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How to learn the truth about people
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As a Mormon, I’ve had to deal with people attacking my faith since I was old enough to truly understand my religion. I’m not alone, either. Many people have been victims of prejudice. It’s even happened on this campus.
Among the claims that other people have made about us are some which couldn’t be further from the truth. This includes the claim that Mormons are not Christians (we are), and the claim that we oppress women (we do not). Unfortunately, some of the people who make these claims are convinced they’re true.
Whenever I hear someone say something about my religion, especially if what they say isn’t true, my first reaction is to wonder what made them say this. Do they actually believe this stuff? If they do, then how did they come across this information? Did someone tell them this is what we’re like? If so, who? Was it a friend or somebody active in another church? One thing’s for sure: some of these claims are so ridiculous that it’s unlikely their source was an actual Mormon.
It’s bad enough that this is happening to Mormonism, but we really are not the only victims. Ever since 9/11, there have been people who have tried to portray Islam as a violent, hateful religion. I knew, of course, that some Muslims had to be terrorists, but I wasn’t sure this was typical of Islam.
By talking to people I knew to be faithful, practicing Muslims, and also by studying certain passages of the Quran (the Islamic scriptures), I discovered the truth. Mainstream Muslims, it turns out, are not killers. They’re actually quite peaceful.
Still, there’ve been people who have tried to portray “the truth” about Islam. Many of these people claim that Muslims are on a jihad to exterminate “infidels” (non-Muslims). Predictably, none of them are actually Muslims themselves.
This goes beyond Mormons and Muslims. In fact, it goes beyond religious organizations. There are generalizations about all kinds of people. This includes conservatives, liberals, homosexuals, Hispanics, and the French, just to name a few.
My point is that if you want to know the truth about certain people, you should go to the source. If you want to know what Mormons believe, talk to a Mormon. If you want to know the truth about Islam, ask a Muslim. Talk to more than one, if you can. If you’re curious about any group of people, the best you can do is get the facts from the horse’s mouth. Talk to these people. I’m sure they’d be willing to answer any questions you have.
I have one more thing to say. Generalizations often result in prejudice. Prejudice may lead to stereotyping. Stereotyping could lead to hatred. Hate may result in violence. And violence always leads to tragedy.
If you want to know the truth about people, then you should go to the source.
Eric Naylor is a
Boise State student
Eric Naylor
Guest Opinion
