Muslim Americans are far more assimilated and integrated into their adopted country than their counterparts in Europe, according to the new Pew Research Center survey.

The survey, which was carried out by one of America's most respected polling groups, found that Muslim Americans were just as likely as the rest of the population to agree with quintessential American attitudes about hard work and opportunity.

Not only are the findings of the Pew survey interesting, its coverage in the media and subsequent spin is equally interesting. Muslim Americans have long complained that the American media is biased in its coverage of their community and religion, especially when compared to coverage in European media. Now it seems as if this survey release is a prime example of that argument.

In the British based BBC website, the headline about the survey reads “Muslims Well Integrated in U-S”. The BBC has a long reputation for being fair to the Muslim community. See their coverage at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6680939.stm

However the MSNBC website, which displayed a story by the Associated Press, gives a totally difference impression. Their headline reads “Some Young US Muslims Approve Suicide Hits,” an obvious focus on the most negative, and minority, aspect of the survey. You can see their coverage at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18797530/

Whether you believe American media is biased or not, there can be no doubt that the angle of the story chosen greatly changes the perception conveyed. And it appears that MSNBC would like to provide a negative perception of Muslim Americans.

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