EDITORIAL: OLAJUWON

Spiritual testimony should not play second fiddle to superstar status.

The purpose of Islam Awareness Week is to bring a greater understanding and appreciation of the often misinterpreted religion to Rice. In order to attract a larger audience of students to their events, the Muslim Student Association has invited Hakeem Olajuwon to speak about how Islam has affected his life. While this seems like a good way to get their message out, it will actually reduce their efficiency.

Olajuwon's appearance will attract sports fans, not people interested in the true purpose of the event. Any question and answer session after the speech will focus on the Rockets and the upcoming basketball season, not on the intricacies of Olajuwon's faith. No matter how genuine and educational his speech is, Olajuwon's real message will not reach those with open ears.

Not only will the response to his appearance be irrelevant to the MSA's goal, but it will also detract from it. Those truly interested in learning about the Islamic faith will wait and go to other, less popular activities that the MSA has planned, knowing that the cultural value of the other events will be much higher.

Multiculturalism is about open-mindedness and respect. By sponsoring such an event, the MSA has ignored the necessity to attract students with these goals in mind. They will have a massive group at Olajuwon's speech, but not a group willing to listen to the message. Also, by the Rice community's enthusiasm of Olajuwon's appearance instead of his message, we have forgotten the respect this man deserves for his personal convictions, regardless of his athleticism.

To be respectful and responsible, people attending Olajuwon's appearance should refrain from focusing on Olajuwon's career and should listen to the message he is coming to give. Any other reaction is immature and disrespectful to a hard-working and well-meaning man taking time out of this hectic schedule to try and bring to us an important piece of his life.

The message behind the speech is what matters.

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the November 10, 1995 issue.

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