When I was visiting a friend the other night, I was placed in an uncomfortable situation… It went a little something like this.
This conversation is in reference to a person he was just on the phone with.
Young gentleman: “He said it sounded like we were speaking Arabic.”
Gentleman’s friend: “What hahah?”
Young gentleman: “He said it sounded like we were speaking Arabic.”
Gentleman’s father: “No, no Arabic allowed in this house.”
Gentleman’s friend: “Why?” *talks softly under his breath*
Gentleman’s father: “Yeah I do have a problem with Arabs, no Arab’s are allowed in this house.”
At this point, I was sitting there in mere shock of the conversation that was occurring in front of me. Did I hear what his father said correctly? Was I imagining things? I was presented with two options: to keep my mouth closed or, to voice my opinion and excuse myself from the situation before further confrontation. What would you do? My impulses told me to sock the guy in the face but honestly, how far would that get me?
So, I stood up and gathered my belongings.
Me: “I’m actually Arab”
Gentleman’s father: “Uh... what?”
Me: “I said, I’m Arab. And what you said is offensive to me. I feel extremely uncomfortable now. I just, I have to leave.”
Mind you, this is the first time meeting my “friend’s” parents; I was around unfamiliar people. At this point, everything had unraveled so fast and the room filled with silence, confusion, and awkwardness.
Gentleman’s father: *Shrugs shoulders*
Me: “I’m Arab, and I’m sorry but you made me feel uncomfortable… thank you for having me over.”
Prejudices are based on preconceived notions, primarily on appearance and no legitimate reasoning. On a day-to-day basis, people face prejudices regarding gender, hair color, and even ethnicity.
I’m an Arab living in America, and no, I’m not a terrorist.
I’m an Arab-American. I was born and raised in America, and, English is my first language.
This makes me no lesser than you. On the fourth of July, I celebrate America’s independence from England. I thank those who have served and put themselves last to honor and protect our country; my Grandfather’s are both veterans.
So why is it that I’m discriminated towards by society? The word “terrorist” has been misconstrued and lost its meaning. By definition, "terrorist" doesn’t refer to those with olive skin tone, who wear hijabs, who speak Arabic. Terrorism is the act of terrorist crimes with the use of intimidation and violence. A terrorist doesn’t have a specific look; crimes can be committed by a blue-eyed blonde-hair individual.
I pose no threat to society, but those around me sure act like I do. But, ignorance is bliss. I can’t control what comes out of people’s mouths; but I can redirect and help clear up their bias mindset. As a child, we have been taught to idolize a typical “American” with fair skin, who are natives of this country. We all descend from another country, even if that means dating back 50 years or, 500.
I have sympathy for those who discriminate towards Arabs. I understand the anger and frustration associated with the grievance and pain of terrorist crimes that have disrupted the unity of our country. My ethnic group shouldn’t receive the backlash from it.
As Arab-Americans, we love the United States of America too. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.
I am no different than you; I wake up every day in fear of terrorist acts.
And, as a country, we’re all living in fear. Fear of terrorist attacks in libraries, movie theaters, and on airplanes.
Although many Arabs have committed terrorist attacks, there is a vast majority who don’t side with the extremist groups who intend on harming others.
I believe in change in America, as well as in humanity. Others should look at me for who I am not for what I’m made out to be.
