Why Ibtihaj Muhammad Should Have Been Chosen As Team USA's Flag Bearer

About two days ago, Team USA chose Michael Phelps as the flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony. However, there were comments regarding other people who should have been given this honor. Namely, USA fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first muslim woman to compete for Team USA while wearing a hijab.

http://time.com/4433043/team-usa-should-pick-ibtihaj-muhammad-as-flagbearer-in-rio/

Time Magazine wrote an article,  Team USA Should Pick Ibtihaj Muhammad as Flagbearer in Rio, just one day before Team USA announced that Michael Phelps was to be the flag bearer. With help from that article, and our own research, we have decided to share our reasoning as to why Muhammad should have been chosen as the flag bearer.

A flag bearer is supposed to represent what that country stands for, they are supposed to be a role model and to show unity within that team. We are not saying that Michael Phelps does not encompass these three criteria, but in light of reason events Muhammad would have tied those three things together. Especially with all the discrimination against not only Muslims, but other minorities as well, choosing Muhammad as the flag bearer would have shown that Team USA stands united against the hurtful and violent events that are plaguing the minorities of their country.

While most other Olympians are focused on only their field of expertise, Muhammad has expanded her horizons. She is the daughter of a teacher and police officer, she's an entrepreneur (she created the brand "Louella", a fashion line that gives Muslim women more clothing options), she was an All-American at Duke (for fencing, obviously), and she is courageous enough to stand up to the heinous things that have been uttered by Donald Trump. Muslim, or not, Muhammad is a huge role model for women and girls all around the country and globe.

Seeing as Michael Phelps is a 5-time Olympian, the most decorated Olympian of all time (with 22 medals), holds the record for the most Olympic gold metals, among other record breaking statistics, it makes sense why Team USA chose him at the flag bearer. However, with the recent events in this country, and around the world, Muhammad would have been a beacon for all that America stands for: unity, tolerance and freedom.

While you're at it, check out Ibtihaj's interview with Ellen: