There seems to be much confusion regarding the Park51 complex in Manhattan, and as Tray Smith’s column shows, this confusion can lead to disastrous and frightening consequences.

Firstly, Imam Rauf and others are correct to call the building a “Muslim Community Center” because that is exactly what it is. Referring to Park 51 as simply a ‘mosque’ is falsely labeling a building that will house, in addition to freely accessible prayer space, a basketball court, culinary school, art studio and Sept. 11 memorial. It will be a tall, square building like thousands of others in the city. No spires, no minarets.

Secondly, by pitching the Park51 issue as an example of fanatical Islamic encroachment into America, Smith turns the issue over the need for religious tolerance into the need for Americans to resist Muslim influence, something that, while not stated outright, is a substantial part of his argument.

The building will not constitute an Islamic state “right in the middle of Manhattan,” and its construction should only draw anger if you already resist the idea of the growing Muslim demographic it represents.

Those in opposition to Park51 will be surprised to know that many families of 9/11 victims have spoken in support of its construction. The group September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows issued a statement saying, “We believe that welcoming the Center, which is intended to promote interfaith tolerance and respect, is consistent with fundamental American values of freedom and justice for all.”

Lastly, and most importantly, in blaming Islam as a whole for “spawning a global terrorist movement,” and juxtaposing that with victimized Christians, Smith seeks to incite a religion-fueled anger in his readers. His logic renders Christians burning Qurans a moderate retaliation to Muslims bombing churches, and could also justify killing 300 in response 3,000.

Smith Wilbanks is a senior majoring in international studies.