Islam and Terrorism Essay Example for Free

Islam and Terrorism Essay Muslims, especially Arab Muslims, are said to have been consistently stereotyped in films, television programs, cartoons and even the news as terrorist animals, who have no regard for human life (Fisk 125). And as Robert Fisk would say, the more films he watched, the more cartoons he saw, the more editorials he read, the more fear of the despicable, fearful, alien Muslim seemed to be spreading (127). Thus the Muslims always portrayed as the sinister, evil, over-breeding and worthy of destruction (Fisk 127). Furthermore, as a result of this, media now has equated Islam with terror and fundamentalism, so that no matter where a bomb goes off in the world, the first suspects are always Muslims (Said 110). Said explains that both Israel and the United States identify fundamentalist Islam, a label which is often compressed into one word, â€Å"Islam† (111). Hence, the Islamic belief has been very much associated with terrorism. But then, does Islam really promote acts of terrorism? This paper hopes to delve into the Islamic teaching, specifically the concept of jihad, which is often pointed to be the main reason associating Islam with terrorism. The paper would also identify the intent of jihad as compared to that of terrorism. Finally, this paper aims to conclude that amidst the negative interpretations of jihad contained in the teaching of Islam, Islam does not intend to promote terrorism but aims for spiritual striving in a peaceful manner. Jihad Mohammed Abdul Malek, author of the book entitled A Study of the Qur’an: The Universal Guidance for Mankind, says that, Jihad is often a misunderstood concept of Islam (121). Malek says that, contrary to commonly held belief that jihad exhorts Muslims to expand Islam by violent means, jihad simply refers to a spiritual striving to attain nearness to Allah (121). Malek stresses that the doctrine of Jihad never encourages war or violence (121). He says that it is not a holy war against the non-believers as is commonly understood, which phrase was merely coined by the West in its struggle against the Muslims during the time of the Crusades, a war instigated by the Church for religious gain (Malek 122). Furthermore, he says that there are other words in Arabic which are more appropriate to use in a war situation if war was the principal purpose of Jihad (Malek 122). Examples of which are ‘harb’ which means war and ‘Ma’araka’ which means battle (Malek 122. ). The Qur’an could have used these instead of Jihad if the intention was the declaration of war (Malek 122). Malek quotes Haji Ibrahim Golightly, who explains thoroughly the question and purpose of ‘Jihad’. Golightly explains that Jihad means to strive or make an effort, usually in an Islamic context, so that anything which requires an effort to be made is Jihad and the person doing it is ‘mujahid’ (122). He says that media’s interpretation of jihad that it is fighting and killing in the name of Allah, is not true (Malek 122). He clarifies that said efforts are certainly in the name of Allah, but not in terms of fighting and killing, but instead involves activities such as making time in a busy schedule to study the Qur’an; going to ‘halal’ butcher rather than the closest or most convenient one; discussing Islam with both Muslims and non-Muslims and helping them to understand it better; studying ‘ayat’ or signs, both of Qur’an and in nature and science, in order to increase ‘ilm’, or knowledge; setting other Muslims a good example and showing non-Muslims the true way of Muslims (Malek 122). These, he says, are all examples of Jihad in daily life (Malek 122). Hence, Jihad, he explains, is the effort made not just against internal and external evils but also to live at peace with oneself and ones community, whether Muslim or non-Muslim (Malek 122). Malek further suggests that Jihad must be explained in the context of the Qur’anic verses in which it is used (Malek 122-123). Some of the typical verses based on the translation of Maulana Muhammad Ali’s book entitled ‘The Religion of Islam’, explains jihad in the context of the Qur’anic Verses (Malek 123). First, it provides that â€Å"(22:78) And strive hard ‘jahidu’ for Allah with endeavour which is right† (Malek 123). Ali explains that jihad implies that one should exert one’s self to the utmost ability, like moral, spiritual or political, for the cause of Allah and to establish Allah’s Deen, without resorting to war (Malek 123). Secondly, it provides that â€Å"(29:6) And whoever strives hard (jahada), he strives (yujahidu) only for his own soul, that is for his own benefit, for Allah is altogether independent of (His) creatures (Malek 123). These verses then, as explained by Malek, show that jihad is the spiritual