President Obama Speaks about Discrimination, Islam and Unity

Last week, Obama gave a speech every American should read or listen to from beginning to end. While addressing an audience at the University of Cairo, our country’s President spoke frankly to the entire post 9/11 world about the damage discrimination and fear has caused and the harmful affect it has had on growth and advancement in many countries – ours included. While some have criticized his decision to reach out diplomatically rather than continue with aggressive scare tactics, President Obama‘s speech was the first step towards accomplishing more than any antagonistic posturing ever could. I would like to underscore some important points of his speech here.

Discrimination

First of all, he tackled the issue of discrimination. Assumptions have been made about who the people of Islam are and many have failed to recognize the difference between threatening extremists and entire populations of peaceful citizens who have grown weary and angry at being slated as the enemy. And vice versa, citizens in the Middle East have made inaccurate assumptions about our country as well.

“So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity.  And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.”*

Discrimination has come from years of fear, abuse of power, and misunderstanding. President Obama’s message here is a critical step towards diffusing hate and destructive assumptions about one another.

Islam and Peace

President Obama also made a point to remind those that Islam is a peaceful faith.

“The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as — it is as if he has killed all mankind. And the Holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind.  The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism — it is an important part of promoting peace. “

While establishing to the people of Islam that he recognizes and respects their faith, he has also educated the rest of the world about the Koran and its teachings. It was an important reminder to every listener that all of our faiths are based in peaceful teachings – teachings we should pay more attention to after our recent history of war, discrimination and fear.

Out of Many, One

Another refreshing position taken by Obama was his clear statement that, while our differences recently have slated one against the other, all nations must depend on one another to move forward productively. Whether it is our country’s prejudiced and angry sentiments towards the Middle East (and vice versa) or the centuries of anger between the Israeli and Palestinian people, fear and hate has been devastating to each of the countries involved. We can only gain by working positively together. There should be no more “us” against “them”.

“Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail.”
“We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept:  E pluribus Unum – ‘Out of many, one.’”

Democracy and Power

Obama also discussed his position on democracy. There is certainly an assumption by many nations that the United States tries to promote and push our system of government on the developing world. He addressed this by saying:

“No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.
But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things:  the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose.  These are not just American ideas; they are human rights.  And that is why we will support them everywhere. “

He also went on to say very clearly that power should never overrule or corrupt a nation and “You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion… you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party.” I couldn’t help but feel that he was speaking to his own country – and its previous administration – as much as every other nation watching.

The President went on to speak about many other important points such as women’s rights (I could probably write an entire post about the importance of that point), nuclear proliferation and the misuse of torture. It was truly a groundbreaking speech simply by how much was openly recognized – rather than ignored.

That being said, one speech encouraging peace and unity will not put an end to two wars, solve all of international issues or diffuse the hate that has built between numerous countries over recent decades. But it is an important start. Because, for the first time, our country represented itself not only as strong nation – but a respectful one.  And if we are able to establish a certain confidence as a world leader who promotes understanding, unity and regard of others, we are more apt to work towards every nation’s common goal for peace. Now please consider reading the entire speech yourself. And while you do so, think carefully about the concept our nation was built on: “E pluribus Unum – Out of many, one.”

(*Every quote was taken from the President’s speech found here.)

Cross posted at Type A Moms.