Reflective Post 10

The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear was an extraordinary event that did a great deal to address irrational apprehensions before the elections. One aspect of the rally that I really enjoyed was Stewart and Colbert’s effort to address Islamophobia.

One victim of the vitriolic election climate was a positive understanding of Islam and Muslims. With a slew of opposition to mosque building, most profoundly demonstrated in the Park 51 controversy, it seemed as if America took a step backward after efforts to build a positive understanding of Muslims in post 9/11 America. Islamophobia reached a fever-pitch this summer after many on the right capitalized on anti-Muslim sentiments to create a climate of hatred.

Stewart, who has been consistently critical of unprincipled antagonism of minority groups and religious groups, introduced one of the greatest basketball players ever, Kareem Abdul-Jabar at the event. Kareem’s appearance along with the exchange between Stewart and Colbert was ostensibly to show that Muslims had been integrated into American society and there existed many famous personalities who happened to be Muslim (The “greatest ever”, Muhammad Ali is also a Muslim).

A person can be contributing member of society regardless of their faith and other aspects of their beliefs. This point quintessentially captured the message advocated by Stewart and Colbert. This message was in stark contrast to the Glenn Beck rally in September. A feeling of far-right conservatism and Christian religiosity resonated with the people and Becks message at the so called “Rally to Restore Honor.” A Patriotism that does not value diversity seemed to be very popular at the first rally.

Another famous Muslim that made an appearance at the rally was Yusuf Islam. Formerly “Cat Stevens”, Islam sang the famous song,” peace train,” which was a 70’s hit. The lyrics calling for peace captured the sentiment so opposed by those on the far-right.

“Cause out on the edge of darkness,

there rides a peace train

Oh peace train take this country”

The message of the rally as it related to Islamophobia was that it was a tool of fear that emanated from an irrational and bigoted sensibility. Everyone in order to restore their sanity needs to see diversity as an essential component of American society.