striving to attain nearness to Allah, and the result of this jihad is stated to be Allah’s guidance for those striving his ways (123). It is a struggle to win unbelievers not of the sword but of Qur’an (Malek 123). In the verses cited, jihad is used in the general sense of striving hard, morally, spiritually, and in our day to day life, and implies a struggle in Allah’s ways to achieve an objective, without resorting to war (Malek 124). Malek also cites the definition of Jihad from the Muslimsonline. com, which basically means the striving and refers to the unceasing effort that an individual must make towards self-improvement and self-purification (123). It also refers to the duty of Muslims, at both individual and collective level to struggle against all forms of evil, corruption, injustice, tyranny and oppressions whether committed by Muslims and non-Muslims (Malek 123). Comparing then the purpose of Jihad, which aims for spiritual striving (Malek 121), terrorism, on the otherhand aims only to endanger human life and create an environment of fear and danger. Jihad, which in its origin is a peaceful religious exercise just like how other religions have, it is far from what terrorism aims to propagate. Certainly comparing jihad with what terrorism intends to accomplish, there is indeed a very big difference. Aside from this, the double standard which exists in society also tends to distort or generalize Muslim as terrorists. Fisk cites that once the culprits turn out to be Americans, the word ‘terrorism’ fades from the headlines and are then replaced into a word called ‘fanatics’ (128). This negative media has then an adverse effect on the daily lives of the Muslims (Fisk 129). Conclusion As can be seen from the verses taken in the context of the Qur’an which is the best source to interpret what jihad is, it teaches ‘spiritual striving’ (Malek 123) as opposed to what is projected in the media that often associates it. As explained by Malek, Islam could have used other Arabic words which specifically refer to war instead of the word ‘jihad’ if the intention was to propagate war (122). Furthermore, the phrase ‘holy war’ is of Western origin in history, which was the struggle against Muslims during that time of the Crusades (Malek 122). Terrorism on the otherhand, has no other intention but to create some disturbance and violence which are dangerous to human life. Indeed, this is not part of the Islamic teaching manifested in the Qur’an. Just like other religions, which have activities in order to exercise their basic freedom of religion, so does Islam have their own sets of activities which do not at all propagate war but through means which are peaceful. Islam as a religion being associated with terrorism thus often is a result of distorted views as opposed to what it really teaches. This is mainly due to the influence that media has to its viewers which, as we know is a very powerful medium when it comes projecting and presenting who are considered as terrorists and who are not. This does not mean however that we should tolerate acts of some Islamic groups which are with fault, but only means that there should also be some responsibility especially of persons belonging to the media, to report balanced news or feature shows without being biased or being prejudicial against a religion, sector or group. There must also be respect for other religions just like how the way the Western way of belief is respected. Explanation by those given by those knowledgeable in the interpretation of Qur’an, must also be given the chance to explain the Islamic belief and must be given a chance to also be presented to viewers. In that way, there would be a deeper understanding not only of other religions but of other cultures as well. Indeed, everyone of us is against terrorism because of the threat it brings to our daily lives. But this should not compromise respect for other religions as well. It is time that there should be a strong foreign policy toward Muslim countries (Saeed 131). There should also be some cooperation on the part of citizens of nations in reporting those responsible for terroristic acts. Only in this way, are we able to pinpoint the real perpetrators and bring them to justice. Reference Fisk, Robert. â€Å"The Media Stereotype Muslims as Terrorists. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 125-130. Malek, Mohammed. â€Å"The Islamic Doctrine of Jihad Does Not Advocate Violence. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 121-123. Saeed, Kazim. â€Å"Media Stereotypes Do Not Define the Image of Muslims. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 131 – 133. Said, Edward. â€Å"The Problem of Islamic Terrorism Is Overstated. † Islam: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2000. 110-111.

