Looking back to the days after the March 15 attacks, it seems our country was changed forever. There was self-reflection, an inner resolve. It seemed, for a too-brief moment in time, that we would come together to push back on the hate we had witnessed. People wondered how this could happen here, and what we might do to make sure that it never happened again.
-Anjum Rahman
Today we remember the painful events of 15 March 2019, when 51 people were brutally murdered in Christchurch while peacefully practicing their faith.
Three years on A lot has changed but not enough - I strongly encourage you to read this thoughtful piece by Anjum Rahman which explains the need for more action.
We don’t need any more empty platitudes of sorrow on this anniversary. We need firm action and strong resolve. Across the board.
The following is a short list of practical suggestions that we can all consider, originally posted by Muzhgan Samarqandi on Twitter (link to original thread here)
Islamophobia exists & it kills. Everyone must tackle it. We owe it to the 51 shuhada of Christchurch. There are simple things you can do. Make choices about what you watch, the language you use, & the assumptions you rely on. My suggestions as a Muslim in Aotearoa NZ.
Stop watching TV & film that portrays Muslim men as terrorists or misogynists, & Muslim women as mindless accomplices or helpless victims. If you’re surprised how much content this cuts out & need a recommendation, watch ‘We Are Lady Parts’. Seriously brilliant & refreshing.
Stop referring to terrorists as ‘Muslim terrorists’. There is nothing Muslim about an act of terror, or a person who commits it. In fact, the majority of VICTIMS of terrorism are Muslim (up to 97%). We don’t need to be victims of Islamophobia on top of this.
Stop making assumptions about why people dress the way they do, or how they should look. Many women choose to wear a hijab or headscarf as an expression of their faith & culture & find it empowering to do so. EVERYONE should be accepted & celebrated for who they are.
Stop telling Muslim (& other) immigrants & refugees they are lucky to be here, & stop suggesting it must have been awful where they come from. Instead, welcome them, ask about their experience here & be open to who they are. Maybe you will find you are lucky to have them.
Start saying salaam as a greeting (but not instead of te reo, can’t have enough of that). Salaam literally means peace. Language is a window into culture, & solidarity of language builds connection & understanding. Islam is about peace. Our task is to build it together.