Rajan Zed, "Jews & Buddhists join upset Hindus in asking apology from Kentucky politician," Gant Daily, 11/4/11

"I hope their eyes are opened and they receive Jesus Christ as their personal savior," a Kentucky politician says as he degrades the Hindu religion. This and other quotes are presented in this article, as Zed discusses the broadening response to this intolerance. Although a direct slam at some Hindu practices, this politician is being pressured not only from Hindus but from Jews and Buddhists alike for a public apology. I think there is more to be said about the content of this news article than the tone with which the author discusses the events. Many American's may tentatively condemn this politician's ideology. Even more would categorize this situation, or this politician's intolerance, as a lone standing event. But upon deep contemplation of the typical American attitude you'll find deeply engrained prejudices against any religion seen as 'different' or 'foreign.' As presented in adherents.com, it is estimated that 33% of the world's population are Christian while 16% are Hindu. The way I see it this translates quickly to a sad image: randomly gather 100 world citizens and 33 of them, terrorized by ignorance, huddle in the corner whispering hopes at the rest that they 'receive Jesus Christ as their personal savior.' Parallel to the situation with the Kentucky politician, the remaining religions band together cohesively. While it may be with good intentions, our ignorant viewpoint will yield no good benefits. As this ignorance breeds segregation and intolerance, even discussions like Zed's open-minded examination of this situation are not enough to combat the deep prejudices.