The world has changed dramatically since September 11, 2001, for everyone who lives in this country.
Maybe no group was more long term affected by the attacks than American's of Muslim faith. Although we like to think that all Muslims live in the middle east, between 2.5 and 7 million American citizens practice the Islamic faith.
These people were, and in many cases, still are, the focus of hate and attacks by "Americans" who think that Muslim terrorist groups represent the attitudes and beliefs of all Muslims.
Attached to this entry is short reading from the Los Angeles Times which includes several excerpts from other articles about how Muslim's in the US have been affected over the last 10 years.
Chose one of the excerpts and discuss why that one had the greatest impact on you and be sure to use the reading to support your thoughts.
Then, respond to another persons post as to what they thought. both your original entry and response is due no later than Friday, September 30.
"Embarrassment and redemption"
ReplyDeleteThis passage impacted me the most because my dads is a pastor and religion is a big thing in my house. However i sometimes find myself straying from the "path that is Right". I honor this guy for being able to 'reflect on his faith' and still be able to be steadfast in his belief through the past ten years.
-Ryan.
i mean article -.-;
ReplyDelete"A Burden of Prejudice"
ReplyDeleteSomething I've noticed from reading certain history books and sitting in school is how often Americans have been prejudiced to so many different races. After a while, though, they started to accept the Germans and the Jews and Italians and Japanese. This one has been going on for ten years though and it will probably continue for maybe another ten more. Less if we're lucky. Even though the passage said that it is true that some foiled attacks did involve muslims, it also said that many more have been victims of hate crimes. This passage struck me the most because it just pointed out what has happened for years just with a different race. People seem to have a problem with accepting other people different from them.
Ryan, I don't really know what else to say other than I am glad you were able to connect with that guy.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Harassed and humiliated"
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt really struck a chord with me because it is yet another example of how harsh and generalizing we as Americans (and even humans as a species) are. When the author, Desmond Tutu makes the analogy between WWII and 9/11, "It was the computer-age equivalent of the Nazis daubing yellow Stars of David on the doors of Jewish homes" I can empathize with these people because just as the Muslims are placed into the same box as the terrorists and treated like horrendous beasts, my family was humiliated with Jew patches, concentration camps, etc.
Aja, when you make the point that Americans have been so prejudiced throughout our history, I can completely support you; especially the fact that we will continue to be callused for the next few decades until every American is fully educated. Nevertheless, I think you might be simplifying a piece of the puzzle here; America didn't just smile one day, shake each others' hands and make good. This is a gradient process that takes time. It isn't any different than the Italian, Asian, German, etc. cultures. When it comes down to it, Americans are scared children that run, hide, and hold up their blankies when a big scary new kid comes around. It will take a while for us to realize that just because they look similar to the real "boogeymen" doesn't mean they ARE the same people.
"Embarrassment and redemption"
ReplyDelete"As a 13-year-old, I wanted nothing more than to fit in with my surroundings."
As humans we are expected to "adapt",we are then "tested" if we can,with religious morals,social class,personal beliefs,and etc.
Adapting is tough as it is,let alone for a growing confused teenager.
I also applaud him for realizing the negative in the situation,not being oblivious or bitter to what has happened,but using that as a motivation for not only being the best citizen for his community,but the best he can be for himself.
"To care for those in need, to positively contribute to my community, and to sponsor equality and justice, Islam made me into a better American."
AJA-
I do find it a problem that we,as Americans,"seem to have a problem with accepting other people different from them."
It is a form of bullying,whether in school or in an airport.
We find a problem,a vulnerability,like a bully would and take it out on whoever seems "responsible" for that problem.
I find that I love being an American for having such a melting pot of cultures,but unfortunately if you are new and different to what was already in the melting pot,then apparently,you aren't going to mix in.
"embarrassment and redemption"
ReplyDeleteone thing that struck me out was that 9/11 could mean something good for some people but also bad. until i read this article, i had never deeply thought about how people had felt about the incident. like most people do, i just simply thought that both Americans and Muslims simply felt bad about it. however, when Amin G said " The more I read, challenged, and questioned, the more I was propelled to become the best citizen I could be", I began to form a new idea that there are some people who overcome and take advantage from the dark.
