Cultural IQ

Allen Iverson: 'I am what I am'

ALLEN Iverson and I grew up in different generations, on opposite sides of town. Yet since 1996, when he was drafted and began his sweet-and-sour relationship with Philadelphia, I've been a tireless defender of the rap-loving NBA all-star, who once said, "Hey, I am who I am. You can't change that."

This tattoo-wearing, hip-hop devotee earned my respect not for the way he could dazzle on the court, but for the courage he showed in standing up for things that mattered, like the family and friends whose sacrifices ultimately made him a success. (He once said his mansion was so noisy from all the folks hanging around that he had to check into a nearby Holiday Inn for a little quiet time.)

In many ways, Iverson was a 21st-century barrier-buster. Like Jackie Robinson, the little guy with the big heart challenged America's racial biases. He was the first NBA player to wear cornrows, which prompted some to wonder if he was "too black." His off-court fashions came straight from music videos: do rags, baggy pants, crooked baseball caps and oversize T-shirts.

Presented with a Gibson guitar,

The fact that Iverson decided to be himself, rather than a sanitized and safe commercial version of an NBA star, won him both enemies and allies. His habitual lateness, "keeping it real" pronouncements, tattoos and music prompted more than one sports journalist to ask: Is white middle-class America ready for an Allen Iverson?

Iverson would answer his critics on the court and his fans would vote

their appreciation in the marketplace. His NBA jersey and Reebok sneakers were best-sellers while he was at the peak of his career. Reebok bucked conventional wisdom by turning this rebel into a global brand, thus, opening the door for a cast of other not-ready-for-prime-time players to follow. The company's "I am what I am" campaign encouraged legions of young people around the world to embrace their individuality.

I began following A.I., aka the Answer, back in my days in Philadelphia when the 6-foot scoring machine would appear during the 76ers' postgame interviews, where he regularly, and lovingly, embraced his children. My respect for him grew when the Larry Brown Sixers made it to the NBA finals. The team lost to the Lakers, but the series illuminated Iverson's magnificent strengths, and made him seem like David standing up to Goliath.

Afterward, people around the planet caught A.I. fever. His story was appealing. Born to a 15-year-old mother, he survived hunger, poverty and an absent father and lived to make a fortune. This was a young man who made it to college and then into the NBA despite spending time in prison after a felony conviction in a student brawl. (The Virginia Court of Appeals overturned the conviction in 1995 for insufficient evidence.)

This was a son who so loved his mom that he didn't mind her waving a sign, night after night, that read, "That's my boy #3."

During the playoffs, I watched as the normally separate worlds of the city's poor and rich intersected and, at times, formed a promising bond. That was progress, but did anyone notice? Reporters were quick to ask, "What's wrong with Allen Iverson?" And slow to inquire, "How have these differences enriched our community?"

THE REPORTS OF Iverson's unfortunate departure from Memphis, and rumors of his retirement, were disappointing. Basketball without A.I.? That was hard for me to imagine. So I was truly heartened when I heard he was heading back to Philadelphia, which, as fate would have it, had just lost its point guard.

Now that he's back, so are some of the questions: Is this man a rebel without a cause - or a diversity problem merely misunderstood by his teams and the media?

Stay tuned as the latest chapter in the Allen Iverson story continues to unfold.

While I don't profess to have all the answers, this I know: Iverson's eventual departure from basketball - whenever it comes, for whatever reason - will leave a void. Where in the galaxy of stars can we find someone so willing to remind us that having money is good, but knowing who we are is priceless?

 Cultural IQ is an online gathering place for cultural problem-solvers.

Cultural IQ guide to the holidays

 

 

Get a good night’s rest.

Join in the laughter.

Take a walk with your friends or your kids.

Listen to the blues.

Read a book for fun.

Pet the dog that is happy to see you come home from work.

Get a hug.

Give a hug.

Pray.

Listen to jazz.

Engage in a random act of kindness.

Listen to your favorite song.

Forgive someone who has done you wrong.

Wish someone who is Jewish Happy Hanukkah.

Wish someone who is African American a Happy Kwanzaa.

Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Tell the important people in your life how much you love them.

Accept relatives as they are.

Grab for a piece of fruit instead of a piece of cake.

Check on the neighbor down the block who doesn’t have any family.

Walk away from someone who teases you and calls you out.

Buy a present for a child who won’t have one to open on Christmas Day.

Sing a holiday song.

Attend at least one Kwanzaa event.

Eat your vegetables.