Handling the Brain Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Handling the Brain The initial premise of this web search was to determine what differences, if any, were known to exist in the brain of the ambidextrous individual. An actual classification of "ambidexterity" seems to have been all but eliminated, while the explanation of the term, "handedness", has become increasingly muddled. Beyond superstitions and mysticism, in its earliest history an individuals favoritism of the left or right hand proved significant mainly to those clinicians who utilized this physical clue of handedness as an indicator of brain lateralization (2). Lateralization in general "refers to the concept that a given function is controlled preferentially by one side of the brain or body (5). Brain lateralization further implicates the functional specialization of the two cerebral hemispheres - the left and right - which may be distinct in the localization of neural mechanisms for particular functions (3). The corpus callosum serves as the physical and functional connection between these two cerebral hemispheres. Each hemisphere receives sensory information and controls movement on the side of the body opposite its location. An intact corpus callosum insures communication between the two hemispheres to build a full understanding of actions and perception. In certain extreme cases of severe epileptic seizures a "split-brain operation" is necessary, severing the corpus callosum, which serves to greatly reduce seizure frequency but leaves the cerebral hemispheres to function virtually independently (6). "Handedness" then, has come to be considered - not merely the hand you favor for writing - but rather a possible indication of hemispheric language specialization. It was the French neurosurgeon, Paul... ... Interaction by John Gregory Hibbard http://monroe.lib.in.us/~bpmchi/Hibbard.html 2)handedness http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/handedne.htm 3)Handedness and Brain Lateralization http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/brain.html 4)Scientific American: Ask the Experts: Biology http://www.sciam.com/missing.cfm 5) Evolution of Lateralization and a Role in Language http://n002bsel.bios.uic.edu/evolution/vertcns/lateralization/index.html 6)Splitting the Human Brain by Paul Pietsch http://www.php.indiana.edu/~pietsch/split-brain.html 7)Ambidexterity: Memory Power and Mindfulness - Ambidexterity Develops http://www.earthlink.net/error/404.html Further Investigation 8)TRY IT! Hemispheric Specialization http://www.cord.edu/faculty/covey/hemisphere.html 9)Left brain / Right Brain http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/1892/hemisphr.htm

Changing Demographics Essay

New demographic changes, economic globalization, high levels of workforce automation, and pressing health and security issues are intertwined instruments that seem to be changing the global polity. A high level of immigration into countries with a relatively stable economy has tremendous impacts on every facet of the host community. America has thus gradually become much more diverse and multiethnic than it was in past decades. The impacts of changing demographics also affect the education sector. In most American elementary schools, there have been tremendous changes from what was the usual status quo many decades ago. Changing demographics in elementary schools can have both many positive and many negative effects. The positive effects are desired, cherished and encouraged while the negative ones are regrettably unfortunate and measures should be put in place to reduce their severity. With the increasingly multi ethnic nature of elementary schools, the students are able to mingle with students from entirely different backgrounds and ethnic affiliations. This has the advantage of allowing intercultural interactions among students of various ethnic backgrounds. Difficult actions like the acquisition of foreign languages and cuisine are easily achieved. There are also many reasons to redesign our elementary schools so that they are more international in character. Part of the redesign process is focused on making it easier for foreign students to be fully integrated into the communities surrounding the schools. Since elementary schools currently have services that reaching far beyond their immediate geographical locality, many types of support services are being put together to help international students. The management and the faculty of many elementary schools are being forced to revise their curriculums with the aims of internationalizing them. This include the introduction of new foreign languages into the curriculum. It is now becoming very popular to see elementary schools teach Chinese and Arabic along with the more traditional French and Spanish. The curriculums that are inspired by changing demographics are set to make the students become more successful global citizens with adequate information about the world, its people and their traditions. The elementary school teaching profession should become more adept at teaching students of different backgrounds. This will involve professionalism and updated skills on the part of the teachers. Thus, teachers are being forced to go for re-training to be able to meet up with the millennial challenge of teaching elementary students. This is a good omen for the teachers and the schools in general because it could be totally absurd to use ancient teaching methods meant for Alaska born and based students in a class with mixed ethnicity. Due to the NCLB Act, the local educational bodies are now compelled to raise the standards of education in the various elementary schools to meet up with expectations of the parents that are bringing their children