Tina
i think that the idea that "using that as a motivation for not only being the best citizen for his community,but the best he can be for himself." is what most Muslim people need. i think there are people who are trying to avoid from people's attention. but they need to use that as a fuel to change themselves
"Victims of misunderstanding"
ReplyDeleteThe other day, my son Jack, who missed the events of 9/11, heard a disparaging remark on television about Islam and quickly retorted, "That's not true, there is a Muslim boy in my class, and he is not like that at all."
The racial and religious controversy has grown astronomically since 9/11 first occurred. It's good to see that there are parents out there teaching their children, that it is a tragedy what happened. But just because someone maybe be a different race or religion from you, doesn't mean they are a horrible person.
Eventually this conflict will simmer down, from what it use to be. If only people can see that not all Muslims were apart of what happened. So that doesn't mean people should take out their frustrations out on others.
Tina,
I love that you realized what he knew he had to do to be able to fit in. It isn't to please everyone else, only himself. People how care about what other people think or say about them are going to have a hard time in life. Like David said using that as a fuel, will get him and all the other Muslim's who are looked down upon, a lot further in life.
In the post harassed and humiliated it says "We were told that these Muslim terrorists were aided and abetted by Muslim countries. Clearly, this logic went, Muslims were not to be trusted". This makes me feel as if there aren't anymore logical people in America. You can't categorize a group of people as terrorist when only a tiny chunk cause harm to other people. Just because they share the same faith does not mean they share the same mentality.
ReplyDeleteAja, I like how you relate it to past events. History does repeat its self.
Harassed and Humiliated
ReplyDeleteThis article impacted me because it America is targeting people that fit a certain stereo-type even if there is no evidence that the are affiliated with the events of 9/11. "The West developed special security procedures and sophisticated software to identify and track Muslims", this seems extremely unconstitutional and causes people to avoid, fear and associate Muslims with terrorism and the events of 9/11.
Brianna, I feel that we have the same opinion on this issue and i liked your point that's sated "Just because they share the same faith does not mean they share the same mentality"
Crushed American Dreams
ReplyDeleteEveryone judges others, even if we don't realize it. There has also probably been a point where you have been judges as well. Assuming that someone will act some way or do something based on their skin color or how they dress is unjust. "When we arrived at our new home and got out of our minivan, the neighbors quickly cleared the street and went indoors". It is even more worse for children that get picked on at school for how they look. I relate to this article because being full Mexican and having all my family have tan skin while I have fair skin,I am an easy target to get picked on. We all just need to rise above and accept others for what they are.
Leah, I agree with you on the fact that America puts people into certain stereo-types without truly knowing anything about them.
"A Burden of Prejudice"
ReplyDeleteIt seems like Americans go through this never ending cycle where a group of people are targeted and disliked. Yet, it's ironic that it would be Americans having prejudice's against other races since American's are built from many different ethicizes. I feel like soon it will pass and we will accept Muslims, then we will go on to attack another group of people. But, all in all the people we are targeting are people in America so in a way we are kind of prejudice against ourselves. Its apart of being human we can't help, but to judge.
Embarrassment and redemption
ReplyDeleteThis article hit really close to home for me. I am half Iranian, and growing up for me with an Iranian name and Iranian decent was hard even up until now. I was only in the 2nd grade when 9/11 occured and I was so confused about what was going on, and why were people targeting other middle eastern people for just being a certain race, or religion. "As a 13-year-old, I wanted nothing more than to fit in with my surroundings"; this is exactly what I wanted to do, for along time other kids would call me "Bomber", or ask racist questions just because of my race, and for the longest time I was kind of embarrassed, even though I grew up with the most Americanized Filipino family ever. It is hard being racially profiled, for something you had no involvement with.
Brianna, I agree that Americans categorizing people for something that had to do with just a small amount of the people. They are not taught in their place of worship all American's are bad, so attack them, it's just certain people of that Faith.
"Crushed American Dreams"
ReplyDeleteThis article really made me think about how easy it is to stereotype people. Its not fair that American citizens can pressure people into believing that they are not good enough to be around them. "When we arrived at our new home and got out of our minivan, the neighbors quickly cleared the street and went indoors..." Just because someone has a different color of skin, or religious faith, does not give other people the right to make them feel as though the are less of a person. There are people of every race out committing crimes every day so why is it that only one race is targeted? The color of our skin does not define who we are as a person, it is simply a characteristic of our appearance.