Wear a dashiki or Afro-centric clothes.

Turn off the television and talk to your teenagers.

Don’t spend money you don’t have.

Remember the time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.

Give yourself a facial. You can buy some really cool masks at your local drug store.

Stop thinking about what you don’t have; dwell only on what you do have.

Research your family’s history.

Volunteer your time.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Have a little faith this holiday season

Tis’ the time of year when carolers sing songs of hope, dreams come true and our cultural and religious beliefs collide regularly in daily conversations.

Peace, you see, isn’t just going to arrive one day and knock at our door. It appears only after enough gentle folks decide to engage in daily activities that resolve conflicts, foster understanding and promote tolerance.

 

This holiday, give the world the gift that benefits every nation: Peace on earth and goodwill toward men.  We don’t have to sign a petition, dig in our wallets, or write our Congressman. All we need to do is demonstrate that we believe in putting our faith to work for the world.

 

I’ve listed 10 little steps we can take to keep religion into the holiday festivities. Let’s show our love for each other. Let’s respect one another. Let’s help the poor, feed the sick and use our company manners when guests and tourists are around. It’s perfectly OK to bring one's faith into this season. Don't be content to tell others what you believe. Show them what you stand for by engaging in deliberate acts of faith.

1)  Spend more time looking for common ground and less time examining differences. Look for opportunities to collaborate with a variety of faith-based organizations. Each day, find a reason to tell someone you love you agree with him or her.

2)  Treat others as they wish to be treated, not as we would have them treat you. We may feel an occasional urge to kiss a stranger beneath the mistletoe or yell, "Merry Christmas" as we stroll down festive streets. A civil society asks that its citizens honor those who choose to worship in different ways. Some may not wish to sing holiday carols at school or participate in religious ceremonies or traditions. They deserve to be treated and greeted in a manner that makes them feel welcome and at ease. After all, the best one to promote one's faith is to show how much it strengthens all those who come in contact with it.

3)     Plan learning activities with your entire family.  Read a book. Watch a show. Spend time discussing ways your family and your community can resolve conflicts, avoid violence, and prepare to work in international companies. Plan a family fun night or a community potluck where everyone brings along old family recipes.

4)     Forgive someone who has wronged you or offended you.  This could be the best holiday present you ever give. It not only lifts a burden off of you, it helps to keep the peace in our community and our global village. Imagine what a wonderful holiday we might have if a majority of the 303 million Americans decide to let go of just one wrong or past injustice. In 24 hours, we could have a more tolerant world.

5)     Engage in a cultural audit. At the end of every year, we should take inventory of our cultural skill sets.  We can’t increase our Cultural IQs unless we take time to measure where we stand. We do ourselves a favor when we assess the skills that ultimately determine how well we fit into the world.

6)     Say Hello to A Neighbor.  You don’t get any points if you select a stranger who looks like you or whom you would really like to know better. Say hello to someone you might not ordinarily have as a friend. Find ways to stay connected to the people who live nearby and to the larger community.

7)     Challenge Your Own Biases and Beliefs.  Take time to gather research and facts that do not support your current beliefs. Read the material several times during a 30-day period.  Then, explain the research and the new evidence to a good friend. Ask them if you have presented the information in a fair and persuasive manner. A second challenge: Instead of complaining about a neighbor of a different faith, invite him or her to attend your church or synagogue or mosque with you. Ask if you can attend their religious services as well. Afterward, examine where and how your faith intersects. Look for ways to promote your shared values and beliefs.

8)     Write yourself a love note . Take a minute to tell yourself what you are doing right.  If you don’t feel good about yourself, you are of less help to those around you.

9)     Go forth and play. Make up silly little games as you walk down the street or through the crowded holiday malls. Look for opportunities to have fun. Give away smiles. Invent positive stories about the interesting people you encounter. Laughter is a gift that gets bigger and bigger each time it is given away.

10) Be a holiday angel. Practice random acts of kindness.  Offer change to a stranger who is a few pennies short at the cash register. Give up your seat on a crowded train or bus. Listen to an anxious or depressed friend even though you have a million things to do. Forgive people who make innocent mistakes.

In Seattle, a doggone lesson for all ages

We can't stop bad things from happening, but we can learn to respond to them as a loving family, community or city.

Just this morning, I was walking my three favorite dogs when one of the leashes broke, allowing the elder dog to break free. She sauntered into the middle of a street filled with cars, and sat down right in front of a huge truck. Without thinking, I took off after this escapee, pulling the two younger dogs alongside. Though I was asking them to step into a sea of moving traffic, these dogs remained surprisingly calm and cool.

