The Muslims we spoke with say they have suffered harrassment in the days since the attack on the World Trade Center, but they fear worse could happen if stereotyping continues.
By: Linda J. Field
The tragedies of Sept. 11 continue to haunt Lawrence with memories of horror and of the loss of loved ones and co-workers. One portion of our population, however, has been affected on an additional level.
These are people who left their homes in places such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Egypt and South Africa to find new lives in America, free of fear and terrorism. One of this country’s most alluring traits is the freedom it offers to practice religion in a peaceful, accepting society where human rights are respected and children grow up without fear.
Recent acts of terrorism, however, have prompted some Americans to strike out against their Muslim neighbors.
In our town, some Muslims have been attacked with words, looks, gestures and even threats. Others have been afraid to leave their homes. They say they are living under a cloud of suspicion.
To give these people a forum we hope will increase understanding, The Ledger arranged a meeting with members of the Muslim community.
Anonymity was requested and promised as a condition of the interviews. In some instances, first names were given. The meeting location has been omitted. Participants were told to leave politics and slogans at the door.
The group included doctors, scientists, computer programmers, some who work in finance and others who work for large corporations. The meeting took place over the weekend after evening prayers. Excerpts from the discussion follow:
Muslim women can often be easily identified by their traditional Arabic dress. Unfortunately, this can make them easy targets. One family member said his wife hadn’t left the house since Sept. 11 because of fear.
Lady in black: "I don’t feel safe (with) people. This tragedy has had a double impact on me, bringing out very complex emotions.
"First, the terrorist attacks … I lost friends in the World Trade Center. I feel concern about who was in the city and for everybody who is affected. Many Muslims died there, too.
"Second, people consider us as different. When this happened in my country, it was unbelievable, but we didn’t categorize. So many people in this country don’t know any Muslims personally."
Lady in blue: "Islam was hijacked at the same time (as the planes were).
"People who did these ungodly acts cannot consider themselves Muslims … this is so against the teachings of our religion.
"I know a lot of parents at my child’s school who have expressed their concern to me. Everybody shows their support. They ask what they can do. But it varies who I am interacting with.
"If I am on the street, and people see someone dressed differently, it could make me feel uneasy. But I haven’t had any disturbing reactions yet.
"I do feel we have to be more careful in view of the recent events. I look around more when walking in or out of my home."
Lady in tan: "It has been very scary since it all happened. A lady stopped and told me not to wear my native dress because it could be trouble. That was the first time I have ever felt afraid living here.
"The media has been telling (the public) that the people involved are Muslims, and in so doing, are teaching fear and hate. The woman was sympathizing with me, but … told me to go get jeans."
Anonymous: "A lady drove by in a car and gave my sister and sister-in-law a ‘bird salute’ when they were outside. This is how women dress in my country, how they were brought up to dress. This is a very bad message we’re communicating to the future generation."
The young people who spoke at the meeting said they have fared well since Sept. 11. They said they have enjoyed understanding and support from fellow students and their families. Some cautioned that continued ignorance about Islam could make the lives of American Muslims dangerous.
Lady in brown, 19: "I’ve had good experiences at college, good feelings. I’ve been reaffirmed.
"I was scared at first, because people were not given the opportunity to see what Islam is. I was born here, and already I’m having an identity crisis. My family immigrated here. This country is made up of immigrants. Who’s to say what an immigrant is? We have to face that. It is difficult to face the stereotypes, very sad."
Asghar, 15: "I was walking out of English class when I got the news of the World Trade Center being hit by a plane. We went into a classroom that had a TV and watched in horror.
"For the rest of the day, the school was in shock. At first, I was angry. Then I realized that America’s strength is in the differences (the diversity). I got a lot of support. It made me realize that I was not labeled because of the acts of a few extremists. My friends have supported my family and me. All religions are like branches off a tree. They all have the same values. When people realize that, things will be better."
Latif, 11: "The events of the past few days have been very surreal. Gandhi said we are all from one tree branching out. We should all stay together over here."
Shariee, 19: "I feel like there is a big problem with the American people. … They like to get information the easiest way possible, and that’s the way to manipulate minds.
"If people went out and researched Islam, their misconceptions would be corrected. I feel bad for people that have ignorance.
"My mother is worried for me when I go out, because I wear the hijab, the veil. I go out, go to school, and be the exact opposite of what people expect. I want to be heard, to be liked for who I am, not what I wear."
Having come to the United States to escape terrorism, where is there left to run?
Ajas: "I’ve been here 20 years. I worked in the defense market. I came as an immigrant from Pakistan. I came here to escape violence. If similar things start happening here, where are my kids going to go? They are citizens here. They don’t have dual citizenship. We’ve canceled trips home. I don’t know what I can do to help my family feel safer."
Efas: "I come from a country which has had a history of terrorist attacks, Sri Lanka. We’ve had bombings. We lost our president to terrorists. This act was a tragedy, and we all feel it. All innocent people got killed. I will condemn it.
"However, whether extremist or terrorist, if there is any Islamic link, people are too quick to blame it on all Muslims. Like the Oklahoma City bombing … at first they thought Muslims did that. Many Muslims died in this act, too, but they were blamed for the attack. A true Muslim would not go into bars, as two of the hijackers did the night before the attack. They are not practicing Islam."
Raian: "I come from Bangladesh, which has also had problems. From traveling around lately, I am finding a distinct uneasy feeling.
"In a grocery store where I shopped for the past five years, I got very bad looks, like I should leave. But then an ex-co-worker sent me an e-mail. At first I was hesitant to open it. When I did, I found it was her expressing her concern about my well being.
"The strange irony or hypocrisy is that the media is finger-pointing at every Muslim around, yet the first country the American government runs to for help is Pakistan. I’ve lived here for five years and I still don’t always understand."
What is at the root of the mistrust and hatred? What can be done to stop it?
Moben: "I came from South Africa, a country that was synonymous with discrimination. I can understand the anger. But there were Muslims killed, too.
"Once a generation learns to hate and to discriminate, it takes many generations to eradicate it. I can see us going down to the precipice. Maybe in some ways, we are to blame. We have to ask ourselves what we have done to educate the public on Islam. Even the politicians misconstrue Islam, which is a religion of humility. It has not been portrayed as a religion of peace. What do we have to do?"
Tufail: "The most important reason for the hatred in most people is the media.
"Everyone who knows me comes and asks me if there’s anything they can do, anything to help. Islam teaches us to be a nonviolent people, very peaceful and quiet. When this unfortunate situation happened, the talk shows said the United States should go bomb Pakistan and Afghanistan. For what? Haven’t those countries already lost enough to terrorism themselves?
"The media is a lot to blame for the mistrust today. It is important that this government is behind us, that President Bush visited a mosque and said that the Muslims are good Americans."
Rezan: "This is a most unfortunate thing that has happened. I saw on the media the events of what happened, but I also saw them show a Sikh being arrested, a member of a group not connected to Islam, but more noticeable because of the turban. Even the president is using the term ‘crusade.’
"In his last speech, he was more understanding. I hope something will come out of it and whoever did it will come to trial and people will understand us better and be patient.
"I wish to God that no more innocent people anywhere die."