Build the Cordoba Centre

I recently read an article about a proposed mosque or Islam centre (Cordoba Centre) to be built at ground zero in New York. There is considerable opposition to this centre, mostly centering on a "don't-let-the-terrorists-win" argument. While ensuring that we do not send out signals or symbols that would show the superiority of terrorists, opposition to the Cordoba centre is misguided and will more than likely backfire.

First, there are the extremists. While building a mosque is likely going to give them some fuel for a "we won" argument, denying permission to build the mosque has far graver consequences. It would fuel the idea that western countries are intolerant of Islam and thus those citizens are a collection of infidels that justify a jihad. In other words, it would exacerbate an existing problem. Building the mosque, on the other hand, would not work to the extremist advantage. While extremists certainly would gloat about having a symbol of Islam at ground zero, the very same symbol would also serve to highlight that there are Muslims who are genuinely devastated at 11 September attacks, thus bringing the contrast between the extremists and mainstream Islam to the spotlight. Highlighting the fact that extremists do not speak for the vast majority of Muslims would reinforce the image that mainstream Muslims are peace-loving, respecting individuals much like the rest of us. The more the mainstream image is promoted, the worse the extremists look and the more isolated they become. Thus, any positive effect that an Islam symbol would have on promoting the jihad movement is completely destroyed by the negative effect of isolation.

The second reason why we should build the mosques are our values as a democratic society. Freedom of religion allows for mainstream religions to exercise their faith so as long as there is no hate speech. The people behind this centre are attempting to promote interfaith understanding and respect, so it would be extremely improper for us to group them in with a handful of extremists just because they belong to the same religious umbrella. If a Christian centre or a Jewish centre were built, this controversy would not exist, so the pleas for respect for the 11 Sept. victims' families is the result of stereotyping. These pleas should not be heeded. The Cordoba Centre is not an attack on the victims, the US government, or Western society as a whole; it is a religious centre and should be free to exercise its freedom of religion.

Having a mosque at ground zero does not wave a white flag; it emphasizes our tolerance of different religions and opinions and highlights the ideals of our democracy. If anything, the Cordoba centre would be a beacon.