The truck driver stopped as I ran into the street, giving me time to scoop up the runaway dog. A kind stranger walked over to help me calm the pack, then we went on our merry way, as though nothing had happened. I was so grateful, however, that I had invested so much time training the dogs and rewarding them with yummy treats. This morning, when I needed them to follow their leader - no questions asked - they did not hestitate.  Our ability to work as a fast-thinking team might have saved my life, and theirs.

I am sharing this story with you because my friend, Ed RosenBerg (http:www.everyoneisincluded.us)) posted an article on Facebook Wednesday that speaks to the value of investing in trust and teamwork.

The Seattle City Council has passed a resolution designed to put the city on a path to inclusiveness and multiculturalism. http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/186756.asp With a declaration that racism is "unjust," the  Council on Monday signaled its awareness of  "institutional racism and social disparities" and sought to lay down future fast-tracks for future growth.

What, pray tell, does all this have to do with dogs? Seattle's resolution will build trust and cultural capital. Like the dogs and me, this city is investing in the pack's relationship and security by learning to listen, cooperate and forge bonds of trust. Far too often, meaningful diversity discussions are held after riots, lawsuits, and police shootings-- when cultural trust is low and racial fears are high.  This is sort of like trying to teach dogs to be obedient while they are crouched in the middle of the street , angry horns honking around them. Frightened dogs and scared people attack when they don't have faith in the people leading them.

With this resolution, Seattle is positioning itself as a global city, a strong competitor for international jobs and companies. "The initiative can result in a healthier and more efficient work environment and better city services to all communities," said City Councilman Bruce Harrell, who introduced the measure.

The question is not, "Why is Seattle doing this, but rather why are so many other cities content to wait and hope for the best?"' Those who stand still and wait until the hurricane arrives face the gravest risks. Every pack needs a lot of love and a lot of practice to help for the challenges they will face.

 

A Double Dose of Civility = More Reasons to Give Thanks

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as the Mormons) and the Episcopal Church are taking strong stands for inclusiveness and civility.

Glenn Beck, as has been discussed indirectly on this blog, has come under fire recently for his misleading statements, intolerant language and unsubtanciated allegations. (This fall, he accused President Barack Obama, who is bi-racial, of being anti-white.) In early October, I questioned whether members of his church (Beck is Mormon) and other churches should speak out against the well-paid commentators who are making fortunes as "dividers''.  Lance, one of this site's most dedicated cultural writers and thought leaders, found this link last night. It was posted on the church's Web site last month.

The Mormon Ethic of Civility

Document excerpts:

 "Meanwhile, stories of rage and agitation fill our airwaves, streets and town halls. Where are the voices of balance and moderation in these extreme times? During a recent address given in an interfaith setting, Church President Thomas S. Monson declared:'When a spirit of goodwill prompts our thinking and when united effort goes to work on a common problem, the results can be most gratifying.'

"Latter-day Saint ethical life requires members to treat their neighbors with respect, regardless of the situation. Behavior in a religious setting should be consistent with behavior in a secular setting. The Church hopes that our democratic system will facilitate kinder and more reasoned exchanges among fellow Americans than we are now seeing. In his inaugural press conference President Monson emphasized the importance of cooperation in civic endeavors: ''We have a responsibility to be active in the communities where we live, all Latter-day Saints, and to work cooperatively with other churches and organizations. My objective there is ... that we eliminate the weakness of one standing alone and substitute for it the strength of people working together.'”

http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-mormon-ethic-of-civility

When we do terrible things should our faith be disclosed?

Religion and Ethics

Everybody is Welcome Here

'NEW YORK, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Episcopal Church's core beliefs and practices, including those related to Christ, the Bible, women's ordination and relationships, are featured in a new, national newspaper ad breaking today and on its website, according to Anne Rudig, Director of Communication.

"We want to herald and share our welcoming message," explained Rudig. "We are bringing our identity, our core beliefs, and our heritage to life in a manner that invites all to share."

The ad, which includes a broader list of beliefs, can be viewed here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/adcollaborative.htm

"In the past few weeks, news about various religions has focused more about who's excluded from certain practices than who is included," Rudig said. "We follow Christ and believe that he's very clear that all are welcome. We strive to 'love our neighbors as ourselves.'"

