Perspective: Sincere, lasting loyalty is not forced. It is earned | Lainie Anderson

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Why not channel a fraction of the anti-terrorism budget into a TV campaign that expands our understanding of Islam and champions some of the many individual Muslims playing a positive role in Australia.

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Advertiser / Sunday Mail (SA)
By Lainie Anderson | June 17, 2017

[Excerpt]

In Australia, Muslims are politicians, academics, doctors and elite footballers, not to mention nurses, teachers and far better neighbours than your average intolerant buffoon.

Wednesday’s paper also included an inspiring story about Adelaide Muslims taking to Rundle Mall to speak out against terrorism and encourage awareness of their faith.

Imam Imtiaz Ahmed Naveed, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia, stood in Rundle Mall for two hours answering questions and stressing his group’s loyalty to Australia.

“It’s time now – more than ever before – for Muslims to stand up and speak out against the horrendous acts that have taken place,” he said.

“It needs to be made very clear to the public that loyalty of Australian Muslims lies with Australia.”

You can try to demand loyalty, as we’re seeing in Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s rhetoric on stricter citizenship tests and insisting that new citizens become “Australian patriots” (next he’ll be insisting they march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade).

But sincere, lasting loyalty is not forced. It is earned – by friendship and engagement and opportunity.

So wouldn’t it make sense to inspire allegiance at the same time as we demand it?

Why not channel a fraction of the anti-terrorism budget into a TV campaign that expands our understanding of Islam and champions some of the many individual Muslims playing a positive role in Australia.


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