U.S. Poll: Large Minority Fear, Mistrust Muslims

[ArnoldIsMyIdol]

U.S. Poll: Large Minority Fear, Mistrust Muslims

Nearly four in 10 Americans admit having feelings of prejudice against Muslims living in the U.S. – and are in favor of having Muslims carry a special ID, a new Gallup poll reveals.

Also, 22 percent of those surveyed said they would not like to have a Muslim as a neighbor.

Among the findings of the late-July USA Today/Gallup poll:

# 31 percent of respondents said they would feel nervous if they noticed a Muslim man on their airplane flight, and 18 percent would feel nervous about a Muslim woman flying with them.

# Less than half – 49 percent – feel that Muslims living in the U.S. are loyal to this country.

# 34 percent believe American Muslims are sympathetic to the al-Qaida terrorist organization.

# 40 percent of respondents said they believe Muslims in the U.S. are not respectful of other religions, and 44 percent said Muslims are too extreme in their religious beliefs.

# A slight majority – 52 percent – believe Muslims are not respectful of women.

# 39 percent said the U.S. should require Muslims to carry a special ID, and 57 percent believe they should undergo more intensive security checks at airports.

# 39 percent said they "have at least some feelings of prejudice against Muslims,” 59 percent said they did not, and 2 percent had no opinion.



Opinions are different, however, among Americans who are personally acquainted with a Muslim, the poll disclosed.

For example, only 10 percent of those who know a Muslim said they would not want one as a neighbor, and 24 percent believe Muslims should carry a special ID – compared to 50 percent among those who don’t know a Muslim.

[yeahright]

Sigh.

[RenegadeRows]

Thats just too bad, man. That's what war will do to you. Remember in WW2 there was a witch-hunt for Japanese 'spies' ... alot of them were rounded up and jailed.

With studies like this, it's no wonder their ranks are growing.

[MaynardMeek]

well, i am sure these feelings would change if they islamic world stood up and protested by the millions as they did against the cartoons, but this time for the thousands of "muslims" that are killing people.

but.. they don't. They say islam is the religion of peace then they must start splitting away from those groups... until they don't this is their own doing.

[Mulletsoldier]

well, i am sure these feelings would change if they islamic world stood up and protested by the millions as they did against the cartoons, but this time for the thousands of "muslims" that are killing people.

but.. they don't. They say islam is the religion of peace then they must start splitting away from those groups... until they don't this is their own doing.

They have. I do not understand this view that North American Muslim groups have not, or are not doing anything to seperate themselves from the extremists.

It is misinformation/prejudice that caused these results.

[kwyckemynd00]

They have. I do not understand this view that North American Muslim groups have not, or are not doing anything to seperate themselves from the extremists.

It is misinformation/prejudice that caused these results.

I've seen very little of it honestly. Yes, a few groups have, but there has been no overwhelming condemnation. And, to top it off, I've talked to very few muslims who can honestly condemn al-qaeda, hizzbollah, etc, without having to bring up "the occupations" etc. That's telling IMO. Now, would I say these are dangerous people? No. But, its easy to understand where this prejudice comes from. There is no reason for the people to trust the majority of muslim-americans when all they hear about is zionists this, the occupation that, al-qaeda's gonna hit ya with a wiffle ball bat. bleh.

This is the major difference between the muslim-americans today and the japanese americans in wwII. The Japanese American's during WWII made it known that they understood the severity of the situation and took it in stride.

[Mulletsoldier]

I've seen very little of it honestly. Yes, a few groups have, but there has been no overwhelming condemnation. And, to top it off, I've talked to very few muslims who can honestly condemn al-qaeda, hizzbollah, etc, without having to bring up "the occupations" etc. That's telling IMO. Now, would I say these are dangerous people? No. But, its easy to understand where this prejudice comes from. There is no reason for the people to trust the majority of muslim-americans when all they hear about is zionists this, the occupation that, al-qaeda's gonna hit ya with a wiffle ball bat. bleh.

This is the major difference between the muslim-americans today and the japanese americans in wwII. The Japanese American's during WWII made it known that they understood the severity of the situation and took it in stride.

I must say I have to disagree with your first point Kwyck. I have noticed every major Islamic group in both the United States and Canada condemn Islamic Extremism on many occasions, including groups which have been labelled "extremist" on their own. Such as CAIR who organized the press conference mentioned below, and who also run PSA's condemning extremism.

Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians' life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is haram – or forbidden - and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not martyrs ... In the light of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state: 1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam. 2. It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence. 3. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians. We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Qur’an, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him.

That quote was found in the below link, from a multi-agency press conference held in 2005, and those groups still make continuing efforts today to condemn terrorism and misuse of Islam. If that is not outright condemnation, I am not sure what is.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations - CAIR: Article Contents

Other groups such as the MPAC work VERY closely with US government organizations to weed out suspicious activity within their community and have done nothing but completely condemn terrorism in any form and cooperate with it's prevention in the United States.

I think one thing that needs to be understood is there is not the centralism in the Muslim religion that there is in Christianity, with all Muslims following a central front.

