A social experiment conducted by a youth entertainment channel has proved that Muslims are not viewed with suspicion in Mumbai.
Mumbai : Following the acts of some harebrained lunatics in the name of holy war, every Muslim man wearing a skull cap and beard is looked upon with suspicion these days. However, a social experiment conducted by a youth entertainment Youtube channel has proved otherwise.
Shot at Chowpatty, the video shows a blindfolded ‘Muslim’ man asking people walking past him for a hug. The actor was holding his hands wide open and had placed a placard besides him that read “I’m a Muslim and I trust you. Do you trust me? Enough for a hug.”
Though giving a casual, harmless hug is considered okay in the West, hugging a complete stranger is still a big deal here in India. Initially, people appeared a bit hesitant, maybe because of his attire. But soon a Mumbaikar came forward and hugged the actor following which even others followed suit. Even women were seen hugging and shaking hands with the ‘Muslim’ man.
Damning those who create rifts between communities for their personal gains, Pankaj Sodhi, a Mumbaikar, said, “Some of my best friends in school, college and now at work place are Muslims. I trust them not because they are my friends, but because they are worth it. This Islamophobia needs to stop. One can’t hate the entire community for the wrongdoings of some.”
Likewise Vitthal Bharadwaj, another Mumbaikar said, “Hatred and mistrust comes from ignorance. I am sure that people who fear Muslims are the ones who haven’t known one. I do not make friends based on their religious beliefs and do not filter my colleagues based on which God they pray to. I am glad to be friends with and know some amazing people who are Muslims. They get as upset and angry as I when someone innocent is killed anywhere in the world. That knowledge helps me understand the difference between a Muslim and a terrorist.”
With about one lakh views in less than 48 hours, those who sell hatred in the city may have got the message. If not, they seriously need a warm hug!
Source: iDiOTUBE
