APUSH Gang,
We're going to be studying and analyzing the Constitution this week, and one thing that is important when analyzing a topic as all-encompassing and relevant as the supreme law of this land is this: what can you do with it?
First, read and explore this website: www.usconstitution.net/constquick.html. This is a quick summary of the Constitution, what the different articles say, and all of the amendments that have been made to it. Pay particular attention to what the authors of this website have to say about religion...just click on the hyperlink in the section for the 1st Amendment.
Next, read the article found at this website:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/flunkingsainthood/2010/09/before-you-attend-jon-stewarts-rally-read-this-from-james-calvin-davis.html?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=11&ppc=&utm_campaign=Bible&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_term=yahoo.com
Now, answer these question (a blog comment is fine): 1.) "Do you agree, or disagree, that the traits of civility and tolerance are needed in the post-9/11 world, or did 9/11 change that?" 2.) "What do you think the Founding Fathers would say about today's Ground Zero mosque controversy and potential Quran burnings?"
After you've done that, make sure you listen to the podcast at this link: http://college.cengage.com/history/lecturepoints/part01_lecture07/part01_lecture07.html
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15 comments:
1) I agree that the traits of civility and tolerance are needed in the post 9/11 world. Civility and tolerance are important traits, especially now, because they can prevent us from making mistakes like stereotyping and discriminating against people just because they are of the same religion as those who attacked the World Trade Center on September 11.
2) I think that the Founding Fathers would not agree with the mosque being built because many cared very little about religious freedom except for religious freedom for Protestants. Many didn’t even like Catholics and they believed almost the same exact thing, they would probably have no toleration for those who believed in something completely different. I do think that they would agree with the Quran burnings though.
Lauren Spychalsky
1. I agree that civility and tolerance should be present in our world today. However, I do not believe everybody needs to automatically be tolerant of every religion or the world will be in chaos. History proves the conflicts are not permanent. Because of 9/11, Muslims have all been stereotyped as terrorists. In colonial times, Catholics were in the same position, hated by the majority of people. Today, however, most people do not view Catholics as monsters, but rather see them as another religion. The same thing will happen with Muslims. Everybody will not agree with it, but rather respect it in time.
2. The Founding Fathers would probably have a negative reaction to the Ground Zero mosque construction. The majority of the Founding Fathers were Christian and look how most Christians are responding today. As for the potential Quran burnings, only the radical ones would support it, similar to today. Outright disrespect to another religion would be against their beliefs.
1)The attacks on September 11th, 2001 in no way lessened the need for civility and tolerance in our nation. I understand, however, why some people might think differently. When something as tragic as a terrorist attack occurs, it is common for people to make accusations about the cause, even if it means discriminating against our own people. Many people saw the attacks as America being personally victimized by the Islamic religion. Unfortunately, many people can't see the difference between a nationality and a religion. Or even worse, people can't see the difference between a terrorist group and a religion. The need for tolerance was greatened by this happening due to the fact that Muslim citizens were, and are still, criticized for their beliefs. There is a larger than ever need in America for a realization that simply because someone is of a religion other than yours, it doesn’t mean that they are evil. I am most definitely not saying that these attacks were a blessing, THEY CERTAINLY WERE NOT, but it does seem that in the long run, potential good may arise from such a horrid time. If we work hard to unite these States, religious tolerance (and tolerance of all kind for that matter) may finally become a core belief in America, and our Constitutional right of religious freedom will not be questioned even for our smallest minorities.
2)I think that if the founding fathers could see us today, as odd as it must sound, they would be proud. They left the Constitution rather vague, and this because they wanted their descendants to interpret it based on the wants and needs of the public. I believe they knew that our values would change through time, and this way our laws could change based on the current social norms. This is an area in which America has prospered. We have a tremendous Judicial branch of government in my opinion. That being said, I also think that while our Founding Fathers would be proud of our new interpretations, they would want us to do this in a way that wouldn’t discriminate against anyone’s beliefs, or make any philosophy superior to another. If we had a better reason for opposing the mosque besides “Those Muslims are all terrorists!!”, I’m sure they’d think it quite reasonable to protest. Unfortunately, the intelligence of our Founding Fathers seems to be nonexistent in some Americans today, at least in the category of toleration.
annette riddle
1.