"We are celebrating the fact The Episcopal Church recognizes that God doesn't differentiate between the gifts of men or women, lay or ordained," said the Rev. Canon Dr. Charles Robertson, canon to the Presiding Bishop and Primate. "We want people to know who we are and to make their own, informed decisions."

The work uses the theme The Episcopal Church Welcomes You with specific examples of the Church's beliefs. Among others, they include:

• As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ.
• We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.
• We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
• We affirm that committed relationships are lifelong and monogamous. Episcopalians also recognize that there is grace after divorce and do not deny the sacraments to those who have been divorced.
• We affirm that issues such as birth control are matters of personal informed conscience.
• We celebre our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion
• We welcome men and women, married or celibate, to be ordained as bishops, priests, and deacons.

I Am Newsworthy

Every now and then a photo comes along that strikes a chord.  As a child, I remember seeing photos of black men in Memphis carrying signs that read, “I am somebody.” This week, the Tri-State Defender newspaper in Memphis published a photo of an African-American youth carrying a sign with these powerful words: “I am News Worthy.”

The children in Memphis were protesting the fact that the media tends to cover what’s wrong – not what’s right – with their African-American peers. Check out the work of these young people who are working as the Memphis Youth Manifesto® and taking on the job of solving some of the challenges that shape their lives.

At the first youth meeting, Denise Lofton, a free-lance writer who has been chronicling the movement, told me a story that filled my eyes with tears. The children had been asked to discuss challenges in their lives. One little boy rose to tell the crowd he worried because his teacher treated him differently than others, and he suspected it had a lot to do with the fact that he used proper English. While some might have welcomed this classroom advantage,  this boy saw the adverse impact on his city.

Anyone who is interested in children needs to check out this program: http://memphisyouthmanifesto.com/. It is worth your time. Let us send the children an answer: Yes, you are newsworthy. 

 

 Memphis Youth Manifesto demands ‘positive’ images of Memphis youth

Denise Lofton writes for the Tri-State Defender of Memphis TN.  | Published 11/19/2009 |

On a brisk, busy Friday evening, members of the Memphis Youth Manifesto movement walked the protest line on the corner of Poplar and Union Extended. Their purpose was to highlight the misinformed images of youth of Memphis in the media. (Courtesy photo by Memphis Youth Manifesto/True Vision Photography) "Something is happening in Memphis, will it happen with, or without You?"  Denise Lofton

Is it Possible to be Prejudiced Without Realizing It?

Individuals’ implicit racial prejudices corresponded with a reluctance to vote for President Barack Obama and with opposition to his health care reform plan, according to a study coauthored by Stanford Graduate School of Business Professor Brian Lowery. Subjects were more likely to support a health care reform proposal attributed to former President Bill Clinton than the same proposal from Obama.

'Many people are influenced by race, and either will not admit it or don’t know it,” concludes Brian Lowery, an associate professor of organizational behavior.

http://www.stanford.edu/group/knowledgebase/cgi-bin/2009/11/15/prejudice-fuels-opposition-to-obama%E2%80%99s-

Following are some important points to keep in mind if we are to have a productive cultural dialog:

1) Though there does appear to be a correlation with racial prejudice, this does not mean all people who voted against President Obama are racist. Racism is but one of many factors at play. It is possible to be an anti-racist and oppose Obama’s policies.

2) Hidden biases do not make us “bad people.” Liberals, conservatives and moderates each have these hidden biases. Our biases, which I view as blind spots, are situated in different places on the political spectrum. Our blind spots make it less likely that we will go out and gather information that does not support our cultural and political beliefs or ideas.  (Typically, I identify my own biases by reviewing the quality and depth of information at my disposal on a specific topic. If my supporting data  tends to be narrow in scope, chances are good my bias will impair my choices and decisions.)

3) Challenge the research but don’t engage in personal attacks. If anyone has research that contradicts the Stanford professor's conclusions, I wish to post that information as well. Please forward it to: theculturalcoach@aol.com

Harvard University has designed an Implicit Association Test to offer insights into our cultural blind spots. It is much harder to manage biases when we are afraid to admit that they exist.

For additional information, visit https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit

 

Pups in the pews

LOS ANGELES — When Rev. Tom Eggebeen took over as interim pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church three years ago, he looked around and knew it needed a jump start.

Most of his worshippers, though devoted, were in their 60s, attendance had bottomed out and the once-vibrant church was fading as a community touchstone in its bustling neighbourhood.

