Is this a case of using religious prejudice for gain or just a case of religious freedom?


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yoga_gal is offline yoga_gal Post #1  July 25,2009, 4:28pm
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I don't normally even post on this part of the boards but something happened today in my neighborhood grocery store parking lot that ... well, I would like to hear your take on this. This could probably have been posted in Politics and if it should be moved let me know.

First of all for context you need to know that I live in Mississippi in the Bible Belt. I live in a fairly affluent (for Misssissippi) suburb of the capital city with very strong zoning ordinances. Good schools and well-educated, so please don't make any assumptions about this being a red-neck thing!

As I was putting my groceries in the car a woman approached me from across the parking lot with flyers. She asked if I lived in the area, and after I said yes she handed me a flyer and said that she was trying to raise support to oppose the approval of a special exemption for allowing a Muslim Mosque next to her property.

My first reaction was that she was opposed to the Muslim part of it. She kept talking as I put my buggy up and I could tell that my non-reaction wasn't what she expected. She talked about a drop in property values etc. and eventually said that a Methodist and Assembly of God Church were not allowed to move there either.

I replied that I was glad to hear that because at first I thought the opposition was to the fact that it was Muslim since that was mentioned at first. Her next statement was that was all that she usually needed to say and that most people's reaction after they heard the word Muslim was to ask what they needed to do.

She said that I was one of only three people that had questioned the whole Muslim thing and it probably was because I was in Gen X and about 30. (Nice compliment since I am 45 and had no makeup on at the time!) She didn't have anything to say when she found out my real age.

I suggested that she might want to mention the fact that the other churches were denied the exemption for zoning which seemed to upset her. Her reaction was that this wasn't about hate and racism and why did it always have to be that way.
I thought that was ironic since I felt that she was using religious prejudice to her advantage. Also when I said something about it being a free country with freedom of religion she said something to the effect that it was and that it was her right to say she didn't want that near her property and mentioned some behaviors that may be stereotypical of the muslim religion.

She left in a huff after having done most of the talking. I just basically listened and asked a few questions in a calm manner suggesting she make it more clear that other churches had been denied the same exemption if she didn't want people to make the assumption I did.

I think the problem I have with this (and I guess I would like to hear what everyone thinks about this) is the fact that someone was using a religious prejudice for their own gain and the fact that I was only one of three people to question the motives of using the political process for zoning out a church.

I realize that this is a free country and this woman does have the right to voice her opinion and the people who agree with her can show up at the county meaning and make phone calls, but it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

So what do you guys think about this? Any differing opinions than mine or ways to look at this?

By the way if I had to vote on this and if what she said was true about the other churches being denied I would deny the Muslim church as well. Being in the legal field I tend to look at things from a legal standpoint only.
Last edited by yoga_gal; July 25,2009 at 4:50pm.
 
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j0hn8andy is offline j0hn8andy Post #2  July 25,2009, 4:52pm
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yoga_gal wrote :

She said that I was one of only three people that had questioned the whole Muslim thing and it probably was because I was in Gen X and about 30. (Nice compliment since I am 45 and had no makeup on at the time!) She didn't have anything to say when she found out my real age.

So what do you guys think about this? Any differing opinions than mine or ways to look at this?

By the way if I had to vote on this and if what she said was true about the other churches being denied I would deny the Muslim church as well. Being in the legal field I tend to look at things from a legal standpoint only.



Somebody told me a long time ago to look at what was said, rather than who said it, or how it was said. Sometimes it's difficult. But many times it saves me needless agravation.

As for the Gen X thing, it's got to be that yoga, girl!
 
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graceventually is offline graceventually Post #3  July 25,2009, 5:18pm
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I'll second that comment, above. You go, girl!

I think the lady you met, yoga_gal, was talking out of both sides of her mouth. She wanted to say her opposition didn't have anything to do with the Muslim religion, but then she talks about how the mere mention of it upsets most people.....? And then she makes assumptions and stereotypes their behavior? I understand that other religious groups were turned down as well, but she didn't go around the parking lot talking about them in the same way, did she?

We had a similar issue in this county, when a proposed Muslim mosque and cultural center (a very large one) was not approved for a certain rural area. The county council was at pains to say that it was an issue of infrastructure, not intolerance. They didn't have enough water, or enough roads, to serve a complex of that size. For the same reasons, they also turned down a building proposal from a Baptist megachurch that wanted to develop the same site. While I'm sure both groups were disappointed, I think they would also have to say they were treated fairly and equally.
Last edited by graceventually; July 25,2009 at 5:32pm.
 
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PR_Princess is offline PR_Princess Post #4  July 25,2009, 5:26pm
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I doubt she would have approached me at all due to the fact that there is no doubt that I am a Muslim as I walk in public in a head scarf and non-western wear for the most part. For one thing I have to admit it is an effective sales pitch but it shows lack of tact, cultural sensitivity and could have some very serious consequences in the end for her and others. What you put out in the world is usually what you get back and if you want to stir up fear, hate and resentment in people not only is she putting herself in a precarious position but she is creating an atmosphere that can put innocent people in danger. There are other ways to advertise her cause other than passing out fliers to people who would normally not vote or even care about such issues in their community. My advice to her would be that she should move to San Antonio and lobby against those businesses who keep trying to put adult type entertainment, bikini car washes etc.. near our school zones. It is bad enough that many Muslim women will not cover due to fear of harm and harassment even though they have the right to. I myself have had a Muslim woman stare me down in a public place because I dress the way I do. On a lighter note the seniors in my community treat me very well but I think it is a case of mistaken identity....they keep thinking I am an old fashioned Catholic nun or maybe they don't care who opens the door for them when they are struggling with their canes as long as someone has remembered to show them the consideration that they deserve.
 
