Dorm Discussions Podcast: Muslims in America (Marisa Perez)

In the podcast “Muslims in America” we receive the opinions of America’s youth. A diverse group of Rutgers University students decided to take on the challenge of discussing being Muslim in America, image, politics, Middle East relations and the 2016 presidential election with emphasis on President-Elect Donald Trump.

Throughout the podcast we are exposed to varying opinions and questions that force the students to think critically about the United States of America. In a time where there is great political unrest and a clear discrimination against Muslims, it is imperative to understand the youth perspective as it holds great importance. In 2020, the millennial vote becomes the most influential, and with that being said, the youth need to be engaged in conversations about politics and the treatment of Muslims in the United States.

The podcast opens with a question geared for Arhum and Saned, since they are both Muslims. The question asks if they are afraid to be in the country, and the answer is polarizing. To think that groups of people feel unwelcome and uncomfortable in their country is saddening, let alone the feeling of hatred, discrimination, and harassment. In order to make change, these are the stories we need to hear. We need to be able to empathize and internalize this information to create a country that strives for equality. What was staggering as the conversation progressed was the lack of hope in making such changes. Many viewed racism and discrimination as a disease, and something that is so far embedded in American culture that it cannot be reversed. The media is one of the primary culprits of making Muslims the enemy. This constant manipulation of news coverage, and negative characterization of Muslims in film and television create a stigma that almost seems impossible to reverse.

This fear catapults the discussion in how  to solve this problem. How, as a country, do we once again make it safe for everyone despite race or religion? The students offer some insight on education and making sure that the children of America don’t become polarized by the media and are instead being urged to look outside the box. Children need to be taught that equality is a vital aspect in the country and that everyone has a part in creating a safer and better America.