Yet in their respective homelands, Christianity is a minority religion. Ignorance may create moments of embarrassment, but when ignorance turns into prejudice it can be problematic. The Madison area has not seen overt religious bigotry in many years. That makes our area a desirable place for diverse people to live and raise families, but it doesn't automatically make us immune to ignorance, covert prejudice and potential hate crimes. Many are not used to the idea that religion is not part of public life and expression.
Some traditions require certain dress codes and times for prayer.
For example, Muslim women voluntarily wear the hejab as a symbol of humility and equality, not subordination. It is not just a scarf worn for fashion. Another assumption made is that all ethnic people who live, dress and eat within a cultural practice are religiously devout. The percentage of devout and religiously knowledgeable is probably the same for Christians as it is for those who are not Christian. Such challenges exist not only in Madison and Dane County, but across the United States.