An American Mosque

I dont believe there are many people in the West that are not already versed on the existing and historical tensions between American's and the Islamic community. This hatred and contempt for each others beliefs and ideology goes both ways, is long standing and the result of much violence, more so in the years that followed. The clip that I have chosen to examine is of the first American Mosque built 1994 in the US that was subsequently burnt to the ground by arsonists. The reason I picked this is because one can not dispute the fact that this was clear expression of liberty. One of the civil liberties afforded to citizens of the United States is the freedom of religion, where a community has the right to practice their religion either publically or privately. This was simply a community exercising their rights, and it is unfathomable that in the 'land of liberty' these principles are not upheld to the fullest. Those Americans that carried out that arson attack, are a contradiction to the traditions and values possessed by real Americans. David Washburn was an award winning director who took on the task of directing this documentary. He is asked quite a lot, why did you take on this project? His reply; " Our country is greatest when Americans of all backgrounds speak out against injustice, work together in unity, and resist the “otherness” which creates division and fear. History shows this ethos fosters positive change in civil rights struggles, gender equality, and interfaith work. Shouldn't we all ask: “If not me, who? If not now, when?” Its people like these that can be said to give of a real portrayal of what being American should be about, tolerance and acceptance. Its important not to generalise however, it is only a small minority that will do such heinous things. The out pour of emotion from other members of society in response to the disaster proves this. It shows that their is compassion for a new community and its was with this that helped the Muslim community  find the confidence to start all over again. This was a very courageous act considering the assailants could step up their efforts to retaliate, and I believe that this perseverance is an aspect of liberty in itself. Something that would benefit America and particularly the world if it manifested in us all.