We cannot persuade our genetic composition to differ in nature. We cannot select the time we are born. We cannot choose the first system into which we are indoctrinated. We originate at some place at some time in some way. That reality is immutable–who we become is not.
Horrific acts were committed in the United States on September 21, 2001. Preconceptions of safety were shattered. Misconceptions of detachment were obliterated. It became personal. It happened at home. The United States is not some haven where atrocities are unknown. Religious rifts, political schisms and oppression in places such as Ireland, East Timor, the Gaza Strip, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are no longer distant news bulletins. Their ilk is know here. The pain, the torment and the shock of enduring the manifestations of such clashing are finally felt here. Know what it means to live in fear. Know what it is to feel terror.
Such hope arose from this event. People sacrificed their labor, goods, blood and lives for others regardless of age, nationality, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other prejudicial premise. They did these things without thought of recompense. It was truly a glorious moment for humanity. We glimpsed who we can become.
And now we turn to rumors, scuttlebutt and conspiracies. We search for a Montague to our Capulet. And we care not if they are a Montague, we only are concerned about whether or not they look or act like a one in our perverted and distorted perception. Once again we return to military occupations, preemptory strikes, actions of force, covert operations, conflicts and wars. Once again we embrace petty financial woes, economic forecasts and derisive capitalism. Once again we turn to unfounded hate. Once again we relish in the epitome of complacency.
It is truly unfortunate that it took such a tragedy to engender humanity in humanity, and to have the presence of that quality be so very fleeting. Now we search for an enemy to loathe. Now we seek a people to detest. No we look for a way of life to abhor. Now we return to old ways only to build greater walls and retract further from reality in our reinforced shells. Yesterday I wept at the loss of life. Then I wept at the selfless acts. I weep again today.
May I suggest, however, that we don’t rush to judgement of our fellow man? Not everyone will be rushing to condemn the latest villian to hate American, and his people for a simple act of birth and chance.
Today I watched, live on television, a man being arrested in Providence, not a mile from my home. He was arrested because he was on a train from Boston where suspects had been taken into custody in the Westin hotel, and looked “Middle Eastern”. A mob of well over 100 people followed the police car, shouting “Yeah! Get him! Kill him!” and the like. Turns out he’s from India. Been a citizen of the US for the past 2 years. He’s a Sikh, not even remotely Muslim, but he wears a turban and has a long beard, what we’ve come to associate with terrorism.
I cried yesterday for the loss of life, the loss of innocence, the loss of any semblance of security we once had. Today, I cried for this man, and for my backyard. I cannot even begin to fathom what is to come for us.
[sub]And I daresay Nen meant to say Sept. 12, 2001. He’s not prophesizing.[/sub]
Thankfully, nothing like what Rasa saw has happened around here.
I think that whole uproar about foreign terrorists after the OKC bombing has mode most of my state a bit more circumspect and less likely to fly off the handle.
Yeah, I don’t quite know how to get across what I’m trying to say. I understand completely that things are happening so fast and the FBI, etc. are going on whatever leads they have. I know that tempers and emotions run high and we can’t let anything slide… but still, it hurts to see things like this.
Today I sent words of support to a friend whose husband is a Bangladeshi Muslim (and recently earned US citizenship). He is in Bangladesh and scheduled to return at the end of the month. She is so scared for that sweet man. And probably also for their year-old son. But she was so grateful for my message of love and support.
Just want to point out that Sikhism was born just to have a less passive religion than Hinduism to fight against muslim invaders. For a sikh, to be mistaken as a muslim is one of the worst insults.
I’ve already mentioned this in another thread, but Arabic students here have had their cars keyed, and are being generally shunned by the people on campus.
I fear for them. Been death-threatted for wearing a pentagram on the streets of Ottawa. I don’t undestand how people can do that.
But I fear that we’re going to see more and more of this as time goes by.
I disagree, Arden…it’s happening (proverbially, anyway) in your own back yard. Not to be critical of you, but I disagree with the sentiment.
The type of arrest and mob scene is just as horrific 3000 miles away as 2 blocks over. These people are Americans hating Americans, calling out for their arrests and deaths, for purely racist reasons. I am not thankful that it hasn’t happened closer to home, but appalled that it happened at all, and I am embarrassed to call myself an American citizen when I see repulsive behaviour like this.
Yes! Thank you!
I know there’s been trouble around here. The OKC and student papers had separate articles about harassment of foreign students and both said that most local Muslims, especially women, are afraid to go out. Various Islamic organizations are urging anyone who wears traditional dress to stay home rather than get hurt. Much the same stuff that happened after the Murrah bombing - apparently we ain’t learned shit. (Although I am glad to say that the police are stepping up to the task of protecting these folks, and many of the local civic and religious leaders are speaking out for them.)
I’ve not had a chance to donate blood yet and I don’t know when I will. I don’t have the money to make any sort of significant donation right now (although I’ll try to find enough to send something to the Red Cross).
I’m thinking that the small bit I may be able to do in this mess is to call the mosque in town and volunteer to escort ladies (or men, for that matter) to do their necessary shopping and errands.
Even better, I can take my friend the girl-child along; I’ve heard the occasional disturbing comment from her regarding “different” people. She gets it severely and immediately from all sides and has consequently toned it down, but I think that seeing bigotry in action might be good for her. If none occurs, then certainly meeting some “different” people would. She’s a good kid, very empathetic, and has a good head on her shoulders, when she uses it (less frequently these days…she’s turning 13 soon ;)). I think she’s just been very sheltered and has no idea that the kind of garbage she’s repeating can be so harmful.
Hmmm. I think I’m maybe liking this idea. I may know enough people to actually get something going here. Nothing would fry those cretinous assholes’ alleged braincells like seeing Muslims walking through SprawlMart and not being able to do a damn thing. <evil grin> I like fucking with the minds of morons; it’s so easy and yet so satisfying.