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yoga_gal is offline yoga_gal Post #5  July 25,2009, 5:36pm
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graceventually wrote :
I'll second that comment, above. You go, girl!

I think the lady you met, yogagirl, was talking out of both sides of her mouth. She wanted to say her opposition didn't have anything to do with the Muslim religion, but then she talks about how the mere mention of it upsets most people.....? And then she makes assumptions and stereotypes their behavior? I understand that other groups were turned down as well, but she didn't go around the parking lot talking about them in the same way, did she?

We had a similar issue in this county, when a proposed Muslim mosque and cultural center (a very large one) was not approved for a certain rural area. The county council was at pains to say that it was an issue of infrastructure, not intolerance. They didn't have enough water, or enough roads, to serve a complex of that size. For the same reasons, they also turned down a building proposal from a Baptist megachurch that wanted to develop the same site. While I'm sure both groups were disappointed, I think they would also have to say they were treated fairly and equally.

I came home and read some news articles on the internet about the situation and so far I think the local government officials seem to be dealing with this in a fair way. There may be some infrastructure issues here as well with the city and county about providing water/sewer. I really hope the right and fair thing is done here.

Grace, I was hoping you would post an answer. Have always thought a lot of your posts.
 
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yoga_gal is offline yoga_gal Post #6  July 25,2009, 5:50pm
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On a lighter note the seniors in my community treat me very well but I think it is a case of mistaken identity....they keep thinking I am an old fashioned Catholic nun or maybe they don't care who opens the door for them when they are struggling with their canes as long as someone has remembered to show them the consideration that they deserve.[/QUOTE]

That is funny. Thanks for your input, PR. I am really glad to hear your unique perspective. It made me glad I asked the questions I did.
 
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brneyedangel is offline brneyedangel Post #7  July 25,2009, 6:01pm
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It sounds to me like this woman's issue truly was with the Muslim mosque being built next to her property, plain and simple. Based on your post, it just sounds too much like the comment about the other churches was an afterthought--just something to grab your attention--because you weren't giving her the attention she was demanding regarding her issue. My guess is that she really doesn't even have any idea what the Muslim religious practices are, either, and that she is profiling a culture and a religion based on some unfortunate incidents that have occurred. This really irritates me to no end if it is the case, for you can't condemn a whole based on the actions of a very radical few. If that was the case, we'd all be condemned.

Were I given the opportunity to vote on the issue, I would have to research the issue further to see whether or not the other churches were indeed denied access to the land and the reasons why. Was the land zoned differently when they wanted to use the land for their purposes? Did other churches actually put in requests to use the land, or were there just rumors of this possibly/probably happening? Rumors beget rumors, and gossip becomes fact faster than the truth does, unfortunately.

The whole thing just doesn't sit right with me....
 
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yoga_gal is offline yoga_gal Post #8  July 25,2009, 6:08pm
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The whole thing just doesn't sit right with me....[/QUOTE]

That was my reaction as well. I think that is why I had to come home and post about it (and why it was such a long one!)

Thanks for confirming what I was feeling!
 
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PR_Princess is offline PR_Princess Post #9  July 26,2009, 7:45am
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graceventually wrote :
I'll second that comment, above. You go, girl!

I think the lady you met, yoga_gal, was talking out of both sides of her mouth. She wanted to say her opposition didn't have anything to do with the Muslim religion, but then she talks about how the mere mention of it upsets most people.....? And then she makes assumptions and stereotypes their behavior? I understand that other religious groups were turned down as well, but she didn't go around the parking lot talking about them in the same way, did she?

We had a similar issue in this county, when a proposed Muslim mosque and cultural center (a very large one) was not approved for a certain rural area. The county council was at pains to say that it was an issue of infrastructure, not intolerance. They didn't have enough water, or enough roads, to serve a complex of that size. For the same reasons, they also turned down a building proposal from a Baptist megachurch that wanted to develop the same site. While I'm sure both groups were disappointed, I think they would also have to say they were treated fairly and equally.

If it is an issue of infrastructure I can completely understand this rationale. In my experience it would seem to me that they would want to build a substantial sized facility to serve several surrounding communities. I remember living in a community where the mosque was really just a converted house and it was okay for daily prayers (fortunatley for us we pray shoulder to shoulder and don't require pews so we can really maximize our use of a room) but when it came around to Fridays or during Ramadan and Eid holidays we were forced to lay mats on the floor of a local college gym. No one wants to be a burden on the community especially if you are a religious/cultural institution....the whole purpose of you being there is to better your community as a whole.
What an insightful post yoga_girl Just proof that more people should practice yoga. Most people would benefit from increased circulation to the brain
 
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jsbach is offline jsbach Post #10  July 26,2009, 8:12am
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Yep, yoga gal it sounds like this woman was just going to use ANY reason to get her own way. Clearly she isn't too respectful of Muslims, but I have a feeling she's that way about a lot of people and things.

Granted there was a right way to go about reminding the authorities why her neighborhood isn't zoned for such facilities. But Miss Flyer wanted her own way and SHE WANTED IT NOW!

I imagine she's no picnic to have as a neighbor. Grass too high, not enough perennials, loud kiddie playtime......

The Muslims probably have no idea they just dodged a ....... well, let's just say they wouldn't want to reside next door to Miss Flyer.
 
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