[The Colonel 333]

Well, I have to say I agree with all of your responses to some extent. Part of the problem is the news does not really cover when a group of muslims speak out against the extremist, there not filming inside the mosques when they condem Osama or others, but on the other hand the are not really oranizing big rallies to protest against the radical elements either. (which of course would make national news). The other part of the problem is it is a lot easier to wish death upon those you hate and it is alot easier to hate all of them rather than spend your time and energy figuring out which ones are good and which ones are bad. The middle east is a complicated part of the world and one we in America understand very little about. Hell most people were suprised to find out after 9/11 that there were a group[s] of people that wanted us wiped of the face of the earth. A lot of people think all this is new. They don't remember the 80's bombing of the Marine barracks in beruit, or the taking of 400 hostages by Iran in the 70's. So it does not supprise me to see those numbers. Think about it this way. ....let's say a group of white catholics started boming asia. Would you be suprised if asians started having predjudes torwards ALL white catholics ? I would'nt.

[Mulletsoldier]

Oh for sure, I can see why some prejudice would arise as a result of Extremist action, just the insinuation that the prejudice is a result of the actions of non-Extremist Muslims bothered me.

[kwyckemynd00]

I must say I have to disagree with your first point Kwyck. I have noticed every major Islamic group in both the United States and Canada condemn Islamic Extremism on many occasions, including groups which have been labelled "extremist" on their own. Such as CAIR who organized the press conference mentioned below, and who also run PSA's condemning extremism.

They condemn generalizations now and then, yeah, I've seen that. Its just been very weak IMO.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations - CAIR: Article Contents

C.A.I.R. is a poor example. I'll start digging up new articles, etc later Man, they've had a horrible history with their faculty being imprisoned for terrorist acts/links, the head of CAIR Los Angeles (Hussam Ayloush) referring to Israeli's as Zionazi's, their support for Hama,etc,etc. They provide lipservice.

I've gotta give gimpy some attention then hit the gym. I'll get back at this one tonight

[CNorris]

I have to say most of those numbers are shockingly low. Remember Mohammed, their prophet was a brutal killer. I dont trust any person that thinks a brutal killer is a prophet of god, and a person to model your life after. Not to mention Mohammed's 9 year old wife whom he had sex with. Im not making a word of this up, its all in the Koran and Hadith. I know some hyper sensetive moon bat will accuse me of being racist. Well if stating a fact is racist, then racist I am.

The fact is a frightening number of Muslims are very sympathetic to terrorist causes. I have heard American Muslims say its over 70%. Usually all I hear is them condemning Israel and the US, and not any terrorists. They may not fully condone the acts of terrorists, but a large percentage of Muslims make political excuses for brutal terrorist acts. Well Leftists usually make political excuses too. Its funny how leftist Michael Mooreons ally themselves with the most genocidal, fascist and oppressive and brutal people on the planet.

[CNorris]

Qur’an:9:5 “Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.”

Qur’an:9:112 “The Believers fight in Allah’s Cause, they slay and are slain, kill and are killed.”

Qur’an:9:29 “Fight those who do not believe until they all surrender, paying the protective tax in submission.”

Ishaq:325 “Muslims, fight in Allah’s Cause. Stand firm and you will prosper. Help the Prophet, obey him, give him your allegiance, and your religion will be victorious.”

Qur’an:8:39 “Fight them until all opposition ends and all submit to Allah.”

Qur’an:8:65 “O Prophet, urge the faithful to fight. If there are twenty among you with determination they will vanquish two hundred; if there are a hundred then they will slaughter a thousand unbelievers, for the infidels are a people devoid of understanding.”

Qur’an:9:123 “Fight the unbelievers around you, and let them find harshness in you.”

Qur’an 2:191 “And kill them wherever you find and catch them. Drive them out from where they have turned you out; for Al-Fitnah (polytheism, disbelief, oppression) is worse than slaughter.”

Maybe this is why some dont trust Muslims, you think?
Dont try and say this is just the few out of context quotes from the Quran. I can pull up hudreds more realy easy if you want.
I am not saying all Muslims are peacful, but Islam is NOT a peaceful religion. Mohammed was a warrior during the crusades after all.

You can pull out all the Islam is a peaceful religion crap, but it just isnt true. Islam is a 2-sided religion, but look at the Middle East and tell me which side most follow.

[The Colonel 333]

I have to say most of those numbers are shockingly low. Remember Mohammed, their prophet was a brutal killer. I dont trust any person that thinks a brutal killer is a prophet of god, and a person to model your life after. Not to mention Mohammed's 9 year old wife whom he had sex with. Im not making a word of this up, its all in the Koran and Hadith. I know some hyper sensetive moon bat will accuse me of being racist. Well if stating a fact is racist, then racist I am.

The fact is a frightening number of Muslims are very sympathetic to terrorist causes. I have heard American Muslims say its over 70%. Usually all I hear is them condemning Israel and the US, and not any terrorists. They may not fully condone the acts of terrorists, but a large percentage of Muslims make political excuses for brutal terrorist acts. Well Leftists usually make political excuses too. Its funny how leftist Michael Mooreons ally themselves with the most genocidal, fascist and oppressive and brutal people on the planet.

