, repressed or not. It's great that you guys are so free of hate that you wouldn't hesitate to live in a Muslim area, but I've seen first hand that it's not the case for everyone. So I'm hardly surprised at the reaction against the NY mosque.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Friday, February 11, 2011, 01:20:41 PM
I meant more the Muslims as the enemy rather than ordinary racism.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: K-man on Friday, February 11, 2011, 02:20:22 PM
You need to go out more then.

People aren't as "nice" as you think they are, even in Canada. I live in an area with a mosque and whenever someone who hasn't been to the area comes over, a small percentage of them will cringe in that not so subtle way. They don't have to actually say anything (some do) to make their dislike clear. Luckily it's not a majority among my generation and youth, but it's still present even though we are supposed to be so enlightened and free of prejudice.


You asked if I specifically would want to live near a mosque, and I told you it wouldn't bother me.  I can't and won't speak for anyone else.  If they're so easily swayed by media to believe there's no such thing as a good Muslim then they are ignorant or dumb.  Maybe both.

Not all of us share the "Larry the Cable Guy" outlook on the Muslim population.

I mean come on, a number of Muslims in Egypt put themselves in danger recently to essentially be a meat shield for Christians wishing to hold services.  I guarantee you Glenn Beck didn't mention that on-air.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Friday, February 11, 2011, 02:42:17 PM
You need to go out more then.

People aren't as "nice" as you think they are, even in Canada. I live in an area with a mosque and whenever someone who hasn't been to the area comes over, a small percentage of them will cringe in that not so subtle way. They don't have to actually say anything (some do) to make their dislike clear. Luckily it's not a majority among my generation and youth, but it's still present even though we are supposed to be so enlightened and free of prejudice.

And yes, what I've seen in Canada is nothing compared to what I've personally experienced when I lived in in other countries, like Belgium, or what I hear from my relatives in Germany and Russia these days. If you've never been on the receiving end of racism in Canada, consider yourself lucky, because after having lived in 5 countries I have, and I known it all to well by now to spot it even in the smallest of facial expression.

I don't attribute it to human nature. I'm not justifying anything. I'm simply pointing out that even in countries like Canada there is plenty of racism, repressed or not. It's great that you guys are so free of hate that you wouldn't hesitate to live in a Muslim area, but I've seen first hand that it's not the case for everyone. So I'm hardly surprised at the reaction against the NY mosque.

I think we are talking about different degrees of dislike here.

Does racism exist? Of course it does. Like yourself, I have seen much first hand in my life. Would a normal Canadian want to live in a Muslim area if he had the choice? I doubt the answer is yes. Hell, I wouldn't want to live in a Muslim area myself, but that is more of a cultural thing than a fear of life.

I don't disagree with much of what you've said. Much like I imagine atheists, Christians, Hindus, and Jews would all prefer to live in their communities, and not be pleased with outside cultural/religious monuments being built within their areas.

That's one thing, and then what Cobra is saying is another. Objecting so vehemently to a recreation center with a mosque on top. Asking the financiers of this rec center to prove that they aren't terrorists. Asking the average Muslim to go above and beyond anything reasonable to prove themselves against extremism.

Honestly, I don't consider myself to be religious. I've studied all religions, and that's just not for me. I also think America is the greatest country in the world because it is based on the principles of tolerance and freedom. Sometimes I wonder how the founding fathers of America were so advanced in their thinking at a time when oppression still existed. It boggles my mind, but that's a different subject.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Xessive on Friday, February 11, 2011, 02:58:28 PM
Technically speaking, the ideals represented by the Founding Fathers (and in the Constitution) of the USA match with traditional Islamic ideals, and anything additional can coexist without compromising either set. Don't be surprised by how many "American" ideals originate from older Islamic systems, implementations, and concepts.

Ever wonder where "California" gets its name? Follow the breadcrumbs, through Spanish the origin of the name is Arabic, it means "land/kingdom of the Caliph."

