AMERICAN FREEDOM

“…One nation under God, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All”.

As a first generation American Muslim, as a mother of an Eagle Scout (and one in the wings), as a woman and as a child of immigrant parents, I revel in these words. These words brought my parents from India looking for the American Dream. A dream of opportunity in a country where if you work hard, you can be successful. A dream of practicing your faith without persecution. A dream for a better future for you and future generations. A dream of justice no matter what you looked like, no matter what your religion is no matter your name origin.

For the last 50 years, my family has done just that. They have worked hard, contributed to the communities and have attained many goals that would not have been reached in other countries. The second generation is now entering adulthood—living the American Dream-we hope.

From our history books, we know that some Americans have not been able to fully participate in America’s Freedom. Different minorities e.g., American Indians, African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Jewish Americans over the course of time have experienced injustice in bias, bigotry and racism. To me, I feel the American Muslim community’s freedom is being targeted.

     Should the 7 million American Muslims be targeted because the terrorists who attacked our land used the name of religion in committing these horrendous acts? Since then, numerous hate crimes are being reported, properties destroyed, lives taken, and name-calling is rampant. I’ve noticed that it isn’t fashionable to criticized some of our government’s current actions. Twice, people have suggested that if I didn’t like it to go back to my country. My country? Excuse me, this is my country.

    Does the current situation and the new FBI regulations have me concerned? Am I worry about my freedom? My answer to both questions is yes, but I do have hope and an awareness that there are many Americans who take pride when we put our hand over heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, “…One nation under God, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All”.

About the Author: Mahnaz Shabbir lives in Stilwell, Kansas.   She is a first generation American Muslim Woman. Her parents immigrated to the United States in the 1950s from India. She was born in Philadelphia and has lived in the Kansas City area for the last 21 years.  She is married and the mother of four boys-second generation Americans.  She is the Vice President for Strategic Planning and Business Development at Carondelet Health, a Catholic health care system in Kansas City, Missouri. Her article, “ I am an American Muslim Woman” has appeared in The Kansas City Star.