Further proof of how little the media knows about black folks

Black Muslim Yesterday, I came across this article, “Post 9/11, Islam flourishes among blacks”, and immediately thought, “what are they talking about?”

In essence, the article talks about black folks converting to Islam as if these is some recent change and somehow tied to 9/11.

Futhermore, they only slightly mention the role of the Nation of Islam in popularizing the religion in black America.

The fact of the matter is that, in addition to people like me who grew up Christian, there are black Muslims, Hebrew Israelites, Rastafarians and even those who observe traditional African religions. So, when I read things like this I am left wondering who does their research.

But, I think there’s some coded language going on with this article. By claiming a rise in black Muslims after 9/11, there is an inference of black people being inspired by the acts of that day and wanting to become Muslim as a result. Or, to take it further, “America, watch out! Negroes may be aligning with terrorists!”

The fact of the matter is that, despite the xenophobia of those in the media, many black folks in this country have lived in communities of diverse religions and don’t immediately assume the absolute worst of people based on religion.

Therefore, I have to ask who this story is really for and what are they really trying to convey with it.

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2 comments for “Further proof of how little the media knows about black folks”

Susan , on the 26 of February, 2007 at 1:40 pm said:
It’s true though.

1) Blacks are becoming muslim at an increasing rate.

2) Muslims in this country represent a potential 5th column, an enemy within. Regardless of race.

Richard Reid converted to Islam in prison. He tried to mass murder hundreds of people by blowing up his shoebomb on a plane in mid flight. He came within seconds of doing so, almost did it.

It be stupid not to be alarmed by new muslims in this country.
JP Smith , on the 26 of February, 2007 at 2:00 pm said:
In 2003, three people with ties to white supremacist and anti-government groups were caught with a sodium cyanide bomb, guns, 500,000 rounds of ammunition and documents indicating a wider conspiracy (sources: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRA.....tm.09.html
http://www.fbi.gov/dojpressrel.....111303.htm ).

In 2005, a man tries to board a plan in Oklahoma City with a pipe bomb (source: http://www.usatoday.com/travel.....rest_x.htm )

The people in question weren’t Muslim but, posed a real terrorist threat.

So, my response to you, Susan, is, in the face of these very real threats, when do we start scrutinizing white males more closely?

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Susan , on the 26 of February, 2007 at 1:40 pm said:

It’s true though.

1) Blacks are becoming muslim at an increasing rate.

2) Muslims in this country represent a potential 5th column, an enemy within. Regardless of race.

Richard Reid converted to Islam in prison. He tried to mass murder hundreds of people by blowing up his shoebomb on a plane in mid flight. He came within seconds of doing so, almost did it.

It be stupid not to be alarmed by new muslims in this country.

JP Smith , on the 26 of February, 2007 at 2:00 pm said:

In 2003, three people with ties to white supremacist and anti-government groups were caught with a sodium cyanide bomb, guns, 500,000 rounds of ammunition and documents indicating a wider conspiracy (sources: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRA.....tm.09.html
http://www.fbi.gov/dojpressrel.....111303.htm ).

In 2005, a man tries to board a plan in Oklahoma City with a pipe bomb (source: http://www.usatoday.com/travel.....rest_x.htm )

The people in question weren’t Muslim but, posed a real terrorist threat.

So, my response to you, Susan, is, in the face of these very real threats, when do we start scrutinizing white males more closely?