So Eggebeen came up with a hair-raising idea: He would turn God's house into a doghouse by offering a 30-minute service complete with individual doggie beds, canine prayers and an offering of dog treats. He hopes it will reinvigorate the church's connection with the community, provide solace to elderly members and, possibly, attract new worshippers who are as crazy about God as they are about their four-legged friends.

Before the first Canines at Covenant service last Sunday, Eggebeen said many Christians love their pets as much as human family members and grieve just as deeply when they suffer - but churches have been slow to recognize that love as the work of God.

The weekly dog service at Covenant Presbyterian is part of a growing trend among churches across the U.S. to address the spirituality of pets and the deeply felt bonds that owners form with their animals.

 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gtvVIXV7EdvkqNteBfcCNkHDoLzg

 

"Things do not change; we change."

-- Henry David Thoreau, "Walden"

 

When we do terrible things should our faith be disclosed?

When a Muslim engages in an act of violence, the teachings of Islam often are debated or discussed in news articles. The same standard, however, is rarely applied to Christianity after an anti-abortion killing.  If a Mormon engages in polygamy, his faith likely will be identified – though the church does not sanction that practice. 

When Bernie Madoff was charged with terrible financial deeds on Wall Street, much was made of the fact he was Jewish. Can anyone identify the religion of Enron’s Ken Lay?

My friend, Roberta Osadchey, recently spoke to this issue in a letter published in the Calgary Herald newspaper in Calgary, Canada. “Unspeakable and appalling acts perpetrated by followers of any religion should be universally condemned as fundamentally irreligious and unpatriotic, unless otherwise revealed as relevant to the crime. The media is harming the work of dedicated interfaith individuals who are making progress in every corner of the Earth to help aid understanding and compassion for those who practice whatever faith they choose. To hear reporters state that the killer behind the tragedy in Fort Hood, Texas is Muslim, is unfair to him, to his family, and to his religious community, unless every public report of a killing states the killer’s faith tradition.”

 

My questions to you:

Do we need to develop standards for news coverage? If so, what might we propose?

To what extent should religions be defined by the collective acts of members – good or bad?

Life's Little Diversity Manual: How to Get Where We Need to Go

Everything You Wanted to Know About Diversity But Were Afraid to Ask:

  

(First installment)

 

1) Diversity operates much like a brand new car. If you get behind the wheel without reading a manual or book, you significantly increase your risks of having a mishap, breakdown or accident.  You’re the driver so don’t blame the car. Practice makes perfect as we begin our journey toward a multiracial America.

2) Contrary to popular reports, diversity is not dead nor is it dying. Some folks have not yet visited their local dealership and so they don’t know how much the world has changed. It is our jobs to let those who aren’t ready for a trade-in know that good things are in store for them and that we will watch out for their interests.

3) Diversity challenges exist in all communities. Race, religion and gender often steal the spotlight but they by no means are responsible for all our problems. We are a nation with layers and layers of diversity issues. We’ve got our cat lovers and dog people (pet diversity.) Bicyclists and walkers (lifestyle diversity.) Republicans and Democrats (political diversity.) Then, there’s race, religion, gender, age and on and on. Any time groups organize to advance their interests and compete for stuff, diversity-related problems will arise.

3) The safest motorists are also defensive drivers. They know how to share the road with newcomers, steer around the potholes of poor communication and avoid the barriers of ignorance.  They slow down whenever they encounter dangerous driving conditions, such as road rage, and take shelter during the inevitable storms of doubt and confusion. They dazzle us with their uncanny ability to predict what other motorists will do and say, and how they will respond to current conditions.

4) Each and every one of us has biases of some sort, so let’s stop pretending the other guy is flawed but we aren’t. The goal is to identify our biases and manage them so that they don’t impair our ability to make good decisions. If you can’t identify your biases, then ask a friend or family to list them for you. Chances are your friend is well-aware of them. Biases create blind spots, which make it more difficult to drive.

5) We are all fellow travelers on a road that’s under construction. So expect delays and be on the watch for unexpected road hazards. Keep a safe distance from other motorists until you gain skill and experience.

6) Don’t try to teach someone else to drive if you’ve had a lot of accidents.

7) Road rage doesn’t make the roads safer. Angry drivers are not the solution; they are a big part of the problem.

8) Keep handy two of the most frequently used words in the diversity language: Ouch and oops. “Ouch, that hurt. Why did you say that?” “Oops. I goofed.” Keep these words with you at all times. They are particularly helpful following a cultural collision.

9) Be willing to get outside of your comfort zone. If you travel the same route every day, you will meet the same people and pass the same landscape. People who travel alternate paths end up with better options and more ways to get where they want to go.

