welcome November 18, 2002 Issue

One father—one family

Bill Dawley

THE OTHER MORNING I heard a radio talk show host say that it might be a good idea if all the Muslim cab drivers in Manhattan were deported. A caller, concurring with the host, went on to say that maybe everyone named Muhammad should be deported.

Unfortunately, this kind of talk seems to be becoming more common. Right after September 11, 2001, it seemed there was a growing tolerance toward the mainstream Muslim population, which had been misrepresented by the extremist faction of that faith. But now it seems that antiIslamic talk is sprouting up again, generalizing hatred for all, based on the actions of some. Last month's sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C., area, carried out by a convert to the Muslim faith—someone by the name of Muhammad—could be stretched to lend support to this argument.

Last week, though, taking the subway to the airport, I had an experience that helped clarify things. I had changed trains from the main line to the line that runs out to the airport. A couple sat in front of me. Their dress indicated they were Muslim. When we reached the first stop on the line, the man gently kissed the woman on her cheek and left the train—perhaps going on to work. She stayed on board.

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November 18, 2002
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