Why can't people understand that it isn't ordinary Muslims who are violent, but that it is the extremists?

Question

People seem to sterotype in a bad way about Muslim people, when almost always the bad terrorist actions are from Muslim extremists.

I must add that I am stunned with these answers - in a good way - because I posted the same question in the politics area and I have recieved some of the worst answers ever. I am so glad that every single one of these answers is thoughtful. So thank you.

Also I wanted to add that I am not a Muslim, but I do have many Muslim friends and they have told me about this problem and I felt inclined to post this. Thanks again for answers.

Probably the reason that Muslims don't PUBLICLY denounce terrorists is because maybe if they do, then they may become targeted by the terrorist groups, and may be killed. But I am sure that Muslims privately denounce terrorists.

Answer 1

I think most people do know that but they also know that sadly, they cannot tell the difference between the two in the physical sense because the terrorist doesn't of course wear a uniform.
I think the other contributing problem in this regard is that we don't see Islamic Church Leaders and Holy Men preaching against violence, only the sermons inciting violence are publically heard.
More Muslim Leaders need to preach publically against the extremists and then perhaps people will begin to see Islam as a peaceful religion. Until then I fear it will always be seen as a violent religion that teaches people to hate.
I have only seen public marches/rallys by extremists inciting hate, I have never ever seen a public march by Muslims for peace.
There is an old chinese saying 'the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step' perhaps that may be one you would consider.
I hasten to add that I have no problem with any peace loving religion, we all have our own personal relationship with our own God and on that note, I hope God/Allah bless us all and help our Leaders find peace.

**Mr Juicy Sloth, I have just read one of your other answers which was equally disturbing. I don't know if you are just a very angry person or just cannot communicate more than two or three words without becoming verbally abusive. Either way sir, please get some help.

**Mr Zebulun, you cannot profile the terrorist save to say that they are Muslim, that is my point really. Three of the people caught for Saturdays car bomb in Glasgow (UK) are medical doctors. One of them was actually the driver of the car, the other a passenger. These people are educated and have taken an oath to preserve life.

Answer 2

properly the over-simplified answer is that persons are scared on all facets. So the question turns into, "How can we help decrease the phobia?" For starters we would desire to understand what we are fearful of and why, and what they're fearful of and why? it particularly is impossible to verify no rely if somebody is an extremists. we can't examine minds and the extremist do no longer carry indications asserting, "i desire all who disagree with me to go through and die." So type of somebody as an extremist does no longer help shield you or your loved ones. So on a similar time because it particularly is bigoted, it particularly is comprehensible why many hotel to the better point type of "Muslims" to guard against the sub type of the "extremists". in my opinion, i'm particularly confident that peace isn't a probability without sacrifice. So I regularly locate myself asking, "what could I sacrifice to sell the peace?" could I provide up my television? the internet? Cursing? R-rated movies? Soda? i comprehend it sort of feels particularly counter-intuitive to think of in what seem to be non-sequitor relationships to the present conflicts. IMHO, we are witnessing clashes over components and cultures. So if i'm able to decrease the quantity of components I devour, or the impression of my lifestyle, possibly we can start to construct a bridge to the negotiating table. - Peace

Answer 3

It's because that is the only thing seen in popular media! Since stereotyping against the Muslim community has gone so much out of control, maybe non-extremist need to take a large step up and get their faces in the public eye for the good life they lead and the good they do for the local community. Let it be known that you do not respect or tolerate people who commit violence in the name of what you believe.

Answer 4

Because the media reinforces that stereotype, sadly, as they do everything else...

Just this morning, I got on an elevator with a Middle Eastern man who was holding a computer bag. I kept imaging blowing up in the elevator and I felt really bad when he got off. I don't consider myself prejudice but the media has pounded those images in my head than when I see a Middle Eastern person, the thoughts come in my head.

It's wrong and I realize that. More people need to understand the media's impact on our minds...

Answer 5

Join the club!

You're not the only one who gets put into the little "Public Enemy Number 1" bin.

Redskin, Injun, Kemosabe, these are the hateful words people used to descibe my ethinicity. But it is still happening and no one cares, in fact, some ignoramuses justify these labels by saying that it "honors us and that we should be flattered"!

Answer 6

It is the way the media portrays certain ethnic or religious group. Most people think that southerns are rednecks and hillbillies. This is the way we are portrayed. When in fact most are highly educated and well spoken. I work with some Muslims and think highly of them.

Answer 7

Why? Because it's easier for people to not have to think for themselves, preferring to be simply led around like some idiotic sheep.

Answer 8

aight we'll understand