Brianna, I agree with you when you say just because they share the same faith does not mean they share the same mentality. Every person in this world has a mind of their own, and have the ability to make decisions based on their opinions.
"Crushed American Dreams"
ReplyDeleteThis article made me realize how hard it must have been for the Muslims living in America after 9/11 because before I had never thought about it. Judging someone based upon their appearance is wrong but I know that I have done it many times. "When we arrived at our new home and got out of our minivan, the neighbours quickly cleared the street and went indoors" I thought this was very unfair but we have all done similar things in our lives. Hearing a Muslims point of view on the issue has made me more aware of my judgements.
Tina, I agree with you when you said "I also applaud him for realizing the negative in the situation, not being oblivious or bitter to what has happened, but using that as a motivation for not only being the best citizen for his community, but the best he can be for himself". For someone to be put into a situation like that, it would be very easy to become bitter towards judgmental Americans.
"A Burden of Prejudice"
ReplyDeleteThroughout our country, and the world's history, a point has come where a group of people has been the target of hatred, or persecution. Ever since September 11th, people have been skeptical around people of the Muslim faith, or anyone that looks like they are from the Middle East, regardless of getting to know them, or wanting to understand where they came from. As leaders of terrorist groups are still alive, and the threat from these organizations is still present, i believe a great amount of prejudic will still be present towards the people of the Middle East. More than likely, these people are just looking for a better life, and that is why they are coming to the United States in the first place.
Rachelle S; i agree with your statement because you share the belief that as soon as this passes over, there will probably be a new targeted group of people who recieve hatred. Also, since Americans are a very diverse group of people it does seem unjust for us to single out one group and persecute them.
-Aaron N_
"Crushed American Dreams"
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt impacted me the most because America targets certain races and ethnic groups all the time. Muslims now are targeted by the government and by Americans because of September 11, 2001. This gives them little hope of being excepted by Americans and getting the things that they need. "When we arrived at our new home and got out of our minivan, the neighbours quickly cleared the street and went indoors, yet another reminder of the arduous path ahead of us." Americans now are cautious and nervous around people of Muslim faith. We think that all Muslims are terrorist and plan on attacking America. However, this is not true, even in the article about New York Police Department investigating the Muslim faith says that they found evidence of terrorist but not everyone is a terrorist. People of Muslim faith should not be nervous that they are targeted because of their faith. I believe that Americans need to not accuse all Muslims of being terrorist because they are not the only people who could attack America. They have been the only people to try, but that does not mean we need to judge them for that attack. Our religion and race does not matter, we do not need to be judge or judge others because of this. That is why the first Amendment says freedom of religion.
Kimberly, I agree with you that it is unjust to judge people based on their skin color. Also, kids do get it the worse because they are judge for a long time and have to grow up listening to how they are "terrorist" and since they are Muslim. That is not fair to them at all. Americans need to realize that everyone judges people but that judging effects people emotionally and physically.
"Embarrassment and redemption"
ReplyDeleteGrowing up everyone did something to avoid embarrassment. For me it was hiding the trashy haircut my dad gave me. I love my dad by the way but we try to avoid him cutting my hair. Anyways, Amin hid from his friends when his mom came around to pick him up from school. 9/11 at first challenged his faith and loyalty to his family but through it all he took this experience and this responsibility as a muslim american and turned it into a strength. Now he is involved in his community and grown as far as patriotism goes. I have nothing but the utmost respect this guy and how he's grown as a person.
Haley, it's completely unfair. That's like asking a larger woman if she's pregnant and she says no. it's disrespectful and not to mention awkward.
"Crushed American Dreams"
ReplyDeleteThis passage had the greater affect on me, mainly because i thought of it as one of the most unfair. Although our country had a great shock on 9/11; in my eyes it is no reason to judge not most, but all Muslims. What society is doing to the people of this race, is the same as what the country did to the African Americans during the segregation era. Even though it has not been set in stone as segregation; our actions show the true feelings and ways of society. An honest Muslim family should not be feared and thought of as "Dangerous" or as "a Threat to society". If there is no suspicion to treason, than why do we have the right to judge? Being an American citizen is not based upon the race or color of ones skin; but unity and companionship between one another.
