Today’s episode of Faith Complex was conceived in the aftermath of a disturbing crime which has received comparatively little play in the national media.

In broad outline, the case involves the brutal murder of an Iraqi-born American citizen and mother of five, Shaima Alawadi, in her home near San Diego.  There are conflicting reports regarding a note found near the victim’s body (Ms. Alawadi died three days after the attack). In some versions, it reads: “This is my country. Go back to yours, terrorist.”

The initial reaction to this matter was that it was a hate crime aimed at a Muslim-American woman whose wearing of the hijab drew conspicuous attention to her identity. As our interviewer and our guest, Dr. Jerusha Lamptey, make clear, however, there is no definitive evidence that this was in fact a hate crime. In recent weeks, commentators have questioned the idea that this…

Read More