When we do public events on anti-Muslim bigotry, we begin by asking those gathered to read the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Why? Because the framework of the public and political conversation is “Us vs. Them.” Everything stated in that environment is seen in terms of whether it supports or opposes your side.
When we read the First Amendment, we are trying to remind people that we share many values, including the aspirational constitutional values. These shared values give us a small window in which to envision the nation we long for – a nation in which Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Indigenous religions, Bahá’í, atheist, agnostic, etc. all have the right to practice their wisdom tradition.
The reality is that when rights are denied or weakened for any group, the rights of all are in danger. That is why they are rights.
When you go home for thanksgiving, spend less time debating about whose team is right, and more about the shared values that we all share.
Tell a positive story about those with perceived differences.
“Us vs. Them” is no way to live, for the only way we can survive and thrive is together.