Why Muslims? Why Now?
The misunderstandings between mainstream Americans and Muslims cause enormous challenges in our society. By enabling people to watch and discuss a film about Muslims, 20,000 Dialogues builds relationships across faiths, even at a time when current events cause tension.
Research Documents Misunderstandings about Muslims
News reports and research studies make Americans’ misunderstandings about Muslims—and the need for dialogue—quite clear:
- One in three Americans has heard prejudiced comments about Muslims. (Pew Forum Survey, 2006)
- 45 % of Americans view Muslims as violent. (Pew Research Center, June 2006)
- 39 % of Americans favor requiring Muslims to carry special ID as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the U.S. (USA Today/Gallup Poll 2006)
Americans’ lack of familiarity with Muslims exacerbates their suspicions or questions about Muslims’ loyalty to the U.S. or their “religious extremism.” In fact, 31% of Americans surveyed by Gallup in 2006 reported that they were not acquainted with a Muslim.
20,000 Dialogues Builds Understanding and Familiarity
The 20,000 Dialogues idea is simple: watch a film and discuss it. The goals of 20,000 Dialogues are clear: build relationships, create a forum for sharing knowledge and opinions, and encourage greater understanding. We hope that dialogue participants will continue discussions on their own and work together to build relationships across faiths, even when people disagree.
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