Long View:

This country has a history of tolerance toward Islam, with isolated patches of vitriol poured on the faith by such ilk as Cotton Mather. The latest occurrences are due to political hate-mongering on the part of a few politicians who should know better. By and large, over my lifetime in the United States, I've run into a lot of ignorance about Islam but hardly any antipathy or hate.

Short View:

The objection to the "Ground Zero" mosque is mostly on a perception OF a perception. If it is in reality what it is presented to be: a religious/ gathering center with multiple facilities including a mosque, that happens to be in the vicinity of Ground Zero, I think there is negligible hostility. But the fear story being circulated is that a significant number of Muslims perceive this as a sort of victory lap, in other words, a provocative presence (Not unlike that huge Mosque in the middle of Istanbul that was one of the great early churches of Christendom).

So what was NOT controversial has become so as a matter of perception. Is the perception of a perception justified? That will take more than this thread can supply. Will wearing a hijab on the upcoming 9-11 anniversary make a well-understood point? I don't think so. In my community a 'hijab' is pretty innocuous, in fact there are several communities around here where the women cover their hair. No biggie.