This conversation depicts a dialogue between a father and his son discussing the father's negative views and prejudices against Muslims. The son challenges his father's stereotypes by providing examples of positive experiences with Muslim friends and questioning the validity of the father's beliefs. The conversation touches on topics such as stereotypes, cultural and religious misunderstandings, and the importance of open-mindedness.

S: Daddy, why do you hate Muslims?
F: Because they want to impose Shariah law in America and change our Constitutions.
S: But there are only 3 Muslims currently serving in US Congress. That's impossible!
F: Since when you are that smart, son?
S: Well, I learned this at school.

F: I also do not like Moozlims because they can't be trusted or patriotic Americans.
S: That is odd! My Muslim classmate, Bilal, told the class that his older brother had served in the US Army and that his father was a retired US veteran.

F: Well son, these people are slick. They only do it to get a green card, citizenship, and free education.
S: Not so daddy, I remember my friend Bilal telling me the first time we met, that after his father graduated from college and became a citizen, he chose to enlist in our military.

F: Which side are you on, sweetheart? You seem to be spending a lot of time with your Moozlim buddy.
S: Dad, do you mean Muslim?

F: Listen, son: I never told you that. The reason I did not serve in the military was because I was the only son in my family. If something had happened to me, you would not have been born and our family would be extinct over time. That is why your mom always called me lucky.

S: That is not what I heard! Mom told me that you were lucky because her best friend Jeffery died in a car accident.

Fr: Don’t be a smarty pants son! Besides your mom likes to make up stories.
S: OK, daddy. Anything you say.

F: Hey, you keep it up like that cookie, and you will not be visiting your Moozlim buddy anymore.

Son: Daddy, have you heard about the man who shortly after 9/11 terrorist attacks drove his car into the front door of a Cleveland Mosque while driving 80-90 mph? That was stupid and illegal too!

F: Yes! He got his both legs broken and also got 5 years in jail.

S: Like you always told me dad, violence is not the answer. There is always a better way.

S: What else you don’t like about Muslims, dad?
F: They have a different god than us and they also worship a rock.

S: Daddy, when Muslims worship, they do face toward the Kabbah [what you call a rock]. Besides, don’t Jews worship at the Wailing Wall? You never told me that they worship rocks or bricks. Did you know that Jews and Christians living in Arabia use
the Arabic phrase “Allah”?

F: I don’t like Arabic either.
S: Do you mean Arabs?

F: Whatever! After all, those Moozlims are terrorists who like to kill Americans and Jews. That is what they are, son!

S: So, what happens when Christians or the Jews kill Muslims? Are we or the Jews are referred as “terrorists” also?

F: No son! We kill them first before they come over here to kill us. That is called acting smart. Take them by surprise.

S: Just like the 19 hijackers did to us on 9/11?
F: Now you get the picture.

S: Would you have married mom if she was a Muslim?
F: As a man I would have to be a Muslim or convert to Islam first. Besides, that wouldn't set well with grandpa, and grandma.

S: Daddy, have you ever met a Muslim before?
F: No son! They are strange. They never to go to our local bar for a beer.
S: Me and Bilal are good friends, even though he does not eat pork like us.

F: I think it is your bedtime. Good night, son!
S: Good night, daddy. I am happy we got to talk!

About the author

Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired USAF veteran. He could be reached at: [email protected]