Misconceptions of Muslims Beliefs in American Society Today

Since I have lived in a college dorm for almost the majority of my life, I have been exposed to many different groups of people. This has been a challenging and rewarding experience because I have had the blessing of being able to live with people from other cultures and religions and get to know them as people. Not as the people that the media would like us to think that they are, but the true values that they hold inside and what their likes and dislikes are. I have been able to live with many Muslims and I have always asked them about misconceptions in America about their people that they believe are wrong and I noticed a few common answers based on the college Muslim roommates that I had.

First, there is a misconception in American society that all Muslims hate America and that they are extremist. They say that this couldn't be more wrong and they point to the fact that many doctors are Muslim. They are Muslims that drive taxis in New York and some that work at a local deli. Yet, none of these people are extremists. They indicated to me that they would like the America public to know the majority of Muslims are decent citizens just like the majority of most Americas. There are some extremists and their beliefs may fall outside of the majority but this is something that can be observed in America and all around the world also. We should not just them based on a few bad apples because it is unfair to the others.

Second, many Americas believe that all Muslims believe in the practice of polygamy and being married to more than one person at a time. This is not true, Muslims believe that you should love and honor the person that you choose to spend life with. They believe you should only be with that person to build a better future for yourselves and the children you share. The Muslim beliefs are against polygamy and it's practice and this is another misconception about Muslim beliefs.

Third, they say that many Americas believe that being Muslim is exclusive and that being Muslim excludes you from participating in other religions. This is not true; many Muslims attend church and temple on a weekly basis. Also, many Muslims in America celebrate Christmas and Chanukah because they are Religious and believe in the celebration of all religious holidays. Being Muslim doesn't mean they can't or don't take part in other holiday religions and many of them also attend church on a weekly basis.They do not believe that being Muslim is exclusive and do not exclude themselves from other Religions as many incorrectly think they do.