Religious Freedom and the Great American Melting Pot

This paper will also explore the supposition that the United States' open arms America's Melting Pot) allows all that seek a better life, entrance, has placed us at risk of terror attacks from those who merely purport to be in the U. S. To gain citizenship, to vacation, or to take advantage of the Great American Dream. When in actuality their plans may be nefarious in nature. There is no question that the United States' open door policy has made this a very diverse nation that holds its freedom in high regard.In many ways it can be said that our cultural, religious and ethnic diversity is what makes us so attractive to the rest of the world. It is also what makes us vulnerable. We know that America has its enemies, and since 9/1 1 the U. S. Has increased its security measures. However, it will be next to impossible to thwart every threat without violating our civil liberties. It is no doubt that societies throughout the world have become more and more interconnected. Applying the soc iological perspective will help us to discover some truths about our common nature, as well as the opportunities and imitations in our lives.It helps us to take a more active role in our society by exposing who we are as a people, which helps us to navigate in this diverse world. The structural-functional approach was not the approach that fit this particular situation. Surely there are many who devote great time and effort to promote solidarity and stability. These same individuals yearning for a society whose complexities work together. I believe that the social-conflict approach is one that has been utilized in many studies examining the social, ethnic and cultural dynamics in this country.It covers many different aspects of inequality, whether it is gender, religious, race, social class, sexual orientation, etc.. As much as we would like to believe that things are changing, we see in everyday fife that things do not really change that much. That there are some people in powerful positions always looking to separate themselves from others that are different under the pretext that they are protecting themselves and what they have from being taken away by those not like themselves. The differences in religious beliefs in America are not new.This Country was founded, first on the principals of religious tolerance and later thanks to James Madison and the framers of our Constitution, religious freedom. If the extent of our conflict was based solely on our differences in religion, a conflict that seems insurmountable at best we would have a better chance at unifying this nation. The first settlers of this new world absent the Native Americans sought freedom from the tyranny of British rule and religious persecution. The subject of religion was still a major issue to many. However there were a great many issues that plagued our new society.These were issues that always seemed to be simmering below the surface. Due to the advent of sociological research, we can se e the wide range of issues and the deep seeded animosity for those who failed to share in the ideals represented by those in positions of power. The idea was to study the cultural differences displayed in a society and to identify the conflicts that exist between the subcultures. This is what we found. There are many varying religions, some with similar interests and beliefs. There was a religious movement coming of age which was birthed in the late asses.By and large Americans value their diversity. Even among certain religious groups which may be what you might call sub-cultures. For instance you have Anglo-Catholic, Latino-Catholic, Mainline Protestant, Black Protestant, Evangelical Protestant, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and many other faiths. Many of these religions are simply alternative interpretations of an existing faith. Some use the differences in their religious beliefs to spark discord in our society. The Christian religion was once, and depending on who you speak to today, a very singular religion.Serving one God who imparted his ultimate law to his people through his prophet Moses. However, Christianity was deemed by Jesus' disciples to be an extension of the Jewish faith. An extension very much rejected by the Jewish community at large. This rejection stemmed from the Pharisees' adamant disbelief that Jesus was the miming Messiah foretold in the Torah. There are many who identify as Christian and are scattered across the country. These Christians are vehemently opposed to the idea that any other race or ethnic group can lay claim to greatness or superiority.In fact they see the Jew as a non- Aryan individual, as an enemy to their cause. They see themselves as members of the lost tribes of Israel. They also see themselves as God's chosen people. They have taken up the charge to rid the world of this evil. The Christian Identity Movement is of the mind that they are at war and it is a war against good