What Can I Do?

 

(31) What Can I Do?

By Fazeel Azeez Chauhan

5-3-97

Practitioners of prejudice commit psychological genocide against other human beings. Frequently, the individuals who are targets of discrimination belong to a poorer and "weaker" group. Over a period of time, the oppressed group of people can become very discouraged if the odds against them are too big. Muslims in America are very aware of the injustices committed against them. Sometimes we may become disappointed, but taking action to solve the problems our community faces is extremely important. We should never say "there is nothing I can do," because that's accepting defeat. Therefore, a list at the end provides a few suggestions as to What we CAN do.

Many Muslims are aware of how misrepresented and oppressed they are in the world. Individuals often talk about how Muslims are slaughtered in Bosnia, Chechnya, Iraq and Palestine. We wait in vain for our local and world leaders to provide proper guidance or to save the day. But no one seems to care. Muslims are shown in an evil manner in the media as violent terrorists. The same movies and tv programs we see in America are exported all over the world. Through these, our "native" people's minds are confused and conquered by creating a schizophrenia of contradictory materialistic values. People in Pakistan know that a Prime Minister can't get elected without American support. Yet, they romanticize American movies, women and way of life. We line up by the thousands at the U.S. embassy. Pakistanis are proud of their relatives living in America. At times, the situation seems very confusing, overwhelming and discouraging. But we must not let our spirits be conquered.

In America, Pakistan and in the world, the one with the biggest gun wins. President Reagan branded Libya as a "terrorist" state, and killed as many Muslims as he pleased. When the hostage crisis occurred in Iran, "Americans" blamed everyone who looked like the Persian "enemy". Yet, the U.S. illegally sold weapons to both sides in the Iraq Iran war. Saddam Hussain was armed and built up as the hero against the "enemy" Iran. Then in the Gulf War, the "enemy" label switched to Iraq. How was it possible that the American government could gather so many "Muslim" countries to join them? Who made Pakistanis and other Muslims kill their Iraqi brothers and sisters? How could Saudi Arabia allow the U.S. to establish one of the largest military bases in the world? A large foreign military presence in the country of Makkah and Madina signifies a degree of conquest. Similarly, the Israelis feel that they can get away with digging a "tunnel" under Masjid Aqsa. So what can we do to make the situation better for Muslims in the world? We must unite and begin with small groups, working at the grassroots.

At the Mosques and Islamic conventions, these same issues are discussed every week. Talking about the problem is very important. But that is only the first step toward the solution. The second step is a debate of alternative solutions. The third step is taking action to solve the problems. Generally, Muslims in America are at step one, just talking about the problem. One of the most common traits of Pakistanis is criticizing each other. We are too busy attacking each other, rather than addressing the solutions. If we sit down together as a support group to sincerely and objectively discuss our personal and global problems, we can help each other to come up with good solutions. Otherwise, we'll continue to fight and lose our individual battles, on our individual islands. And Muslims will continue to be marketed as the "enemy" which was the former label for the Soviet Union. Here are a few things Muslims CAN do:

1) Never believe that there is nothing you can do

2) Create and strengthen support groups, which can also meet and organize at Mosques

3) Don't lose your hope, spirit and pride. Remember what the truth is.

4) Support each other with an open heart, rather than trying to be right through criticizing others

5) Teach the children to be leaders in government, media & community. Don't only become rich doctors.

6) Take responsibility and be a leader who is not selfish

7) To fight against the misinformation, make copies of the Introduction to Islam flyer and distribute it to educate people. It's available at the Islamic Center of Southern California.

8) Resistance is the secret of joy. Holding on to your values and identity is a source of power.

9) Express your feelings to people in a practical manner. Unexpressed feelings turn into physical, mental and social illnesses.

10) Demand from the media that Muslims should be presented in a positive light.

11) Don't allow us to be divided and conquered by external forces or by internal back biting

12) Demand a change from your Congressman, Senator, President, Governor, state &local reps.

13) Don't believe the lies

14) Drink deep from your religion, language, culture and literature

15) Organize FREE events to inspire Pride and Unity in Muslims

16) Join forces with other minorities

17) Listen to KPFK radio, 90.7 FM

18) Subscribe to "Nation" magazine