We're not so different, we're just veiled, concealed by façades.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Friday, February 11, 2011, 03:39:14 PM
In the end it doesn't matter what originated from where to me. What matters is where it is being applied now.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: bullshark on Friday, February 11, 2011, 04:55:26 PM
It seems to me that most people who are "living in fear" of Islam want to stay that way; they're not interested in learning more about it because they're comfortable with identifying Muslims as "enemies of the state." It's easy to point at the "evil" foreigners and say "they're the cause of all our woes." It was the Russians the last couple of decades, and the Japanese before that.

I run into this a lot.  No matter how I live my life, no matter how many facts I throw out there, none of it matters if the person I'm talking to already has their mind made up.  When I present facts, I am summarily dismissed as being brainwashed, distorting the truth, or being an apologetic.  One of the first things I ask people when I hear discriminatory things about muslims is, "Have you ever spoken to a muslim about this?  Have you ever been to a mosque?  What are your sources of information?"  Of course the caveat being sometimes you get muslims who say things and don't know what they're really talking about but still, you get my point. 

Where people get their information is more important than ever.  If I wanted to learn about American black history, would I go online to a white supremacist site?  If I wanted to learn about Judaism, would I go online to an neo-nazi forum?  And on and on and on.  So why do so many people go online to these websites that clearly have an agenda against Islam and muslims to learn about what I and over a billion, BILLION, people believe?  Why not speak to respected muslims themselves? 



Regarding the ground zero mosque...

I find it interesting that this issue was huge running up to the elections.  Post elections, not too much chatter.  Interesting.

The term "Ground Zero Mosque" is misleading.  First as previously stated by others, the building proposed is a cultural and recreation center that includes a mosque on premises.  Second, it is not at Ground Zero, it is two NYC blocks away and the current building is/was an abandoned Burlington Coat Factory.  Ground Zero may rightfully be called hallowed ground but the area two blocks away certainly isn't.

There are already two mosques, one of which pre-dates the WTC, within walking distance of Ground Zero.

Then of course there is the issue of the First Amendment.

Regarding the wisdom of building this facility versus the First Amendment right to build this facility.  I would argue that it is never wise to give in to discrimination, bigotry, and hate.  Rosa Parks would be considered unwise by some for her actions.  To others she is a champion of social justice.  The long term health of our people is better served by overcoming backward attitudes and progressing forward.


Gotta love some of the stuff this guy puts out.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-16-2010/mosque-erade (http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-16-2010/mosque-erade)
 
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: bullshark on Friday, February 11, 2011, 05:10:41 PM
Interesting note on the destruction of the World Trade Center.  There was a muslim structural engineer from Bangladesh.  His name was Fazlur Khan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fazlur_Khan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fazlur_Khan)

He is responsible for the engineering behind all modern super-tall structures ever built, including the WTC.  Though he didn't personally design the WTC, he is the person who designed the structural concepts behind it.  He also was personally responsible for the design of other super-tall buildings in the US such as the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center. 

One can argue that without this muslim engineer, the WTC may never have been built.  It fascinates me that one muslim man is responsible for the creation of an amazing structure and another muslim man is responsible for its destruction.  Yet, all we hear about is the destruction.  This raises all kinds of fascinating questions.

Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: K-man on Friday, February 11, 2011, 07:31:45 PM
I like this bullshark guy.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Friday, February 11, 2011, 09:38:16 PM
Bullshark is the man.


http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-16-2010/mosque-erade

Good link. I love the show - the humor is hit-or-miss, but his analysis is always on point and relevant. This is one of the many moments where both coalesce into brilliance.

There were actually a fair number of Muslims at the Rally to Restore Sanity that he put together in DC recently, I met a few. You should check out his speech if you haven't yet, it's quite moving (although it is more to do with the ignorance, etc of the US rather than the topic at hand). 
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: bullshark on Friday, February 11, 2011, 11:29:37 PM
I just read excerpts from that rally.  Man, you weren't kidding.  Some of that stuff was surprisingly moving and the fact that so many people showed up is most excellent.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 12:45:22 AM
I like this bullshark guy.

A long time ago, in a duck fat fat away, bullshark was our regular poster. :)
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: bullshark on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 12:58:22 AM
Just for the record, none of my body parts were in Duckfat at any point in time. 
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 01:18:07 AM
I'm sort of scared to check and see if AllOutGames is as hilariously gay as it was years ago after we left. I'm appointing Ren to go and check for us.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 06:45:46 AM
AllOutGames gives a Bandwith Limit Exceeded warning and homomojo is now for sale by godaddy. Big surprise.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: angrykeebler on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 03:27:29 PM
remember when Ghandi was Gandalf




because i do




neva fo'get
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 03:53:12 PM
And Ren was Renegade... and Schlotzky5 wasn't so straight.

