`In light of recent events regarding the ISIL attacks across France, it’s come to my attention that there’s been a serious wave of xenophobia sweeping the country. Cries of impending attacks in the U.S and how “they” are already inside the borders and all around us. Unfortunately, it’s now difficult to decide whether the fear-stricken residents of the U.S are talking about real terrorists, or just Muslims in general.
Reminiscent to that of the “Red Scare” of the 1950’s and 1960’s, Americans across the United States are now not only attempting to exclude Muslims already in the country, but are experiencing paranoia regarding any immigrants at all. I’m going to skip all the speeches about how this country was founded on immigrants, because that you already know. What may be surprising however, is how this spread of xenophobia and lack of tolerance towards immigrants from the middle east may actually be helping ISIL, instead of damaging it.
Fear of muslims breeds hate and intolerance. This is a slippery slope that once traveled down, can inevitably end in even more ISIL support and terrorism. Why should muslims support a country and culture that does not even accept them because of a small minority of extremists? Ultimately, if we want to stop ISIL, it’s not going to be through drone strikes or bombing runs. It’ll be through killing the entire basis people may have for joining extremist groups like ISIL. The only way we can do this, is with acceptance and aid to those who are trying to flee the very groups we too are so afraid of.
For more on this topic, and how each and every one of us can make a difference in stopping this extremist group, check out this YouTube video that offers a different perspective on the fight against ISIL.
