First of all thank you Vicki and Carol for having me on your show.
Post 9/11, racism has come back into my life. It is unfortunate that such a terrible event which touched the entire world would now create a new surge in racism and mis-understanding of the unknown.
Knowledge is power; we need to educate people all over the world not to fear specific ethnic groups. I look middle eastern, born in Pakistan and then adopted to the West. I feel I have one leg in the East and one in the Left, although I feel very Dutch, I am often treated as if I am a criminal especially passing borders. Only through our uniqueness and individuality can one truly embrace the breathtaking diversity of our existence. Let’s educate and share…
Gabriella, I wanted to let you know we have a special show this Wednesday. It has nothing to do with racism or Islamophobia, but it has everything to do with extreme Islamic religious traditions and the right of women to drive in Saudi Arabia. I’m sure you’re familiar with the “Women2Drive” campaign and the women who have been jailed and even sentenced to flogging for driving. Wednesday, October 26, 11am EST on YAK on HereWomenTalk.com radio, we’ll have a live show with two women in Saudi Arabia, telling what it’s like for them and efforts to raise the status of women. Hope you can tune in. Details here: http://herewomentalk.com/saudi-women-drivers
10 years to the day, it is clear that America still has no closure on 911, and will continue to be as racist as it possibly can towards people simply looking like they come from a Muslim country.
This racism has spread across the world and is the untold story of modern society.
10 years on, I would have thought things would have got better, but now I know there’s another agenda. Many people from many different races seem to have a vested interest in treating Muslims with zero respect and keeping them down in society.
It is a sad thing to say, but it’s true. And of course there are plenty of good people, from all races, who don’t fall into this catorgary that I mention.
However, failed wars, financial crises, unprecedented rise in global riots, have all shown us that the post-911 mentality is only destroying us all.
The only way we can move on from 911 is to forget it. Not give it any more attention than it deserves.
911 has created one of the most significant divisions of race in the history of mankind.
The lesson the whole world should learn is to never, ever trust America again.
Until America undoes this racism.
Peace and love.
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated to hear the views of everyone out there.
I read Newsweek yesterday a 9/11 article and was struck by some of the comments of the journalist, which in my opinion were fabulous.
He basically said: “Fear stopped us, overwhelmed us, as our rationality deserted us.” Then he goes on to say: ” But fear is a tougher enemy than mere mistakes. It can only be overcome by hope. And hope is a choice, not a fate.”
The title of the article is “Did Osama win?”, written by Andrew Sullivan.
I was very pleased by the clear writing about the 9/11 events and what occurred to the US as a Nation afterwards.
I feel we cannot go on blaming one religion because one nation is fearful. I absolutely love to talk about fear, tolerance and acceptance… all three are very near and dear to my own heart.
When fear grips you and holds you frozen into one spot, without being able to look beyond we are then so crippled. But human beings are so resilient and when we can move forward and begin to understand our fears then we have the possibility to accept who we are to be able to then give real tolerance to others.
Thank you for writing on this blog John
Thanks Gabriella for being on the show and sharing your story. You are right. We should not be so quick to judge and base our perceptions on fear. Knowledge is power and speaking out against racism is a good thing. Keep up your good work. Vicki
Yes the more we talk about this subject, hopefully we can appease people’s basic fears on this subject. Not all people are alike! We only might look alike or you might be triggered by some of your own beliefs in thinking that person is bad. Give life a chance!
If you have to close of your heart and live with fear it must be terrible, so try my way… put your judgement to rest and give the person across from you a chance, you might actually learn something and the openness in turn might enrich your own life. Go figure… a stranger enriching YOUR LIFE…