We could all learn a lesson from the youth

Babbling Brooks Column
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Every now and then I cover an event or interview someone or a group of people that leaves a lasting impression on me.

     The most recent was this past Wednesday evening.

     The confirmation class at First Presbyterian Church here in Monticello, led by Rev. Emory Gillespie, decided they wanted to learn more about other cultures and religions. This led to Reema Ajram from Cedar Rapids coming to Monticello on several occasions to visit with the youth, as well as the congregation.

     Reema was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but her family is from Lebanon. They are Muslim.

     First, I have to applaud the confirmation youth for thinking outside the box and wanting to learn more about a religion that is constantly persecuted because of the color of their skin, the attire they may wear, and their names. The national news can sometimes portray Muslims in a negative light. And, let’s be honest, there are many many people in this country who feel that all Muslims are terrorists and out to kill Americans. Well, Reema and her family are American, and they definitely are not out to kill their neighbors.

     Muslims practice Islam, the religion of peace. Reema explained they feel that if a Muslim kills even one person, they are killing all of humankind. She said the hijackers from 9/11 might have declared that their mission was to kill as many Americans as possible in the name of Allah (God), but they were not peaceful Muslims; they were al-Qaeda, extremists. There is a difference.

     It’s sad that in the days following 9/11, Reema’s close friends started treating her differently because they assumed that all Muslims were bad people.

     Unfortunately, in today’s polarized political climate, we have those to pigeonhole certain groups of people: Muslims, African Americans, not to mention Democrats and Republicans. Heck, even I am guilty of thinking of some Republicans as being “extremists” or “alt-right.” There are moderate political folks out there too.

     The kids in the confirmation class no doubt hear about politics and the news of the day from their parents, perhaps grandparents. They may watch the news, even. Impressions are left in their minds on a daily basis.

     After they visited with Reema, they realized that she’s had so many obstacles she has had to overcome in her life: stereotypes, discrimination, laws even. Life definitely wasn’t easy for Reema and her family.

     We all need to think about others around us. Reema said Islam is about loving your neighbor. Yet, we still have people who judge their neighbor.

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