Why Muslims Bristle ...

... when told that more should speak out against terrorism.  

In a nutshell, many feel that in being asked, they are in a sense, being forced to take ownership of something they don't think belongs to them;  terrorism.

Certainly there may be other complexities, cultural nuances and biases, but perhaps if we could change the language and say, "hey Muslims, let us stand up together against terrorism."  The "us" is more powerful than them, as is "together" more powerful than "you."  

Worth a try.  For peace.  For humanity.

Likewise, it behooves pragmatic Muslims all over the world to accept the situation and reality as it is, and speak/ write/ shout out loud against the atrocity being carried out in the name of Islam.  Sometimes silence is golden, but at this time, pragmatism is meaningfully powerful.