and evil. This group is a paramilitary gro up that views the US Government as an evil entity that has been captured and now controlled by the Jews and therefore an enemy.The Christian Identity Movement is a White Supremacist religion that grounds its beliefs in a racist reading of the Holy Bible. Many of them believe that God cannot return until the earth is free of Gods enemies. There is another group which is an offshoot of the Christian Identity Movement called the Pennies Priesthood. A member of the Christian Identity Movement can claim membership in the Pennies Priesthood by omitting a violent act even murder on any non-Aryan enemy. It was typical to choose an interracial couple, all in the name of racial and religious purity.We've established that America is a nation that advocates diversity. America has often advertised its open arms approach to all in the song Your Tired, Your Poor (the Statue of Liberty song); â€Å"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free; the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless to me† (http:// kids. Niches. NIH. Gob/games/songs/patriotic/liberty. HTML). This nation was built on he diversity of its people. That is not to say that there were no instances where the cultures clashed.With the influx of many different ethnic groups with their varying beliefs and customs there was bound to be some friction. In any social structure where there is rapid social change we must expect there to be a period of adjustment. It would appear that we are still adjusting even now. On the surface there is the illusion of diminished conflict, as evidenced by the information gleaned thus far. Some suggest that we are like a volcano waiting to erupt. Because it is not literally correct or socially acceptable to be openly vocal about our negative racial proclivities it is usually hidden behind a veil of smiles or sometimes blank looks.We tend to show our true selves to those who are like minded. One would think that in this day an d age we would have found a way to bridge the gap of racial conflict and move on to the next thing. Perhaps we could tackle gender conflict and religious conflict, let's Just put them all on the table and start talking. The subject matter is far too explosive. I believe that this is why most people operate by utilizing social- exchange analysis when engaging others. They are able to tolerate the individual or individuals if they stand to gain or lose something by the interaction.It is suggested that religion is not nearly as divisive as race, class or politics. This may be true; however, I do not believe it has ever really been addressed as openly as the others. There is definitive proof that the above organizations are gearing up for what they call a holy war. This concept of an American holy war which has been brewing since the American Civil War and the birth of the UK Klux Klan, took on a new dynamic on September 1 1, 2001. Religious extremism is alive and well in the U. S. War in the name of religion is nothing new.It has been a reality since the beginning of time if you believe the creation story. Satan drew first blood by deceiving first Eve then Adam. The conflict surrounding religion has evolved, transformed and fragmented into a battle that's no longer Just about good versus evil but, who the true GOD of this world really is and his message to his people. Again there are several recognized religions, with several gods to accompany them. This battle has definitely spilled over into our communities. It has breached our borders.It was before unheard of to have a foreign national to declare war, and carry out a threat as large as 9/1 1 on American soil. These terrorists were in the United States enrolled as students, learning to fly planes. America has become a target because we have not submitted to Islam, and also because of its support and defense of Israel in its fight against the Palestinians and other Arab Nations. There had been 22 other attacks o n the U. S. Prior to 9/11. There were 22 warnings prior to the most devastating act of war on U. S. Oil ever; – 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis, the Seizure of the US Tehran Embassy, Iran 1983 Bombing of the US Beirut Embassy, Lebanon – 1983 Bombing of US Kuwait Embassy – 1984 Bombing of US Beirut Embassy (again) – 1984 Kuwait Airlines Flight 221 hijacked to Tehran – 1985 Hijacking TWA Flight 847 – 1985 Hijacking cruise ship Achilles Laura – 1986 Bombing Berlin Disco frequented by US servicemen – 1988 Bombing Pan Am Flight 103 over Locker, Scotland – 1983 First Bombing World Trade Center – 1993 Foiled NY Landmarks plot by Omar Abdul Raman – 1993 Attempted Assassination of President Bush Sir. 1993 Black Hawk Down – 1994 Plot to Assassinate President Clinton – 1995 Failed Project Booking by Ram Houses 1995 Bombing of US Military Headquarters, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 1996 Bombing Isobar Towers, Sa udi Arabia – 1998 Bombing US Nairobi Embassy, Kenya, Africa – 