The atrocity of 9/11 has permanently changed the attitudes of modern day Americans. It has stirred up a beehive of uncertainty, distrust and hatred both for the people who were directly affect by this atrocity, and by extension all Americans. No longer can we be the bastion of tolerance and acceptance that America once was...no longer can we be civil. It has created an attitude of skepticism against anyone who looks “un-american”. People who look like they may come from the middle east are automatically racially profiled now and are looked at as different and potentially dangerous. Our country is now engaged in an unofficial war on terror against a radical nebulous culture that calls us infidels. Until the fringe members of this culture are curtailed, it will be difficult for any American to not be on “red alert” as to potential hazards that might occur if we let our guard down. We can no longer be the civil, trusting culture we once were. We have been changed for the moment and possibly forever...
2.
If the founding fathers were alive today I think that they would be appalled by all that is going on. Since most of them were Protestants, and hated Catholics and barely tolerated Quakers and Jews, I think that they would despise the Muslims. Muslim’s call their god Allah and their religion is completely different, strange and foreign to traditional Christians. Given this fact coupled with the new attitude since the 9/11 bombing, I think that they would be morally opposed to a mosque being built near Ground Zero in New York. As far as the burning of the Quran goes, I don’t think that this would bother the founding fathers. Since they would not tolerate the Moslem faith, it is dubious that they Muslim holy book would have any religious significance to them. However, if an attempt was made to burn the Old and/or the New Testament, they would protest vehemently.
1) I believe that civility and tolerance are still needed post-9/11, especially. A few, of millions, of Muslims attacked our country and some people are always going to be mad but others also need to learn to not stereotype and move on because they wouldn't want something like that to happen to their religion.
2)I believe that the Founding Fathers would be opposed to the building of the Mosque, morally, because even thought it was a decimal percentage of Muslims that particiapted, it still caused so much grief and pain. However, I believe they would have no problem with the Quran burnings.
Rachel, why do you think the Founding Fathers "would have no problem with the Quran burnings"? I'm not aware that book-burnings were popular events in the 1700s.
1. I do believe that in this post 9/11 era civility and tolerance is not a popular commodity. We insult those who are a different color and ostracize those of a different religion. Obama is getting hate for being rumored to be a Muslim. I do not admit nor deny that rumor but i can say that religion should not be a factor in determining presidency. Since he is also African American(Afr Ams.) he is subject to the racial slurs and insults that have plagued Afr Ams. since the time of slavery. Some might say that we should be less tolerant to others after 9/11 because we don't want a repeat performance but i say that this should not affect our civility and tolerance today. In the post-9/11 era there will always be a flight attendant antsy that a Pakistani is getting onto a plane and a nerd walking down a dark alley whose heart starts racing when he sees a black guy and even a inbred redneck that condones the Mosque near ground zero but these are all human emotions that can never be taken away no matter how hard someone tries. Being more tolerant is what america needs.
2. As stated in the article the issue over Muslims now is a lot like the issue over catholics in the 1700's. If someone heard that you were of that religion they would treat you like an outcast, or worse, try to convert you to their "right" path. Religion has always been a deciding factor in America in both politics and everyday life. If the Founding Fathers had heard that a Catholic Bible Burning was being held the may had very well joined in they event. Substitute Catholic Bible for Quran and you transcend 300 years to today where history is almost nearly repeating itself. I'm sure that if the Founding Fathers during the writing of the constitution heard of this going on they would sweep it under the rug just like the issue of slavery ignoring it until it becomes an issue. Noone can really say how they would fell because being part of the Islamic faith wasn't a big issue as it is today so they would probably had not cared either way.
1.)
