Muslims, like other large groups, are varied in their backgrounds, ideologies, and opinions.  So why does it seem like they are so often characterized as one homogenous entity?  In fact, it is important to recognize all people as individuals and to act while realizing that our actions affect each other as humans first, and large entities later.  And its time we stood up and said so.  The fear of what could happen if we do needs to be replaced by a fear of what may not happen if we don’t speak up and represent ourselves.  Along with non-Muslims who empathize with the American Muslim experience, its time we took our living room conversations and Islamic Center discussions into the public sphere.