1998 Bombing US Dare SE Salaam Embassy, Tanzania, Africa – 1999 Foiled LAX Millennium Plot by Aimed Erases – 2000 Failed US The Sullivan Bombing Port of Aden, Yemen – 2000 Bombing US Cole Port of Aden, Yemen – 2001 9/1 1 Attacks World Trade Center, Flight 93, Pentagon As you can probably imagine there have also been successful terrorist attacks as well as foiled attempts after the attacks of 9/11. As long as we stand on the side of Israel, advocating on its behalf we will be viewed as an enemy of Islam. The question is, are we the better for it? It is my belief that we are. I can only hope that I am not the only one. Since 9/11 we have had to accept some very harsh realities pertaining to our new existence.Our National Security that we had grown to expect and took for granted was not so absolute. 9/1 1 showed the world that there were kinks in our armor. Undoubtedly, our security procedures have changed significantly since. Immediately following the 9/1 1 attack America's borders were completely closed for the first time in recorded history. No planes were allowed in or out of the country. No Ships were allowed to dock. No one allowed to cross the border in or out. With this there was the institution of a new branch of law enforcement called Homeland Security. The US became more aggressive in its efforts to bring those responsible to justice by any means necessary with the institution of the Patriot Act.In an effort to secure our land, we, (American citizens) also became subjects of ongoing investigations, no one could be trusted. The American people were scrutinized, our affiliations with those of Middle Eastern descent questioned. It has also been discovered that our civil liberties have been violated by the US Government by way of unlawful audio surveillance of our home and cell phones and the like. Even with all of the very necessary and questionable cha nges, they may not be enough. What makes us so vulnerable is the likelihood that anyone of our citizens could be the next jihads. We have no way of knowing for sure who might have a reason to declare war on our nation.We have no way of knowing for certain who is living here under false pretenses Just waiting for the authorization to move on a specific target. It is so ere hard to determine because there are those who have been here for years and those still entering the country. It is impossible to know for sure what is in a person's mind. That we cannot detect from a machine in airport security. Not to mention that with the advent of the internet they need not cross our borders at all to communicate with these alleged sleeper cells or sympathizers (The Global War on Terrorism: A Religious War? Http://www. strategicstudiesinstitute. Army. Mil/peddles/PUB. PDF). This is what we do know, we are at war. There is no doubt with whom we are at war or why.I suppose in actuality we are no m ore vulnerable than we have always been. It is Just now the perception that the threat has actually reached us state side was an eye opener. Greater attention to our interior security has been made. It is said that with all of the strides that the U. S. And its global partners have made in capturing Bin Laden and taking down his generals it is still not enough. The analysts speculate that the terror networks are ever expanding. Moreover, as we exert our will around the globe we may be in fact be making new enemies and growing sympathizers to Islamic ideology. It is next to impossible to safeguard against every eventuality especially when you cannot detect every perceived threat.Research has shown that this Jihad or Holy War with Al-Qaeda' has been in effect for more than four decades. So it stands to reason that there may be sleeper cells within our borders placed strategically in our midst waiting to be called upon to carry out some horrific plan of attack. This person may be one o f the most unassuming individuals you will ever meet. You might even call him or her a friend, which is why our defense strategy must be ever changing. Conclusion One thing is for certain, this is a war that we will probably be waging until the end of time. It is assured that our security will get better as our technology gets better. It has been avowed that the United States will do everything in its power to put an end to terrorism.The President declared that our resolve will never wane. Our civil liberties have already been diminished in efforts to detect dissenters. We often hear of new attempts of law makers to challenge constitutional laws which would make it much easier to detect terrorist or illegal activity in general. Most Americans will not bobby against these things if they are perceived to keep them safe. Where the problem lies is anything that weakens our constitutional rights pushes us more and more too police state of being. Will we become prisoners in our own land? Some say that we already are. You can bet that as our security becomes increasing sophisticated so will the enemies' efforts to thwart them.