By DORY MACMILLAN – News Writer
Courtesy of the Athens Banner-Herald.
Al-Qaeda hijacked two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, and crashed them into the Twin Towers in New York City, killing approximately 3,000 people, including themselves. 2,753 people’s lives were taken by the impact within the Twin Towers. 184 more people were killed in the attack on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
This event, while irrevocably tragic, amalgamated the country in a way that it had not been before. A unity formed for reasons other than that citizens found solace in blaming President Bush. Initially, our country was brought together because it had been ripped apart.
However, while many remember the events of 9/11 and still mourn the loss of thousands of wonderful, brave people today, 9/11 has a different meaning for other citizens.
9/11 is one of the major contributors to an increased discrimination towards Arabs by the American public. Today, the word “Arab” or “Muslim” is often associated with “terrorist.” This is a completely inaccurate and ignorant description of these peoples, but, unfortunately, this ignorance is a common link between many Americans today.
It is true: there are prominent terrorists groups with primarily Muslim or Arab members. However, there are also other “terrorist groups,” in countries like the U.S. Such groups include the Weathermen, who conducted multiple bombings in protest of the Vietnam War, or the Symbionese Liberation Army, infamous for the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, and the murder of several people.
And what about these groups? In what ways have they been condemned? These were Americans that executed these acts of violence, but any American would be furious if they were judged based on the actions of the Weathermen or any other group. As Americans, we would argue that, because one American did it, doesn’t mean that all Americans condone it. It doesn’t mean that the U.S. spawns and permits terrorism, or even that we encourage it.
It’s the same in regards to religion. Certainly, in the case of 9/11, a group of people that were followers of Islam committed a crime. Countless Christians, Jews and agnostics have also acted illegally. However, people of these other religions have not been treated with the same unfounded intolerance as Muslims.
Ten years after 9/11, 41 percent of people who took the survey would be uncomfortable if a teacher at the elementary school in their community had a Muslim teacher, according to a poll by Gallup. 2,450 people were interviewed in this survey by phone. One cannot help but worry that this represents America as a whole: 41 percent would be nervous about having a Muslim teacher– when there is no solid proof that they are, or ever have been affiliated with any sort of terrorist organization?
- Courtesy of the Athens Banner-Herald.
We are a vastly different country than we were 10 years ago. We have become stronger and safer. We have increased safety protocol in airports. However, many of us have also continued or begun to judge people unfairly, and to spread Islamophobia as a common and acceptable practice.
We need to remember that just because Osama Bin Laden committed acts that we as Americans declare horrific, doesn’t mean that all Muslims or Arabs would commit the same act.
We also need to remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001 because it was on this day that we lost many of America’s finest and bravest. It was also the catalyst for our country becoming truly unified. By forgetting the true significance of this date and using it as an excuse for unfair treatment of others and ignorant prejudice, we have witnessed another tragedy in our country.