Civility and tolerance are most certainly needed in our society. No matter the circumstance, people should try to understand and accept the differing views of others. If more people actually did research about a certain controversial issue, and tried seeing another person’s point of view, we would have a more intelligent and understanding nation. Sadly though, 9/11 has hardened people’s hearts and clouded their understanding. Many people nowadays throw all Muslims into the terrorist category. As a nation, we should come together and realize that our Muslim American brothers are not terrorists…they are simply people who deserve the same amount of respect and tolerance as any other religious group.
2.)
I think back then, it would’ve have been much more accepted by society. Therefore the founding fathers probably wouldn’t have been very opposed to it either. If the founding fathers would have demanded tolerance for the religious group of ‘terrorists’ (as people label them) many of the historical political figures would be removed from government positions for being ‘unchristian’, ‘satanic’, or ‘Muslim-loving.’ After all, Thomas Jefferson was accused of being an atheist during a campaign, and this shook his political stature. Why would any of the founding fathers even take the chance of losing their political status? Especially with something they are not hardly passionate about? I argue that they wouldn’t; they wouldn’t even attempt to suggest tolerance. I think they would either ignore the situation all together, or support the Quran burnings and use the hatred of Muslims as a political tactic.
1)When it comes to the events of 9/11, I do believe that we need to have civilty and tolerance. Yes Muslims did destroy things of great meaning to use and killed A LOT of people. But that wasn't all Muslims. There is a lot of different groups when if comes to the Muslim religion, just like there are a lot of different types of Christians. So when it all comes down to it only a fraction of the Muslim population are the ones that are terroist and want to kill the Americans. Which means when we sterotype and discrimate people for having a different religion it is making everyone look bad, and accusing the wrong people in the matter. So it's only right to be tolerant and civil. It's the respect you'd like if another group of your religion pulled a dumb move.
2) I do believe that the Founding Fathers would have a problem with the building of the mosque. Even though in the bill of rights, they have the right to build thir mosque there. But back in the day the Founding Fathers would have been pretty upset and saw this as a monsterious act. Just like they say Catholics and people with other religions. But then I also agree a little with Annette that they would be proud because they left it open for people to have their own view. My view would be that out of respect, after everything that happens, you would not believe a mosque so close to a place that was destroyed by your religion. Unless your asking for trouble, then go for it, all the power to you. I'm really not sure what the Founding Fathers would think about burning the Quran. Like Mr. Fields said they really didn't do book burning. They eventaully go into burning "witches", but not books. If I would have to take an good educated guess, I would say that they really wouldn't care. Some of them might be for it because there distaste for any other religion but their own. But others just might see it as another act of people being dumb and doing stupid things. So they just wouldn't have any part of it.
1.) No matter the era, civility and tolerance are always needed because without such traits, the world would likely fall into endless anarchy and war. Quite frankly, it is in such times like these (the post years of an event) that civility and tolerance are most needed if for no other reason than it reminds people that we are HUMAN and should behave as such. I believe that the only thing 9/11 changed was our ability to have truly open arms and minds for we now seem to be way more cautious, wary, and suspicious. However, we should treat these recent developments in American character with the utmost civility and tolerance because the people responsible for the 9/11 attack did it in the name of their faith, can we honestly say that we have not committed similar atrocities in the name of our own country and faith? Either way, it is the universal understanding, civility, and tolerance toward the idea that every society acts for the benefit of their country, their people, and their beliefs that allows for the world to maintain any semblance of peace.
As far as the mosque goes, I will say that civility and tolerance here needs to be a two way street. Since the 9/11 attack, we have not made any attempts to restrict Muslim citizenship or practices within this country and have still openly accepted them; this takes a lot of respect, civility, and tolerance. So should the Muslims not show similar respect, civility, and tolerance to/for us and accept that building a mosque near such a sight is not the best moral or ethical thing to do? I mean yes, they have the right to build this mosque but in the argument of civility, they should not build it there. So no, the 9/11 attack has not changed the need for civility and tolerance, rather it has increased the need for it from ALL parties involved.