to the school. Some ethnic groups are considered to be protected minorities, and a school could face sanctions if it fails to achieve adequate performance among these groups. Studies have shown that quest for quality education is one of the driving forces in global migration. Most of the schools are now raising their standards to complete for the enrollment of students in the schools. The improved standard of education is also making it possible for investments in elementary education to be lucrative. With more foreign students admitted, more funds are being generated. This however, is a disadvantage on the side of the students both local residents and foreign that involved often have to pay exorbitant fees for the education. Like the wind, changing demographics blow students about. Sometimes exceptionally brilliant students are coughed in the wind. If blown to the right school, the skills, talents and abilities of such students could be discovered, polished and utilized to the fullest potential. Some skills are priceless in terms of the prestige that is bestowed on the students, the school and the society. A lot has been said in the positive ways that demographic changes have affected and are currently affecting elementary schools. It would be worthy be also note the problems that changing demographics can bring to the elementary schools. According to recent studies, a high influx of foreign students into elementary schools has caused an increase in the rate of ethnic intolerance. This is also evident in middle and high schools. More children are having divided feelings about belonging to the school over time. It is common to see students in their own ethnic groups rather than as a class. They tend to associate only with students for same background while these that are not are liberated and ostracized. The usual tradition of referring to the schools as a community may seem to have been long lost. The variable changes in the education system have greatly increased the worries of some students about their academic performance. Average students may be seen struggling to be in tune with the rhythm. This may be occurring because of the limitations of language barrier and totally different education methods that may lead to problems for them in class. An intense cloud of insecurity also seems to have enveloped the schools. Students of a particular background may feel threatened by students of other backgrounds. Children from Arabic backgrounds may be seen as potential terrorists. There is also a fear students being infected by an unknown disease that was carried by foreign students. In some countries of the world, most citizens are carriers of some types of parasites and possibly strange diseases or diseases such as tuberculosis. When children from that type of background mix with students with whom they don’t share close ties with, there is the possibility of them spreading communicable diseases. Competition for the limited available space in the elementary schools which are near by s is also creating problems when more students apply to schools, and various measures are employed to cut down the size. These can include exorbitant fees and overstressing the available academic resources. Being social with other people is the desire of must individuals. While having people thought of as strangers in one’s territory may bring suspicions, alienation should never be an option. Children at a delicate stage in their life deserve to be brought up in a loving and severe community and the elementary schools should not be expected to be failing in the provision of these. When the influx of immigrants seems to be going at a rate of is alarming, adjustment may be very difficult. The education system is expected to maintain standardized curriculums and it is expected to create a proper community that could facilitate qualitative education. Students in elementary schools deserve to be well educated and their satisfaction should not be taken for granted at the expense of anybody; everybody should be satisfied. Proper legislation should be put in place to check migration and adequate protection should be given so that elementary schools will not be caught unaware when bad wind blows!

False Memories Using The Deese / Roedinger - 1262 Words

Human minds are filled with all different kinds of memories. From short term memory to long term memory, people’s every day routines are heavily influenced by the memories they possess. Remember the time in elementary school when you peed your pants, or the time in high school when you got to kiss your crush, or how about that time you saw your favorite celebrity star in the mall? What if these memories were not actually real? Are they memories or are they made up stories? Mendez and Fras (2011) suggest that false memories are just recollections of events that did not occur. These memories could be your imagination or a he said she said story heard through the grapevine. False memories can be created by misattributing the source of the information (Sternberg, 2011). Examples of confusion that could lead to false memories can consist of intentions turned into actions, imagination turned into perception, or something only heard about turned into perception (Sternberg, 2011). One of the ways researchers measure false memories is using the Deese/Roedinger–McDermott paradigm (DRM) (Mendez Fras, 2011). Mendez and Fras suggest that the use of the DRM, â€Å"indicates that false memories are associated with the need for complete and integrated memories, self-relevancy, imagination and wish fulfillment, familiarity, emotional facilitation, suggestibility, and sexual content† (2011). Mendez and Fras also state that FMRI studies show that the area of the brain associated with false