Symbols of Multiculturalism: Pork, Mosques, and Fear

Last month, journalist Daniel Denvir wrote a thoughtful analysis of the city of Dearborn, Michigan as a symbol of multiculturalism, a place where Arabs and Muslims have found acceptance; where different cultural traditions share the same space; and where, through entrepreneurship, Arab-Americans have revitalized decaying parts of the city. As a response to those extremists whose celebrity was built on the myth that Dearborn is under Sharia law, his article is a priceless rebuke: "The neon signage on the enormous buildings housing the Pantheon Club and BT's Executive Club [strip clubs] are among the city's most conspicuous landmarks....Then there's the matter of the Dearborn Sausage Company, churning out its famous pork products across the street from a Southend mosque".

Dearborn’s image as a multicultural city is a point of pride for many of its residents. Yet, for others, that multiculturalism feels like an encroachment, not a gift. Like most residents, I have come to understand the coded, and not-so-coded, language of neighbors who prefer to insulate from, rather than associate with, Arab-Americans and Muslims. They won’t visit the neighborhood park or swim at the local pool; some want to relocate to cities that symbolize white homogeneity. For these residents, cultural differences mean values differences. As it stands, extremists, the Debbie Schlussels and Terry Joneses of the world, are the only ones reflecting these fears, so it is their self-affirming vitriol that stands-in for thoughtful discourse (Denvir).

But, thoughtful discourse isn't really what we need—yet—talking only works if someone opens the proverbial door. What we need right now is to get people opening their doors. So, those who embrace multiculturalism will need to reach out to those who do not. Not in a formal, I-love-multiculturalism button-wearing kind of way. No, this is an organic process. It’s asking that friend to dine in East Dearborn, to visit the Arab American National Museum, to cycle around Levagood Park, or to tour the city’s Art in Public Spaces. It's taking the opportunity and accepting the invitation. This is how residents re-engage with their city; this is how we grow a sense of belonging and association and develop an appreciation for the contributions of all residents. This is how our city becomes more than a symbol of multiculturalism. It becomes a model for multiculturalism.  

Sources:

“About Debbie.” Debbie Schlussel. Debbie Schlussel, n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. http://www.debbieschlussel.com/bio/

Denvir, Daniel. “Dearborn: Where Americans Come to Hate Muslims.” The Atlantic Cities. The AtlanticCities, 25 Sept. 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. http://www.theatlanticcities.com/neighborhoods/2012/09/dearborn-where-americans-come-hate-muslims/3360/

Warikoo, Niraj. “Quran-Burning Florida Pastor Terry Jones Speaks Near a Dearborn High School about What He Says Is Bullying by Muslim Students.” Detroit Free Press. Detroit Free Press, 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. http://www.freep.com/article/20121011/NEWS02/310110180/Quran-burning-Florida-pastor-Terry-Jones-speaks-near-a-Dearborn-high-school-about-what-he-says-is-bullying-by-Muslim-students