Why the hatred among Americans?

[Dhruv]

Why is it that so many people, not even middle eastern, not even Muslim are being blamed for the attacks? I don't think any true American should be targeted but so many South Asians, particularly Sikhs have been harassed, threatened, and beat up.

Sikhs have absolutely nothing to do with Islam, it was an offshoot of Hinduism that was actually created to protect Hindus from Islamic oppression. As such, they have to maintain certain things such as a turban, bracelet, and knife among other things. They have no connection with the Middle East and are not Semitic/Arabs.

I don't think any true American should be blamed, and i think the attacks going on at the Mosques are just as bad as the terrorist acts themselves as far as principle is concerned. But if certain elements of our society keep abusing these people, they will stop thinking of themselves as proud Americans (as most do now) and start thinking of themselves as being unwelcomed here, and will lose the loyalty they have. Some of the most patriotic Americans weren't even born here. These people are a valuable resource to this country because they can shed light on what is truly going on in the middle east and south asia to those of us that are not so familiar with the region. Just some thoughts.

 

[Static911]

ppl in america are not necesarrily ignorant, they just want to vent...unfortuantely, in the wrong manner

during the spy plane issue, i always looked behind my back when going anywhere...

static911

 

[Midnight Rambler]

It is because people are basically afraid right now and do not know who can be trusted for sure. The fact that the enemy has been living and operating amongst us, unknown and undetected, has unsettled people. It is unfortunate, but the only thing they know right now is that the enemy is extremist Middle Eastern Muslims, so anyone of that appearance is being associated. It's not our normal way of thought for most people here, it's more of a reaction to the tremendous psychological shock that most have experienced than anything else. When America has been drawn in to war in the past, the enemy has always been clearly definable. This time things are very different and fear of the unknown is a very powerful influence on behavior.

 

[pamchenko]

<< When America has been drawn in to war in the past, the enemy has always been clearly definable. >>



you mean like the japanese who we put in camps? racism is not new to the US...though all this awareness and backlash against those that harbor ill will to ethnic americans is improving the situation...
this makes me thk of movies like ID4 where the world comes together in a collective effort...
or in Armageddon where they show scenes of people are the world rejoicing together in their own ways...

 

[Bob/NYC]

Because, unless a person is from a large city, they don't know the difference. It's not an excuse, nor excusable, just an explanation. There's just zero tolenance for arabs given that they're the only ones with historical progrssive attcks on the USA for decades. Racism is nothing new in Japan either, but let's not start that up again.

 

[gqstyle09]

<< during the spy plane issue, i always looked behind my back when going anywhere... >>


being of chinese descent, i remember how disturbed i was when so many people here at AT were talking about going to war with china over that incident....... this situation kinda puts everything in perspective, doesn't it?

 

[RanDum72]

ppl in america are not necesarrily ignorant, they just want to vent...unfortuantely, in the wrong manner

A lot of people here ARE ignorant, just too many ethnocentric and self-centered rednecks.

 

[rudder]

Well we live in a free country. People can come here and kick us in the balls. I cannot get on a plane and move to Afghanistan and set up shop to retaliate. I must rely on our military and government. The public can get ansy waiting for a response and get frustrated.

A lot of it is due to ignorance of world politics and religion. I for one am patient and I know that a true Muslim person does not believe in killing any more than a true Christian does. There are exceptions to both rules and those are the people e target. Too many people do not realize this and they try to run over the first person they see wearing a turban.

 

[HowardStern]

Perhaps we should make all these Islamic people wear a symbol on their sleeve, so that all the non-Islamic Arabs won't get beaten up by mistake.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Umm Howard, NO ONE INSIDE THE US should be getting beat up, unless they actively attempt to harm someone else.

People need to understand this...especially since people like me and my group are out there armed and armored ready to stop these attacks, by force if necessary.

I'd hate to have to kill an American, there's been enough death already. But if anyone, ANYONE tries to harm another American around me out of ignorance and bigotry than I'll activate his life insurance plan, period.

 

[GasX]

Yes, all muslims should wear a yellow star stitched to their clothing and should be kept in small inner city neightborhoods and guarded night and day.

Hmmmmm, where did they try this before??...

 

[SaltBoy]

<< Perhaps we should make all these Islamic people wear a symbol on their sleeve, so that all the non-Islamic Arabs won't get beaten up by mistake. >>



sigh...

 

[mrCide]

why do people keep making excuses for these ignorant morons who are harassing/beating/killing muslims/arabs/lookalikes?

you think anything makes it okay? these people deserve the same fate as bin laden as far as i'm concerned, they're no better.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Perhaps the fanatical Muslims could wear a bullseye shaped patch on a cap or their shirt.

It's too bad the Sikhs are being targeted, they look different & are easy to pick out.

The real fanatics will try to fit in as best as they can, clean shaven, short hair, etc... Best to let the professionals deal with this crap & report suspicious activity A.S.A.P.

 

[Bulk Beef]

<< Perhaps we should make all these Islamic people wear a symbol on their sleeve, so that all the non-Islamic Arabs won't get beaten up by mistake. >>



That's a great idea Howard!! Maybe you can wear a white robe and a hood so we'll recognize you!!