The first this I wish to say is that I have been a loyal Rockets Fan for over ten years and a constant Clutchcity viewer since the first time I saw the site back in 1998. I have posted more in the last few days than I ever have and have found some of the most intelligent, caring and truly free discussions of any place. This country is based on freedom of ideas, thought and religion. The founding fathers created this country and gave each of us the right to fight against tyranny and that individuality of thought allows this country to be strong from the top all the way to the bottom and we will overcome anything. I was born in New York city, and have lived my entire life in the United States. I love this country and would die for its ideals if I was called upon to do so. I am in Finance and knew people that may have perished in the destruction and originally had plans to be in New York this past weekend through Monday, with one of my meetings being in the World Trad Center. The first thing I did when I heard of the tragedy was go to give blood and offer my services to the best of my ability. I believe some of the greatest men ever were people like Benjamin Franklin, who I hail as a genius because of the ability of his writings to transcend time and technology and be based on philosophies of economics and justice that have no timeframe, and George Washington, whose selflessness and moral character refused the throne when offered and stepped down as president to prove even he was not above the constitution. These are my heroes, I am an American. The color of my skin is not white. I am a Muslim. My parents came here from Pakistan. Whereas I have always been greeted with smiles wherever I went, today I have seen eyes looking at me in a different light. Hate, fear, distrust, sadness. On the campus of the University of Houston an Arab Student was attacked by 7 individuals, I have family calling my telling me not to even go to my place of worship. I have people telling me not to discuss my political views. I have people calling me telling me I should not excercise my right as an American. I read stories about the Camps made for Japanese American's during World War II and I say, times have changed. People ARE different. Are we truly that different in our minds, or is it just a few technological trinkets here and there that make us feel that we are above the instincts, fears and emotions that make us human? I resent the fact that I must explain that less than 5% of muslims in the world are Arab Muslims. The media has created a barrage of stereotypes of muslims that individuals like myself have to battle daily. Even if someone is an Arab-Muslim, does that make an individual party to the actions. Should I ask every anglo individual why Timothy McVeigh wanted to destroy a Federal Building and why David Koresh did what he did? As members of this board we have realized people's ideas about a sport we all love, irregardless of race, sex, religion or political beliefs. But what we do see are individuals that are willing to discuss their thoughts about the Rockets, and they would probably discuss and analyze other situations. Please spread the word of understanding and do not stereotype people that are trying to make a life here just as you and me are irregardless to their dress, their worship or the color of their skin.
Trust me I know what you're talking about. When a black guy robs a bank, there are a segment of people that think ALL black people are criminals. But understand, it is only a relatively small segment of people relative to the people who aren't blaming others. I think the majority of the country knows that the sick bastards who did this live overseas and hide in caves. I have people look at me like I'm crazy when somebody drives by playing rap music, even though I don't listen to rap music. And even then not all rap music shows bad images. But you know ignorance. But for the most part I think the country is united, with a few exception of intolerant people, and I agree wholeheartily with your post targeting those ignorant people.
FD- I feel you you man and believe me, if you gave blood and assisted you did more than 99% of the population. But the US gave warnings to US tourists in foreign countries to maintain low profiles for awhile and I would suggest you may want to stay around your friends and possibly consider staying out of places where trouble could arise for awhile. I know what is happening is not right, but there are alot of crazy people out there, people of every race and religion. BUt my advice would be to not put yourself in a situation where trouble could be abound. But again feel proud, you have done your part, but some people are very crazy and this event has a few people even a little more crazy.
I had heard that one of our Arab professors here at UT was spat in his face by some guy. This was sithin the first hour of the attack, so he didn't know about the attack yet. He thought it was best to change his clothes. So sad.
F.D. Khan, You are 100% correct. Because some nutcase terrorists like Bin Laden are out to destroy us, doesn't mean anything about the rest of the Muslim population. My hope is that peple everywhere will recognize that a lynch mob mentality is THE WORST POSSIBLE REACTION. My prayers are with you and I hope that all Americans appreciate that we are a country of immigrants, and that we are all in this together.
good words, fd. while i agree that we come along way in race relations, the several reports i have heard regarding attacks on muslims in the past couple of days indicate that there are still many ignorant people out there. please, be careful.
Yes, our country is the most diverse nation in the world, the last thing we need is to divide up along racial or religious lines. United we stand, divided we fall. DaDakota
Here at OU, we've had several incidents like the one at U of H. Its really disturbing to me because we're supposed to be such an "enlightened" generation of students here. Top in the naton in incoming National Scholars. Top 5 in Rhodes scholars. And yet crap like this can happen. This shows exactly what kind of power and impact fear, hate, and prejudice can truly have.
I just don't get it, with all the racial strife and battles this country fought, why would idiots want to go out and start ANOTHER one! Blaming an entire race of people just doesn't make any sense. And the sad thing is this isn't the beginning, it's just the continuation. These people are just ignorant, and are never going to change!
Where'd u get that information? There are no links to a story about UH on any of the Houston TV news stations.
The specifics of the U of Houston Incident are unknown to me, but in the Wall Street Journal it stated that In Irving, Texas a Mosque (Muslim Church) had a drive by shooting, that thankfully injured no one.
Here is a link I found about a Molotov Cocktail bomb against a Ft. Worth Mosque http://www.msnbc.com/local/KXAS/NBC4BA75JRC.asp http://www.msnbc.com/local/KXAS/NBC4BA75JRC.asp
Outlaw, It was on the news, channel 11 i think. I just don't have an internet link. It is a fact. FDK
Im a Muslim and I go to UH. I definitely feel a little different when Im on campus now. I have gotten a few stares, but..... Anyways I read the Cougar yesterday and it did mention about the Muslim who was "attacked" by seven students. Well it was not really a physical assault, it was more of a strong verbal argument. The seven students were waiting for the Muslim outside class for a discussion (according to the seven). So the Muslim student asked the professor to escort him to the UC. About the stares, I guess I do understand the fear some people have. I hope that uncomfortable feeling goes away after a while.
