It is regrettable that The Daily Collegian's recent article on the cartoon controversy served to perpetuate such damning stereotypes. Just look at the title: "PSU Muslims angry at cartoon violence," Feb. 21. Well, so far so good, you think. But, reading through the piece, there is a peculiarity: There is not one indication that Penn State Muslims are angry at the actual cartoons. Even worse, the riots are called "stupid" and "radical," while the cartoons are subordinated into being merely "uncalled for." The only conclusion one can reach by the end of the article is what is wrong with these hundreds of thousands of (stupid/radical/terrorist) Muslims?

Our wishes and desires are the same as any others': a roof over our heads, food on our plates, peace in the world, freedom from occupation and respect we deserve as humans. The Muslim is neither a theoretical construct nor the evil boogeyman; rather he forms an integral part of the social fabric that is the West.

Let us shelf for good the naive and insulting answer to every query about the source of conflict between Muslims and the West, that they hate our freedom. No, what they hate is being treated like uncivilized sub-humans, unworthy of being accorded the basic rights and dignity accorded any other people.