For most of this decade Muslims have been under the spotlight.

The beliefs, customs and rituals of Islam have been put on display since 9/11. From hijabs in soccer matches to depictions of the Prophet Muhammad in mainstream news outlets, the effort to compromise and live day-to-day in many multicultural countries has been difficult; or has it?

According to a survey conducted by Gallup and the Coexist Foundation, “European Muslims have much more loyalty to the countries they live in than is generally believed.”

BBC reported the findings of the survey conducted in the UK, Germany and France. 500 Muslims and 1000 non-Muslims in each country were asked a series of questions relating to how they identified with their respective nations.

In both the UK and Germany, Muslims more often related to their nation than the general public. In France, there was a difference of 3% between Muslims than the rest of the population (52%-55%), although overall more Muslims in Europe felt strong ties to their nation.

Why may this be the case?

BBC: “This research shows that many of the assumptions about Muslims and integration are wide of the mark,” said Dalia Mogahed of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies and co-author of the report.

“European Muslims want to be part of the wider community and contribute even more to society,” she said.

The survey also found that North American Mulsims identified with their country on an even higher level.

Unity

It seems the inherent good in humans is beginning to shine through. Although there were tests along the last decade, unity among the population continues to trump the image painted by mainstream media outlets.

The internet has also played a part in desenstizing the differences in people since anonymity and access have allowed every segment of the population to be heard uninterrupted.

New channels of debate are being opened in the new global political and economic environment. Global citizenship is being tested by the bounds created between humans and the shared experience of life despite religion, race, nationality or any unique anomaly. In this upcoming decade, the encouragement  of diversity will usher in an era of shared humanity.

Related posts:

1. UN Boycott: Absurd
2. Sri Lanka-Tamil Conflict Receives Insufficient Coverage