Obama Speaks Out - And Muslim Americans Are Listening

July 18, 2008


This week, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) said that The New Yorker magazine's cover depicting him and his wife as flag-burning, fist-bumping radicals doesn't bother him, but felt that it was an insult to Muslim Americans.

"You know, there are wonderful Muslim Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things," the presidential candidate told CNN's Larry King on Tuesday. "And for this to be used as sort of an insult, or to raise suspicions about me, I think is unfortunate. And it's not what America's all about."

SEE: "Larry King Live Interview with Sen. Barack Obama" (CNN, 7/15/08)

The New Yorker cover depicts Barack Obama in traditional Muslim clothing, while his wife, Michelle, has an assault rifle slung over one shoulder and is dressed in military fatigues. As they give each other a fist bump, an American flag burns in a fireplace behind them, while a portrait of Osama bin Laden hangs above the mantel.

When asked about the cover by Larry King, Obama responded "One of the things when you're running for president for almost two years is, you get a pretty thick skin...You know, this is actually an insult against Muslim Americans, something that we don't spend a lot of time talking about. And sometimes I've been derelict in pointing that out."

Obama's most recent statements offer a refreshing departure from the Islamophobia that has plagued this political season. By speaking out, Obama has reinforced American pluralism and sent a clear message to all political and religious extremists, affirming that America has no tolerance for hate.

Let's hope that Senator John McCain (R-AZ), and all other candidates for public office, will also speak to the inclusion of the Muslim American community.

It also incumbent upon Muslim Americans to engage with the presidential and other political campaigns in order to make sure our voices heard within these circles. Articulating a clear platform that is opposed to Islamophobia is not about political pandering -- it is about embodying the American values of pluralism and tolerance. Such a stand will only serve to positively impact America's status at home and in the global arena.

In this political season, it is refreshing to hear candidates recognize the Muslim American contribution to the American fabric.

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