I think it's interesting that so much is known about Muhammad, yet not very many westerners know a lot about him or Islam.  Obviously, there is not an enormous amount of Muslims here, but it is one of the largest religions in the world.  Religion courses aren't typically required at most schools, but given the fear associated with this religion, don't you think it would be wise to learn more about it?  Should schools make religion classes necessary-- if only so kids will not be so ignorant about other cultures?

Muhammad and Hinduism

     Chapter three dealt a lot with how Muhammad viewed Judaism and Christianity, so in my Q&A this week, I asked how he would view Hinduism.  I've been thinking more about that question, and I just find it so interesting that Hinduism and Islam-- from what I know so far about them-- are both accepting of other religions but in different ways.
     Hindu's and Muhammad agree that no one religion could possibly hold all of the answers.  So, Hinduism basically accepts all deities as sacred, while Islam, being extremely monotheistic, believes only in Allah and tries to find him in other religions.
     I think that if Muhammad had been exposed to Hinduism, he would have respected the core beliefs, but I am unsure of which god he would percieve as equal to Allah.  After all, he respected both Judaism and Christianity, but still considered some of their beliefs to be "deluded."
     What are your thoughts?

Goddesses

     As crazy as it sounds, I have never realized the irony of cultures that worship female goddesses, yet disrespect women.  We talked in class about how this is really just a way to ease the guilt-- we don't hate women, we worship a female, she just deserved to get beaten.  These goddesses must be the ideal woman: something that every female strived to be, and then got looked down upon when she was not.
     What are your thoughts on this?

Shared Culture vs. Diversity

Our discussion about the line between shared culture and diversity really interested me. Cultural unity allows us all to be "part of the dance"--it connects us; diversity, especially in America, allows people to be proud of their heritage.

            My question is what the line should be between the two.  Do you think that America’s focus on diversity is actually hurting us?  Should we focus more on common culture, so that Americans are proud to be Americans, or do you think that would mean losing important traditions?