Good times.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: idolminds on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 04:23:10 PM
Ren is still 12, though.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 04:28:24 PM
Just the thought of posting on forums at the age of 12 seems completely bizarre now.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 07:27:35 PM
remember when Ghandi was Gandalf




because i do




neva fo'get

Remember how Keebs has slanty eyes

because I do

neva fo'get
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 02:33:56 AM
I never asked this, but how the hell did that happen? How did a 12 year old get involved with us?

WAIT I WAS 18 AT THE TIME! ZOMGS!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: angrykeebler on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 02:34:43 PM
yeah back when i first started posting on IGN i was like 18...now im 29


sigh
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 02:49:28 PM
I think this thread is far more interesting now. I think Cobra should come back.

Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: angrykeebler on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 03:48:49 PM
I don't think so. He'll just see our vibrant and carefee youth and become way more angry.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 05:17:23 PM
The gods may have cursed you with chinaman but they granted you humorous speech.

Come join my party slanty eye. You may be funny looking, but your high charisma will grant +4 to our party's spirit, when we make battle with the nitro penile trolls from the lands of Canada.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: bullshark on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 10:22:22 PM
My British friends think it's weird that I say "asians" when I'm speaking of people from the far east.  They call people from the far east "oriental" whereas "asian" is the term for people of the subcontinent.  I explained that in the US many people think using the term oriental is derogatory and that just totally threw them off.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Ghandi on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 10:38:01 PM
Actually Bullshark, I can shed some light on this issue, as I live in the United States. The correct nomenclature here is "Slanty eyed bastard".
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: angrykeebler on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 11:55:36 PM
The gods may have cursed you with chinaman but they granted you humorous speech.

Come join my party slanty eye. You may be funny looking, but your high charisma will grant +4 to our party's spirit, when we make battle with the nitro penile trolls from the lands of Canada.

Don't forget about my +5 to Math bonus.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Monday, February 14, 2011, 01:20:56 AM
My British friends think it's weird that I say "asians" when I'm speaking of people from the far east.  They call people from the far east "oriental" whereas "asian" is the term for people of the subcontinent.  I explained that in the US many people think using the term oriental is derogatory and that just totally threw them off.

haha exactly.

This is what would happen when I'd refer myself as Asian to Canadians/Americans.

They would say... well, you don't look so good at math.

Don't forget about my +5 to Math bonus.

Why I shouldn't be posting at 5:30 am.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cools! on Monday, February 14, 2011, 09:22:56 PM
You asked if I specifically would want to live near a mosque, and I told you it wouldn't bother me.  I can't and won't speak for anyone else.  If they're so easily swayed by media to believe there's no such thing as a good Muslim then they are ignorant or dumb.  Maybe both.

Not all of us share the "Larry the Cable Guy" outlook on the Muslim population.

I mean come on, a number of Muslims in Egypt put themselves in danger recently to essentially be a meat shield for Christians wishing to hold services.  I guarantee you Glenn Beck didn't mention that on-air.

Just to clarify, my reply was to ren, not you specifically.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: ren on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 05:00:54 AM
I would like to add that I live next door to a Filipino church and am very disappointed by the lack of Filipino restaurants in the area. If you're not going to let me eat your food, why even come?
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Cools! on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 01:54:31 PM
Hahaha
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: gpw11 on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 08:42:17 PM
Do they eat food?  Why the fuck are they so small?
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: angrykeebler on Friday, February 18, 2011, 05:09:14 PM
have you guys ever had lumpia because IT IS THE BEST
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Quemaqua on Friday, February 18, 2011, 06:39:27 PM
Dude, I had a Filipino coworker who used to make it sometimes, I'd eat freaking mounds of it.  She was an awesome cook.
Title: Re: Ground zero mosque
Post by: Pugnate on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 02:18:30 AM
You know what the best thing about hot Filipino is? They are very light weight.