MPR News - What should be done to build trust between Muslims and non-Muslims?

Muslims in America still face some fear and mistrust. A July 2006 Gallup poll showed that 39 percent of Americans feel at least some prejudice toward Muslims.

To address this, Muslims in Rochester have begun a series of cross-cultural discussions to bridge the divide with non-Muslims.

In your experience, what will it take to dispel mistrust and misunderstanding of Muslims? Are conversations enough? How much responsibility should the Muslim community bear in this effort?

MPR News wants your help exploring these questions. Share your insights by clicking right here and filling out this brief survey.

The Islamic Center in Rochester recently began holding monthly meetings with Muslims. No question is off limits. Political correctness isn't required.

These discussions are especially timely for Rochester. The number of Muslims there (many of whom are Somali) is growing. But distrust of Muslims isn't a problem for Rochester alone - most other communities with a large Muslim population face the same issues.

What, specifically, can Muslims do to help others understand their culture and beliefs? How much of that responsibility resides with you?

Please click here to help us understand the context for dialogues like those in Rochester.

If you know of someone who can help MPR News understand this story, please pass this note to them.

Thank you for your insights

Michael Caputo
Analyst, Public Insight Journalism
MPR News
(651) 290-1081
mcaputo@mpr.org