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Why I converted to Islam
Al Jazeera America ^ | March 29, 2015 | by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Posted on 03/29/2015 6:04:37 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer

I was born Lew Alcindor. Now I’m Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The transition from Lew to Kareem was not merely a change in celebrity brand name — like Sean Combs to Puff Daddy to Diddy to P. Diddy — but a transformation of heart, mind and soul. I used to be Lew Alcindor, the pale reflection of what white America expected of me. Now I’m Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the manifestation of my African history, culture and beliefs.

For most people, converting from one religion to another is a private matter requiring intense scrutiny of one’s conscience. But when you’re famous, it becomes a public spectacle for one and all to debate. And when you convert to an unfamiliar or unpopular religion, it invites criticism of one’s intelligence, patriotism and sanity. I should know. Even though I became a Muslim more than 40 years ago, I’m still defending that choice.

I wasn’t exposed to many black role models. I admired Martin Luther King Jr. for his selfless courage and Shaft for kicking ass and getting the girl. Otherwise, the white public’s consensus seemed to be that blacks weren’t much good.

Much of my early awakening came from reading “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” as a freshman. I was riveted by Malcolm’s story of how he came to realize that he was the victim of institutional racism that had imprisoned him long before he landed in an actual prison. That’s exactly how I felt: imprisoned by an image of who I was supposed to be.

(Excerpt) Read more at america.aljazeera.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: islam
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To: Loud Mime
Seriously, Kareem. STFU and learn something!

You forswear that possibility when you convert.

61 posted on 03/29/2015 7:08:51 AM PDT by 9thLife ("Life is a military endeavor..." -- Pope Francis)
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To: 9thLife

Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Murder

Islam: Kill anybody in my name, it doesn’t matter. I’ll sort them out.

Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness

Islam: Bear False Witness Against Yourself Or Anyone Else To Protect Yourself


62 posted on 03/29/2015 7:13:45 AM PDT by Loud Mime (Liberals want to either put children into horrible debt or abort them. Nothing else.)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

63 posted on 03/29/2015 7:14:09 AM PDT by Travis McGee (www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer; GOPsterinMA; hockeyfan44

Because you’re an idiot. Muslims are the biggest supporters of slavery in the modern world and you become one and ditch the name your mama gave you to show how proud you are to be a Black man? Dafuq?


64 posted on 03/29/2015 7:14:09 AM PDT by Impy (They pull a knife, you pull a gun. That's the CHICAGO WAY, and that's how you beat the rats!)
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To: VRW Conspirator

“”I was riveted by Malcolm’s story of how he came to realize that he was the victim of institutional racism that had imprisoned him long before he landed in an actual prison. That’s exactly how I felt: imprisoned by an image of who I was supposed to be.””

Good thing he learned how to read or he would never have figured out he was also a VICTIM!!!


65 posted on 03/29/2015 7:15:01 AM PDT by Thank You Rush
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
Pale reflection of what white expected of...

He is one of these fellows that is against racial profiling while simultaneously thinking all whites are racist.

66 posted on 03/29/2015 7:19:42 AM PDT by deadrock (I is someone else.)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Sorry to spam here, but he’s also a DAMN GOOD writer:

“I admired Martin Luther King Jr. for his selfless courage and Shaft for kicking ass and getting the girl.”

“The transition from Lew to Kareem was not merely a change in celebrity brand name — like Sean Combs to Puff Daddy to Diddy to P. Diddy” (about time someone mocked that guy)


67 posted on 03/29/2015 7:20:21 AM PDT by BobL (REPUBLICANS - Fight for the WHITE VOTE...and you will win (see my home page))
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Watch this Lew.................. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Qpy0mXg8Y&feature=youtu.be


68 posted on 03/29/2015 7:22:03 AM PDT by csmusaret (Will remove Obama-Biden bumperstickers for $10)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Yeah, Lewis. I understand how the White Man imprisoned you in your multi-million-dollar career bouncing a ball, and how he forced you into being a largely illiterate tool with the world at his feet. It must have required some deep soul-searching every time you cashed one of those checks. I can clearly see why such misery would drive you toward a “religion” that so consistently embodies the principles of freedom, individual dignity, and love.

As such a hypocrite, you are the ideal spokesman for Islam.


69 posted on 03/29/2015 7:22:53 AM PDT by IronJack
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Kid, to me, for all my exisiting years, including the year that I saw you beat up a little well-known Chinese guy in a movie, you have always been Lew Alcindor, nothing more, nothing less.


70 posted on 03/29/2015 7:27:18 AM PDT by Terry L Smith
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To: InterceptPoint

No, the Muslims shift the blame to...you know who... the JOOOOZ! Yep, ask any Muslim who dealt in slave trade and they’ll all tell you, the Jews. Lying sacks of sh*t...


71 posted on 03/29/2015 7:28:40 AM PDT by Netz
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To: Gaffer

Most Ethnic/Religious groups love reading about themselves, seems natural.


72 posted on 03/29/2015 7:29:48 AM PDT by Netz
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To: Netz

Possibly. Yet I never resorted to finding my answers in a Borders Bookstore. The times when I need that narrative, I get from one book.


73 posted on 03/29/2015 7:31:31 AM PDT by Gaffer
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To: Eric in the Ozarks

Another African who thinks Arabs love blacks ...


74 posted on 03/29/2015 7:34:27 AM PDT by PIF (They came for me and mine ... now it is your turn ...)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
Thanks for the explanation.

Oh. By the way. Which sect do you identify with? Shi'a or Sunni? Ba'ath, perhaps?

Just wondering.

75 posted on 03/29/2015 7:35:33 AM PDT by Texas Eagle
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To: Gaffer

One G-d...


76 posted on 03/29/2015 7:37:27 AM PDT by Netz
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To: Eric in the Ozarks

Wishing they were arab!

You may have come upon a major reason for so many blacks wanting to declare themselves muslim. Social climbers.


77 posted on 03/29/2015 7:39:56 AM PDT by X-spurt (CRUZ missile - armed and ready.)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
Much of my early awakening came from reading “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” as a freshman.

Fun fact. Did you know Malcolm X was killed by a Mooselimb?


History.com: On February 21, 1965, one week after his home was firebombed, Malcolm X was shot to death by Nation of Islam members while speaking at a rally of his organization in New York City.

78 posted on 03/29/2015 7:41:22 AM PDT by Texas Eagle
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To: Impy

Here’s a perfect retort:

http://youtu.be/MQpl7AxSgsE


79 posted on 03/29/2015 7:41:31 AM PDT by GOPsterinMA (I'm with Steve McQueen: I live my life for myself and answer to nobody.)
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To: Netz

I never apologize... GOD....


80 posted on 03/29/2015 7:43:11 AM PDT by Gaffer
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