In an effort to respond to a need for more information on Muslim life in the United States, the U.S. Embassy Thurgood Marshall Information Resource Center organized a discussion panel with two former U.S. Fulbright grantees and a recently returned International Visitor who explored the Role of Religion in the U.S. With an audience of 30, half of whom were journalists, the panelists summarized their most striking realizations as Muslims and as Guineans during their time in the States.
During the last hour, a frank question and answer session directly answered the fears and doubts of the audience from the mouths of fellow countrymen. “Do Americans think all Muslims are terrorists?” “Can a Muslim freely practice his religion in the U.S.?” “Are there Muslims like me.?” The panelists responded using examples from personal experiences. Americans, they said, judged them on their character not their religion. Muslims enjoy close religious communities where they practice freely, and every variation of Islam is found there.
The attendees and even the panelists walked away with a broader view of Muslim life in the U.S. Audience members approached members of the Public Affairs Section to encourage them to spread this message to the community promoting the free flow of information and a better understanding of the United States. Happily the journalists present multiplied this small gathering into a nation-wide event with TV, radio, and newspaper coverage helping to demonstrate the U.S. Government’s commitment to mutual understanding and religious tolerance.
