No need to fear those who are different
Re: Residents oppose Muslim prayer centre — April 20
After reading this article concerning the Muslim prayer centre on Erbsville Road, I went to Google maps to check out the site chosen for the centre and it seems this would be an acceptable site. It replaces two houses and sits alongside a salvage yard. All houses which are in proximity are not facing the centre. On the same area of land is a retirement residence, a Catholic school and the salvage yard. Since organizers of the rezoning meeting only wanted those opposed to the project to voice their opinions, I feel there are other reasons for objecting to this application.
Over the years, I have travelled some and met people from different backgrounds, nationalities, religions and languages. In our own region, I have grown up with people who were different from me and my view of the world. I think of Old Order and Amish Mennonites who live a distinctly different lifestyle from mainstream Canada, eschewing much of what we have come to accept as “Canadian ways.” It bothers me that there exists, among people of this region and indeed North America-wide, a fear of those who are different from us; these days, it is the fear of Muslims. The story about the opposition to a Muslim prayer centre is one of many in the media that continues to bring to the fore and, somewhat reinforce, our distrust of the other. ISIS and Islam are not synonymous. The particular practices of Muslims set them apart from other Canadians but these practices are not evil or even threatening. I am now meeting with a Muslim family trying to help them adjust to Canada and its language, people and its myriad of religions, customs, strengths and weaknesses. They are people like you and me who are trying to raise a family in peace and security.
We have seen our share of incidents in Canada where we have treated people in shameful ways. We can do better in our country. I suggest watching Malala Yousafzai talk to our Canadian Parliament recently and, perhaps, getting another idea about Muslims and their actions. Gerald M. Grundy Kitchener