Park 51: Unified Muslims in America

Simmons, Gwendolyn Zoharah. "From Muslims in America to American Muslims." Journal of Islamic Law & Culture 10.3 (2008): 254-282. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 21 Nov. 2010.

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In this article, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons basically gives an overview of how Muslims began their immigration to America, from pre-Columbia America to present. She breaks down each of the three largest groups of Muslims in America, which are African Americans, South Asians, and Arabs. She also briefly describes the tension between all of the groups and their influence on American politics today. The article also talks about how American Muslims are usually perceived as Muslims in America, and talks about the struggles American Muslims encounter because of this misconception. Americans after 9-11 have begun to alienate Muslim immigrants because of the stereotyping present after the attacks. She talks about how many Americans associate the terrorist attacks with everyday Muslims, not the radical Muslims that were actually to blame. Simmons also talks about how she thinks all three communities of Muslims should unite into one to put a bigger staple on American culture.

This article is important because it gives a back round of Muslims in America, and goes in depth of how they came about in the American culture today. The article gives the reader a very helpful summary to ensure they know everything about the culture before they make pre-judgments. The point of view of this article is also helpful because the author depicts many of the misconceptions of the Muslims culture in America today. Because of the point of view, it helps the reader give a more unbiased opinion on Park51, and helps their opinion be more educational. Simmons point of view about how all three groups should come together and form one large Muslim group in America presents a very different point of view. The point of view is unique because it is very educated, rather than feeding off of word of mouth. She has done thorough research, and approaches the issue of Muslims in America different than any other article I have encountered about the issue. The reader should consider Simmons point of view because to make an opinion, you must be very educated in the subject of matter.