2.) I do not believe that the Founding Fathers would condemn Quran burnings or condone the Ground Zero Mosque because their only interests were in their wealth and the forming of a united people with a strong central government. As far as religious tolerance goes, they really didn’t have any for those who were not of the protestant faith so why would they allow such a “desecration” of American grounds and protestant beliefs? In their time, they barely stomached Catholics (who had somewhat similar beliefs), Quakers, and Jews, so how would they respond to a group of people who don’t believe anywhere near what they do and who attacked Americans on American soil and are now trying to build a mosque near it? Out of moral and religious principal, I don’t think they would and there currently isn’t any political, religious, military, economic, or other serious factor that they need to worry about so there is nothing to persuade them to temporarily look the other way for a greater benefit.
1) I believe that civility and tolerance are needed in the post-9/11 world, because these two traits are ones that should always be sought and obtained by any nation. When the U.S Constitution was drafted several segments were designed for tolerance within the United States, although the tolerance then was different from tolerance today, the principle seemed to evolve with the time period. Also tolerance and civility are needed to help remove the common ignorance amoung people when it comes to the subject of the World Trade Center attacks, many people believe that all Muslims/ Middle-Easterns plotted unanimously to attack the United States. Yet if you were to look at who really DID attack the U.S, it was only a small portion of several thousand compared to the overal population of the Islamic community (which ranges in the millions.)
2)Well I'm not sure about the individual opinions of the Founding Fathers, although some were quite straight forward with their personal beliefs and opinions. Thomas Jefferson for example probably would have been against the burning of the Quran, for he seemed to be against intolerance and strived for civil unity; as for the other Founding Fathers it would involve more investigating to guess what there opinions would be.
1.) I think that people need to have civility and tolerance still after 9/11. Not all of the Muslims were participating in the attacks on 9/11, so they should not be discriminated against for being that religion. People need to learn how to separate church and personal affairs to fix this problem, it was not because the people of al Qaeda were Muslim and in they are acting on religious reasons. They are acting on personal reasons.
2.)I do not know what they would think, some of them might not like it while other people might accept it. The Founding Fathers are no better then our own politicians, they both basically want the same thing money and wealth. I think that there would be strong debates over it though.
-Tessa Jones
1)I believe traits of civility and tolerance are needed because they keep us from coming to quick conclusions (most of the time), and prevent false information or accusations toward any other country. We need these for that fact to keep us from judging off the bat. Yes, we were attacked by some Muslims but this doesn’t mean that every living and breathing Muslim on the earth is out to get us. Tolerance and traits of civility are good trait to keep in mind to further understand and make more logical decisions then deciding on impulse.
2)The Founding Fathers would probably have no favor to the Muslim people and in fact might find their religion ridiculous and illogical. What they believe would clash what the Founding Fathers believe therefore they would have no tolerance to the Muslim people. Then concerning the burning of the Quran, they may allow such actions since they would as well have no favor towards the Muslims therefore they would see no problem.
1. When was civility and tolerance ever a big thing in America? Whites still think they rule America, Blacks still appear intimidating, and Muslims will continually be grouped up for the attacks on 9/11. The incident of 9/11 didn't change anyone's perception of tolerance and civility; it only added fuel to the irrational debates that have been going on for years and years, concerning stupid unimportant things. Yeah, ok, so a small group of people ran into our tower, so OBVIOUSLY that means we have to go declare war on ALL MUSLIMS, right? I mean, that's why people hate Bush so much, amongst other things in my opinion. Americans have no respect for others who aren't like them and that's the reason we're falling apart so quickly.So yeah, we need civility and tolerance because we never had them to begin with, they were just loose ideas thrown into the air during Constitutional times that made America SEEM like a better place to be. Sorry to say, but chivalry died a LONG time ago.
2. To be honest, it would really depend on how the fathers individually viewed Muslims and their cultural beliefs. Before I get agitated, the building is NOT A MOSQUE. It is a COMMUNITY CENTER! There is a HUGE difference. Anyways, it would depend on whose in office at the time and what their views are. Jefferson would have been against it, 1 because he was against intolerance and 2 because he loved books :P <-- Bad arguement XD!
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