Religion has become “don’t ask, don’t tell”

May 22, 2009 • written by Maggie Wilken, Staff Writer  
Filed under Feature

        Walking down the halls, simply looking left and right, students of different genders, nationalities and religious beliefs are noticeable.  Due to the taboo against talking about religion in the classroom, sometimes students remain unknowingly ignorant.

        Often times it is the religions that are not necessarily mainstream that are judged the most, which opens the door for prejudices to be formed.

        Mormonism is one of the many misunderstood religions.   Many times Mormonism is associated with polygamy, the practice of plural marriage, and cults by textbooks and even the modern media.

        Junior Courtney Adams, a Mormon, speaks out about the misconceptions when it is brought to her attention.

        “If the history books or other people say something wrong about my religion I’ll say ‘No, that’s not actually true,’ and I try to answer questions as best as I can,” Adams said.

        At the high school, Islamic customs are more noticeable, and some students fail to understand them.  Those who are curious sometimes ask the wrong questions and create awkward situations.

        Sophomore Ridha Pratista, a practicing Muslim, knows exactly the kind of embarrassing questions that are asked.

        “Sometimes I get asked ‘can you kiss a boy?’  Or ‘can you show a boy your hair?’  I tell them that those things are only for my future husband,” Pratista said.  “I try to make them understand.”

        Amina Santur, also a practicing Muslim, experiences the ignorance of those who fail to understand.

        “They don’t know the difference between if I have to or if I choose to, but I want them to learn,” Santur said.

        Hinduism falls under the category of polytheism and sophomore Yadhu Adhikari has been questioned for what he believes.

        “People act like we are different because we have many gods,” Adhikari said.  “Some people say our gods are not good, but we can believe in them if we choose to.”

        Every religion has certain customs they follow and some attract the attention of others.  Whether it is from Muslims praying five times a day, Mormons refraining from alcohol or Catholics abstaining from meat during Lent, a cultural understanding is the goal they try to meet.

        By being a Mormon, Adams does not feel like she’s not getting the full experience out of high school.

        “It’s just me.  I’ve lived like this my whole life,” Adams said.  “I don’t feel like I’m missing anything by not going to parties and drinking.”