10) Don’t think your car is better than mine. A fast sports car and an old jalopy both can get us where we must go. This is not a competition. The objective is not to arrive first or look the best, but rather to ensure we leave no motorist behind.

12) After a cultural mishap or collision occurs, refrain from gawking and rubbernecking. Mind your own business. Don’t sit on the side of the road and fan the flames after a cultural collision. It slows traffic and increases the risk of additional accidents.

13) If somebody should call the diversity police on you, remember they are here to help us become better drivers. Their goal is not to make us feel bad or look silly. Police are needed to prevent future accidents and more costly injuries.

14) Keep your eyes on the road. Don’t get distracted by all the colorful cars, interesting bodies or luxury interiors and gadgets. Forget about the way the other drivers are dressed. What matters is that they are safe drivers. Under the hood, we are all pretty much the same.

15) Have some fun along the way. Pull off to the side now and then to appreciate the breathtaking mosaic of American life. Stop at the rest stops to talk with other drivers. Change the stations on your car radio. Form a caravan and travel in

The best response to tragedy? Turn on your inner light

We have so many questions, yet so few facts. It is tempting to rush to judgment today, but we are better, wiser, than that. 

 

Over the years, diversity has produced its share of human drama and political theater in this nation. Fear and anger prompted some to kill, and innocents died at their hands. These painful experiences taught us that it is not fair to blame the many for the mistakes of the few. Individuals must own their actions. Cultural and religious families are charged with serving as guides along the way.

So many difficult questions are emerging from the tragic shootings at Fort Hood yesterday. Police and Army officials say a gunman – identified as Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan – killed 13 people and wounded 28 others. He is recovering from wounds after being shot by a police officer responding to the scene.

Why? What role, if any, did his religious beliefs play? What lessons are to be learned about soldiers and stress – a problem that has not yet been made a op priority?

 

I wish to offer condolences to the families hurting this morning and in need of consolation and healing. I am asking my fellow citizens to remember who we are, and what we stand for. Remember, tragedy does not define us, it reveals to us who we are.

With that mind, I offer a few suggestions that will help us ask the tough questions, find and hear the truth, and heal.  We must guide each other through the darkness and turn on our inner lights.

 

1) Until all the facts are in, don’t jump to draw conclusions. Comments and Internet posts are easily misunderstand because we lack cultural context. Ask questions but avoid jumping to conclusions until all the facts are known. Engage in evidence-based, rather than opinion-based, decision-making.

 

2) Watch out for our cultural blinders. Research has found individuals are far more likely to focus on the good in their own cultural and religious groups, and the bad in others. Before we jump on a soapbox, each of us should take a long look in the mirror. Are we modeling the behaviors we want to see in others? Do we treat others as they wish to be treated? Have members of our cultural or religious groups ever engaged in violent actions?  Do we feel responsible for their mistakes?

3) Instead of sitting in front of the TV, let’s invest some time in cultural literacy.  Respond to this incident by learning more about Islam or learning more about life for Muslims in America. Get both sides of the story. Take time to read about all of the American Muslims who are assisting in the war of terror and the sacrifices they have made. Our diversity is an asset, but only when it is managed well and wisely. Let’s show people around the world how to keep acts of violence from driving good and decent people apart.

4) Pray for the victims and their families, if you are inclined to pray. Let them know we care about them. This time, our compassion and commitment will not end when the story leaves the front page. Let’s focus on loving the injured and one another, instead of spreading hate. Hate breeds new violence, and more death.

5) Watch our words.  Arab and Muslim are not interchangeable. Suspects are innocent into proven guilty. We should use the same standards with every cultural group. If we do not blame white men for the work of a white racist, then we should not blame Muslims for the work of a terrorist.

6) Should a backlash develop against Muslims, cultural and religous communities must stand strong and speak out.  It is not "their" job to respond; it our job for they are our family.

 

 

This tragedy will not change America. Rather, it will reveal the extent to which we are willing to uphold and protect our values – freedom of religion, justice and equality – as the dark clouds of fear circle around us.

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CULTURAL IQ: LEARN ABOUT US

http://www.cair.com/AboutUs/VisionMissionCorePrinciples.aspx

Council on American-Islamic Relations:

 CAIR's mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. 

New York Times: Obama highlights diversity in military

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/us/politics/08address.html

 

 Washington Post: After Fort Hood: Investigators have many questions to answer.

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/06/AR2009110603803.html