A cartoon entitled the “War of Ideas” appeared in the Badger Herald last week. It was based on a vague comparison between the general state of affairs here in the United States and “there,” somewhere in the Muslim world.

Though merely a cartoon, it was demonstrative of several alarming trends in our society in regard to our perceptions of Muslims and Islam. Such trends need to be confronted as they encompass us all as Americans in a society that stands for diversity and tolerance.

The first thing that strikes me about the cartoon, as an American who lived in the Middle East for about 15 years, is its gross inaccuracy.

It attempts to portray that region as one of religious intolerance and hostility toward women. Not once during my time spent there did I witness a non-Muslim being treated with the utter disrespect the cartoon shows. Similarly, the widespread belief that women are viewed as property is one that is simply wrong, as women are visible in the public space and accorded a much more dignified status.

That said, allow me to clarify that this is not an attempt to depict that society as utopian; rather, it is an attempt to show that current misperceptions are exaggerated, unfounded and ultimately counterproductive. There are real problems over there of intolerance, racism and bigotry, just as there are in any society.

On a larger scale, such blatant misrepresentation demonstrates low standards of journalism and scholarship when it comes to covering Muslims, Islam, Arabs and the Middle East. It reflects the sad fact that discrimination toward Islam and Muslims in such public forums is becoming socially acceptable.

In a society that believes deeply in being respectful to people of other faiths and cultures, the complete opposite is being shown in regard to Islam and Muslims, as they are being insulted and discriminated against constantly. What is frightening is the apparent apathy of society at large.

Another important point is how the cartoon perpetuates the “us” vs. “them” mentality that plagues our discourse on Islam and Muslims.

Although the first illustration shows how Muslims in America are welcomed as “Americans,” the rest of the cartoon is based on a comparison of “here” and “there.” This relegates American Muslims to the status of “otherness.”

It alienates a six million-strong American Muslim community by positioning Islam as naturally being the opposite of America. It implies that Muslims are not genuine Americans, and based on what? The fact that a Muslim lady may cover her head or because a man may decide to grow his beard or because one must pray five times a day in accordance with his or her faith?

This is an attitude that is prevalent in the minds of many Americans, one that orients these two beautiful traditions, Islam and America, as inherently conflicting entities.

To assign a people the status of “other” based on the faith they believe in or the ideals they uphold is what I characterize as un-American. The United States is based on the principles of tolerance, valuing diversity and fostering dialogue. In these turbulent times, it is our challenge to maintain such principles; a cartoon such as this one and others like it will serve as nothing but impediments to our living up to that challenge.

Lastly and most importantly, I profoundly feel the publication of the cartoon showed social irresponsibility on the part of the Herald.

We currently are faced with very trying circumstances. Talk is ripe of possible war with Iraq, the U.S. economy is not faring well and the question of balancing civil liberties with national security is being debated in forums throughout the nation.

Add to this that at the present time Muslims are not exactly everyone’s favorite minority group. This I can understand, as there has been much hurt and pain inflicted by those who claim to be Muslim. It is in this context that Muslims in America are trying to marginalize such individuals and to present the true face of Islam of enduring values for humanity.

Recognize also that American Muslims are trying to bridge the gap between America and Islam and to bring them together as great traditions that complement each other, which is no easy task. Undermining such efforts are cartoons such as this one that appeared in the Herald. These cartoons reinforce negative stereotypes that are widespread in society today.

Such irresponsible portrayal by various media outlets validates incorrect perceptions Americans have about Islam and Muslims. This, in turn, leads to misunderstanding, misunderstanding leads to fear and, ultimately and often times disastrously, to contempt, hate and bigotry.

Muslims in America, especially in the post-9/11 era, have been subject to a great deal of verbal and physical harassment, occupational discrimination and societal intolerance. This is the where the Herald must be held responsible.

As a credible news source that people turn to, to publish such a cartoon in such volatile circumstances could and will most likely fuel the flames of discrimination and ignorance that have been directed at Muslims.

It is our challenge, our duty as Americans Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to quell those flames and promote cultural awareness and understanding in our homes, workplaces and campuses.

Come to think of it, the Herald Editorial Board put it best in a piece that was published in the Tuesday paper: “In the meantime, students should accept the obligation and power of leading the campus body in a responsible direction toward building a welcoming diversity.”

It’s time for the Herald to lead by example.

Ayman Kotob ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in marketing and management and is the president of the Muslim Students Association.