Did I miss something here ? what does Micheal Moore have to do with any of this ? and which genocidal maniac is he allied with ?

[BUCKNUTS]

I know nothing of Islam and I refuse to denegrate anyone based on religious beliefs or race as I feel it's indefensibly wrong,however in light of the fact that every terrorist on 9/11 were young men of arab decent I can see why people would have these kind of stereotypical attitudes.Not saying they are right or wrong just that it's understandable.

[Mulletsoldier]

I know nothing of Islam and I refuse to denegrate anyone based on religious beliefs or race as I feel it's indefensibly wrong,however in light of the fact that every terrorist on 9/11 were young men of arab decent I can see why people would have these kind of stereotypical attitudes.Not saying they are right or wrong just that it's understandable.

CNorris, you are right, and I will not challenge you those are quotes directly from the Quran. However, if you would have read into each one of those quotes more directly (and in fact a few were not even the proper verbage) instead of copying and pasting, you would have seen that some of them were out of context. For example:

But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful

That was the first quote you used. If you had read into it further you would have seen that statement was made in the middle of a battle, and had NO reference to the same sentiment to be carried out after. It would be like a Canadian Prime Minister saying to his troops "Kill all Germans where neccessary" during WWII and then you quoting him after.

Yet, I digress. Neither you or I understand enough about the Quran or Islam to sit here and trade randomn quotes that we could pull up in favour of EITHER of our arguments. The only reason I pointed out what I pointed out above is that I felt you actually were using your quotes out of context, however, I could do the exact same thing in favour of mine. So, let us not do that because I think it is a fruitless argument. Religious texts can be taken out of context so very easily in support of virtually any cause and I do not think that is a productive way to debate.

[kwyckemynd00]

Found this surfing the web and was reminded of this thread.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/grap.../nmus06big.gif

[CNorris]

Did I miss something here ? what does Micheal Moore have to do with any of this ? and which genocidal maniac is he allied with ?

The Far Left tries to politically justify terrorists such as Bin Laden. Its America's fault for supporting Israel's right to exist after all. Its America's fault 911 happened right. Dont pretend there arent tons of leftists in America with this pathetic mind set.

[Mulletsoldier]

As members of the BB'ing community (especially those of us who partake in responsible anabolic steroids use--myself included ) we are unfairly mislabelled very often by the media and general public because of a misunderstanding of our "culture" so to speak. This misunderstanding is brought on by the irresponsible actions of an unfortunately vocal minority (Greg Valentino, Amy Shipley, etc.,) and our misrepresentation by various organizations (FDA). Are we annoyed and angered by this misrepresentation? I think all of us would agree, yes. Do we rally in the streets in mass numbers? If we do, I sure am missing it. Sound familiar?

Now, I do recognize that these two situations are vastly differing in the severity of their reprecussions. Irresponsible anabolic steroids users may kill injure or kill themselves, and Extremist Muslims kill thousands of innocent people. However, the unfair misrepresentation that results in a general misconception, IMO, is the same. When steroids are mentioned in the general media, you will notice they do not strive to differentiate the responsible users and their practices from those who use them irresponsibly, a user is a user--plain and simple. The same type of incomplete reporting, coupled with a very selective reception/perception by the public--especially in a time of intense vulnerability as the United States was after 9/11--more than likely resulted in some underlying prejudice about the Nation of Islam to be created that still pervades today. There are not many of us (on this site at least) who use AAS in the way the media portrays, but the few that do unfortunately create that stigma for all of us, I do not think it is a complete stretch to see the similarity to the Muslim world.

My point is that we should not be so quick to assume anything about the Nation of Islam or it's general people because they are not gathering in the streets of the United States by the millions to protest Terrorist actions to differentiate themselves from those same individuals.

[CNorris]

If you want to learn about Islam, look at the life of Mohammed. Saying he live a peaceful life is like saying Mother Theresea was a terrorist. Mohammed was a warrior. Its no wonder Muslims of today believe its their duty to be warriors under the name of Allah. Im not saying all Muslims are violent, but to say a few terrorists are misrepersenting Islam is baseless. Many of them are following in the foot steps of Mohammed. So who's misrepresenting Islam? The ones following in the foot steps of Mohammed, or the peaceful and open minded ones?

[Nullifidian]

Mohammed was an opportunistic power hungry leader. He knew how to manipulate people the right way to create a formidable fighting force with which to carve out his kingdom. Mohammed basiclaly took a bunch of oppressed people, told them stories about the afterlife and how he's a prophet and all the wonderful things they'll be given when they die if they follow him into war.

As a result, myraids flocked to him and became essentially raving berserkers. He made them that way by preaching violence and hatred.

However, once the wars were over and he had a kingdom to rule, he needed things to calm down. Raving berserkers looking to kill at a moments notice are only good far conquering, not for maintaining a kingdom. So he suddenly changed tunes and started preaching peace. So the people for the most part calmed down.



Islam is a religion of opportunity, not of peace. It was and is a tool for control and nothing more. Just like all religions.