Stereotypes and myths about religion have become a major component of politics in the 2008 presidential elections. Rumors about his being a Muslim and not a Christian have plagued the Obama campaign since its beginning.

Just like rumors swirled in 2000 that John McCain had fathered a black child, rumors that question Obama’s faith are not completely unfounded. McCain’s youngest daughter does have a dark complexion, she was adopted from Bangladesh. Obama’s step-father was a Muslim. Obama, himself, has never been a Muslim. He did, however, attend both Muslim and Christian schools as an adolescent.

Despite the facts, there are some who wonder if Obama may indeed be Muslim… or even Arab. Of course there are others who wonder, so what if he is. It is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States. Delbert Williams and his fiancée Rona Cole are Muslim. They say their religion doesn’t make them any less American than any other faith.

For the couple, it’s a highly frustrating situation. They love their country and their families. As far as they’re concerned, they are just like everyone else. It’s a sore spot for the couple who can’t understand why an entire religious group is being targeted. While they can’t change misconceptions about their religion, there is some understanding about the stereotypes. Delbert, however, believes that extremists are a part of every religion. He doesn’t believe that they should be seen as models for the entire religious group.

For now, the couple does what they can to break down the barriers built by those extremists and stereotypes. They say they’ll continue to live their lives, to love their country.