Rachelle:
I agree completely when you say that America has a never ending cycle of targeted groups. As American citizens we grant everyone the right to religion; with religion comes background. Now especially that Osama has been found and was said to be "dead" i think the the racial tension will go down between Muslims and Americans. However; there is said to be hundreds of threats to our country everyday, and until a threat comes to be true; the race of which committed the treason will be held accounted for.Thus; continuing the never ending cycle.
"Victims of Misunderstanding"
ReplyDelete"That's not true, there is a Muslim boy in my class,and he is not like that at all."
As little kids there are people that we love and people that we don't like and little boy reminds me of the fact that everyone is different there are no people that are the same. After 9/11 all Muslims were considered terrorists because of the group of terrorists that called themselves Muslims. Even now there are certain people that don't like a particular race because of someone that they knew once or because of what they heard. I think its unfair how a nation could be judged by the actions of one or a group of people. We all act differently and have different views of the world and people and there is no need to judge others because others will judge you.
Ryan:
I like that you are not afraid to admit that you sometimes want to hide your religion so that you will be able to blend in with your friends. But I think that sometimes being the stand out could be a good thing because then people will notice you the way you really are. And if you continue to hide your religion you might regret it later on in your life.
Harassed and Humiliated
ReplyDeleteThis article impacted me because America is targeting Muslims that fit a certain stereo-type even if there is no evidence that they are affiliated with the events of 9/11. "The west developed special security procedures and sophisticated software to identify and track Muslims", this seems extremely unconstitutional and cause many people to fear, avoid, and associate Muslims with terrorism.
Brianna, I feel that we have the same mentality on this issue and agree that just because two people of the same race have the same mentality on terrorism
A burden of Prejudice
ReplyDeleteI like it when the author Larraine Adams compared the people in the united states to the Ku Klux Klan.This shows how far we have went in messing with the muslim people.people often refer to the Muslim people as the terrorist but there not the only Terrorist tere are.This mistreatment of groups has happened over and over all for different reasons at different times.Adams states "while its certainly true that concerns about extremism among a tiny minority are justified.This to me means that if a few people in that group mess up then they should be watched more closely but just thos certain individuals.This article impact on me because it shows how out of hand this racism on muslims has came and also compares it to past experiences
Rachelle i agree with you when you say its weird that americans target certain groups when we are full of different groups and race.I think its going to go away also but only when another race does something else bad.I dont think the cycle will be broken for a very long time
"Victims of misunderstanding"
ReplyDeleteEver since the 9/11 attack Americans all over the world have stereotyped every Muslim there is to be a terrorist. Entertainment sources have corrupted many peoples minds by saying hurtful discourages remarks about the Muslims. This has been proved by the 8 year old boy Jack in the article. It takes a wise person to realize that this attack was preformed by a group of terrorist not a group of Muslims and to distinguish the difference between the two. We Americans have become very judgmental ever since the 9/11 attack. In all religions there are extremist and to portray all Muslims as terrorist is wrong.
Leah, I agree developing special security procedures and sophisticated software to identify and track Muslims is over the top. I understand upping security and awareness in general but not specifically on one group.
“Embarrassment & Redemption“
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt struck me the most due to the fact of how far people have really taken the 9/11 incident. Upon reading this article , i knew the importance of 9/11, but never how grave it was. Hearing his story of how he would go to extreme measures just to “fit in“ sickens me. Society today is way too judgemental & God did not put us down here to judge one another at all. It is simply not our place. We all were created equal. From reading Amid's story, i have an entirely new outlook on the Muslim race & other ethnic races as well. It is hard to be an individual of a race that is profiled in so many different ways & i can relate being that i am African American. I have nothing but respect for Amid & i applaud him for perservering through the critical time & letting his motivation steer him into a positive direction. Not only has he become an active member in his community, but he has been shaped into a greater individual. Im so lad his faith remained strong!
Rachelle: I completely agree with the cycle that takes places with ethnic races. You would think by now society would have changed over time but history repeats itself as Brianna said. /:
- D. Gilliam
"harassed and humiliated"
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt hit me the most because ever since the 9/11 attacks, Muslims or anyone that fits the persona of a musilm person will get bombarded with insults, and stereotypical remarks. Even when there is no proof that the person being harassed had anything to do with the attacks. It's cruel and in my personal opinion, I dont think it will ever stop.
Leah, we sort of have the same opinions on the excerpt. It is very stereotypical what Americans will say and even do to the musilm people ever since the 9/11 attacks.