I there are two important factors which determine the influence of a group in public affairs: 1) how large the group is, and 2) how well organized and publically active the group is. This is true for any group - not just Muslims.
In places where there is a large and well organized Muslim community (like Chicago, for example), Muslim probably have an impact on public affairs. In my city, where the Muslim community is smaller and not as well organized, they probably have a much smaller impact on public affairs.
Even if the whole Muslim community isn't active or well represented, I think individual Muslim-Americans vote, work in political campaigns, community projects, at universities or in the media and in this way they certainly have some impact on community and public affairs.
Fareed Zakaria, the CNN correspondant, is a good example of a Muslim who is well know and has had an influence on public affairs.
I agree with Alison about the factors of influence on public affairs and would add that Muslims in America are generally more politically active than Muslims in many European countries and therefore have relatively more influence. There are currently 2 Muslims in congress Keith Ellison (Minnesota) and Andre Carson (Indiana).
Hello Manal,
ReplyDeleteI there are two important factors which determine the influence of a group in public affairs: 1) how large the group is, and 2) how well organized and publically active the group is. This is true for any group - not just Muslims.
In places where there is a large and well organized Muslim community (like Chicago, for example), Muslim probably have an impact on public affairs. In my city, where the Muslim community is smaller and not as well organized, they probably have a much smaller impact on public affairs.
Even if the whole Muslim community isn't active or well represented, I think individual Muslim-Americans vote, work in political campaigns, community projects, at universities or in the media and in this way they certainly have some impact on community and public affairs.
Fareed Zakaria, the CNN correspondant, is a good example of a Muslim who is well know and has had an influence on public affairs.
Alison
Rwanda
I agree with Alison about the factors of influence on public affairs and would add that Muslims in America are generally more politically active than Muslims in many European countries and therefore have relatively more influence.
ReplyDeleteThere are currently 2 Muslims in congress Keith Ellison (Minnesota) and Andre Carson (Indiana).