Social Awareness- Issues placed in Media & News

   During my first few days of the social awareness entries, I realized there were many issues that deserved to be thought about more deeply. For instance, the Mosque that was proposed to be built in "Ground Zero," as everyone calls it. What makes me wonder is, isn't the United States of America a country with religious freedom, freedom of speech and so on. If Churches, Buddhist Temples, and Synagogues can be built, why not a Mosque? In fact, it isn't only a Mosque, it was proposed to be a community center for young teenagers and children, where not only could they pray and worship in any way possible, but be allowed to do what they desire. There was supposed to be some basketball courts that were going to be made along with  kitchen, where cooking classes would take place. Some may wonder, why the Muslims aren't being treated with respect as all the other religions are, at points even I wonder.

   

   The other day, I saw a girl my age, who also wear what we call a "Hijab." She was probably a middle school girl, who was being bullied by some girls. The demanding tone of voice made me realize that the girl was being bothered, or worse bullied. The girls told her she was no longer allowed to be in their, "clique," just because she wore a Hijab. The girl took in to the peer pressure and bullying, pulling it right off her head. Why was there so much racism? Why aren't people allowed to do what they feel is correct? Doesn't everyone want to be treated equally? At points, I wonder how the "in," crowd would feel if they weren't the "in," anymore. How do you think the person next to you, who you refer to as a "loser," feels when you walk down, laughing, even pointing. Allowing the poor kid to know that you were looking at them, talking about them. If you have something to say, say it to someone's face. Don't be a coward.

   This doesn't necessarily mean that you should give in to bullying, peer pressure, or anything like that. But these issues can be resolved in a complete orderly fashioned way, if anyone will take a stand and do something about it.