I have been both horrified and saddened by the loss of life due to the horrific tragedies of Tuesday. I have had moments where tears sprang into my eyes hearing of people affected or those who’d perished or of just thinking of the agony and torment that those left behind must be feeling. I was thinking of writing about all that had happened yesterday while driving to work and was thinking to myself that though I always tried to see both sides of a situation that I couldn’t really see the other side in this matter and that I would probably tear into anybody who tried to defend those who’d committed this heinous act against their fellow human beings. But I’ve watched America’s reaction to these tragic events and have come to see the other side as well and I must say that I am deeply saddened and disappointed.
I have heard of Palestinian/Middle Eastern families over here in Michigan who had been harassed out of their homes, of Arabic people who had their homes burnt down, of Muslim women in traditional garb who are harassed by men on the streets – all because they belong to a portion of humanity that is currently suspected of being the perpetrators of these atrocities. I agree wholeheartedly that those responsible must pay for what they did? But do innocents have to suffer for the crimes of the guilty? Do people who committed no crime except to embrace a specific religion or were born in a specific part of the globe, have to suffer? I say an emphatic “No”!!
Let us not delve into anger and hatred, let us think these things through calmly and without partisanship. I believe that there is one thing higher than patriotism for one’s nationality – the duty we owe towards humanity as a whole. We are all citizens of the world first and foremost! So let us put aside nationalistic and idealistic claptrap and unite as a race – the human race – and try to get through these difficult times and not descend to name calling and finger pointing.
I have watched the media and have been disturbed and concerned. Are they just stupid or are they actually trying to incite hatred and rioting? Ever since the tragedies occurred, the media consistently uses phrases like “even the Arab nations have expressed their condolences” or “despite the fact that Palestinians were out in the streets celebrating, Yasar Arafat expressed his regrets over the tragedies”. I don’t see why these things had to be singled out, I don’t see why the Arab nations shouldn’t be shocked by these devastating incidents. And yes, there were probably some misguided individuals who thought that America’s tragedy was cause for celebration but does that fact need to be highlighted? Hard as it may seem to believe, I’d bet that Palestinian’s weren’t the only people who celebrated (and don’t tell me that some Americans didn’t celebrate when Iraq was bombed even though many innocent civilians died as well …) but they are the only ones who are spotlighted over and over again. Why is that? Do they want a bloodbath here in the US so that all Palestinians or all people of Middle Eastern descent would be purged? It certainly seems like it at times to me …
I know that some people are going to take this negatively but I do believe that those who don’t speak out in times of injustice are just as guilty as those who perpetrate the crimes. And I also believe that it’s a time when we should put aside racial and nationalistic boundaries and stand together as human beings. If we give in to anger and hatred, the culmination of these tragic events could be another world war and I don’t think that any of us wants that. Why would anybody want anymore lives to be lost after such a devastating loss? I can’t for the life of me fathom it … Let us all hang together in these times of trial and tribulations as human beings and support each other and not point fingers or persecute people or as Benjamin Franklin once remarked, assuredly we will hang separately!
Hear hear. The last thing we need is for the US gov’t to start nuking innocents for “revenge” I’ve heard some of the most shockingly racist comments over the past two days.
I guess the terrorists succeeded, they’ve sown terror and hatred.
I agree wholeheartedly. This was an act of hate, and to respond with hatred, particularly when it is directed blindly and aimlessly towards the innocent as well as the guilty, can only make the situation worse.
I completely agree with Fahim on this matter. I for one feel there was never any need for the “celebration” video clip to air because all it will do and has done is incite a hatred for anyone of mideaster decent. Just because a few of these “terrorist” are of arabian descent does not make everyone from that race evil terrorists. I think we have to be very carefull how we digest the news that we are being bombarded with, and make a conscious effort not to misguide our anger and emotional envolvement. The tragedy is horrific and we as observers and even those of us who have been directly affected by this barbaric act should be very carefull as to not let the terrorists win by becoming a fearful and hatefull body. But that is only how I feel. I don’t want to be judged by the actions of others as I’m sure is a feeling shared by those innocents who are currently being attacked.
Anyone who gives in to hatred is as much a faceless coward as those who committed those acts of evil on Tuesday.
Equally evil are those that prey upon the fear lies just beneath the surface for most of us. Part of our down town district (Salt Lake City) is currently evacuated due to a bomb scare. I only hope that it is simply a scare not a threat and certainly I pray it’s not real.
I think we SHOULD retaliate. But exactly how, I dunno. Provided we can find the rest of the ‘crew’ responsible (last I heard, there were 10 left on the list – to find), they should be brought to justice. Fahim is right, we need to watch our tongues & not say prejudicial things about whole sects of people. I don’t think that most He [Fahim] has a unique perspective on this, being from another part of the world – where this is not so uncommon [an event]. We’re soo soo lucky here in the USA. Times like this should make us appreciate the level of safety here in the US, so as to cherish it more.
Personally, I see this as an attack against our government for action they have done. They decided to strike at our PEOPLE – most of which have no direct link to what the government does. These people do not understand that not everyone here supports all the actions of our government – the place they live is so different.
So, why should we not strike back at them. I want the terrorist – and whoever supports them – destroyed. I want them eradicated off the face of this earth.
Now, the racism/etc. thing is one issue that isn’t right – with that I agree – but we need to retaliate, and in a large scale fashion – to teach these barbarians a lesson.
Honestly, at this point I could give a crap what anyone thinks about what I say. And just as a side not, the terrorists want to incite TERROR, and make our country grind to a halt. If anything they’ve done exactly the opposite and made us all hate them even more – and make whatever point they were trying to make totally moot.
They must be eliminated.
I missed editing this sentence: I don’t think that most Americans could tell a sheite [arab] from a muslim [arab] from a christian [arab] by their looks & its *REALLY* not about what people look like, in the first place. People here in the US would most likely rationalize that person into a stereotype of ‘arab’ – which is really a wrong thing to do.
He [Fahim] …
Fahim, thank you for what you have said. I have 1 friend who was on one of the aircraft and another who is missing at the WTC. I have looked for rational voices out there and there have been few. As in all tragedies people show who they really are. Some show their hatred, racisim and ugliness which is really fear but remember their are many who have shown their love and compassion making me proud to be American. This is not a time for killing, but a time for understanding and grieving. To act in anger only is to act in foolishness but to see the tree falling is to move.
Again thanks for saying what needed to be said. I know those who can will hear you.