The wedding was incredible, easily the best day of my life. The honeymoon was a continuation of just that; 2 weeks in heaven to start off a wonderful marriage. I've got lots to talk about both of those matters, but given the significance of today's date I'm going to talk about one particular thing that happened while we were off on our honeymoon.
We were returning to our hotel one night and as we got out of the cab and walked to the entrance of the hotel a young guy (I'd say late 20s) holding a drink came up alongside me and said "hey pal." I looked at him at which point he said "I thought you were Osama's brother." I ignored him and walked away.
Now I was born in this country, I'm a U.S. citizen, I pay my taxes, I donate to charities, I vote, I contribute to the economy, I love my country and I wouldn't rather move to any other place, yet for the first time in my life I felt foreign than night. I felt unwelcome in the country that I had the right to be in, I had just as much right to be there as the guy who made me feel so very wrong for being there yet because of his one line I felt like I truly didn't belong. I didn't think something like that would bother me so much, after all I'm pretty good about taking things as light hearted as possible, but that one incident struck home.
And I began to wonder, had I just been really lucky since 9/11? Were there more people like him who would see me and based on the color of my skin would brand me a terrorist? What made me any less of an American than him? Haven't we been through this before? I thought the civil rights movement brought forth the idea that we can't just single out a group of people based on the color of their skin. For the first time in my life I wanted to leave, I wanted to be at home and I didn't want that home to be here.
It may not seem like much, after all it was just a 5 second interaction with some drunk jerk; drunk people say things all the time, get over it right? Well I am over it, but that isn't to say that I'm afraid of something like that happening again. I've said it before, that it all boils down to education and understanding of people and cultures other than our own.
Muslims don't hate Americans, that's just not how things work. My mom is a muslim and she'd never hurt a fly, she cried at 9/11, she donated to the relief fund, she condemned those who did it - just like everyone else. She isn't a fanatic, I'd say she follows the Qua-ran like many people follow the Bible, she doesn't interpret it strictly but she takes it to be a set of morals that she attempts to uphold in her daily life. And to those who don't believe it, must muslims are just like that. They don't walk around with AK-47s plotting ways to attack the West, they lead normal lives and have normal families just like everyone else. I've been to Iran around 5 times now, the only current example of a true Islamic state - did I see people running through the streets plotting to kill Americans? No, I saw normal people doing normal things. Sure their customs are different, but none of those customs include hating Americans. Yet I read through some of the discussions that happen online, even in our own forums, and I'm disgusted. I read statements of people who are clearly ignorant of what they are talking about, attacking people and cultures they don't understand. What if we were all judged by the acts of the D.C. sniper, McVeigh or Dahlmer? Everyone would think that any American was a crazed mass murdering psycho.
As I write this, I'm worried that my point won't get across, that everything I've said here will be dismissed at the hatred will continue. I was just as angry as anyone when the towers fell, I wanted to see someone pay, I wanted revenge - but we must all understand that the revenge isn't against every middle easterner you see. A group of people hated our government, so they took that anger and hatred not out on the government, but on over 3000 innocent people. What sense does it make to attack that group of people by targeting those that honestly have nothing to do with it, some of which are just as American as anyone else in this country.
Today we should all remember the tragedy of 9/11, but we must also remember not to let one tragedy lead us to another one. American doesn't mean white; keep in mind how this country was founded, the melting pot has evolved to include a few new shades but the fact remains the same that we are all Americans. I may not look like everyone else, but I feel the same attachment to this country - please don't make me feel unwelcome.
Take care.
We were returning to our hotel one night and as we got out of the cab and walked to the entrance of the hotel a young guy (I'd say late 20s) holding a drink came up alongside me and said "hey pal." I looked at him at which point he said "I thought you were Osama's brother." I ignored him and walked away.
Now I was born in this country, I'm a U.S. citizen, I pay my taxes, I donate to charities, I vote, I contribute to the economy, I love my country and I wouldn't rather move to any other place, yet for the first time in my life I felt foreign than night. I felt unwelcome in the country that I had the right to be in, I had just as much right to be there as the guy who made me feel so very wrong for being there yet because of his one line I felt like I truly didn't belong. I didn't think something like that would bother me so much, after all I'm pretty good about taking things as light hearted as possible, but that one incident struck home.
And I began to wonder, had I just been really lucky since 9/11? Were there more people like him who would see me and based on the color of my skin would brand me a terrorist? What made me any less of an American than him? Haven't we been through this before? I thought the civil rights movement brought forth the idea that we can't just single out a group of people based on the color of their skin. For the first time in my life I wanted to leave, I wanted to be at home and I didn't want that home to be here.
It may not seem like much, after all it was just a 5 second interaction with some drunk jerk; drunk people say things all the time, get over it right? Well I am over it, but that isn't to say that I'm afraid of something like that happening again. I've said it before, that it all boils down to education and understanding of people and cultures other than our own.
Muslims don't hate Americans, that's just not how things work. My mom is a muslim and she'd never hurt a fly, she cried at 9/11, she donated to the relief fund, she condemned those who did it - just like everyone else. She isn't a fanatic, I'd say she follows the Qua-ran like many people follow the Bible, she doesn't interpret it strictly but she takes it to be a set of morals that she attempts to uphold in her daily life. And to those who don't believe it, must muslims are just like that. They don't walk around with AK-47s plotting ways to attack the West, they lead normal lives and have normal families just like everyone else. I've been to Iran around 5 times now, the only current example of a true Islamic state - did I see people running through the streets plotting to kill Americans? No, I saw normal people doing normal things. Sure their customs are different, but none of those customs include hating Americans. Yet I read through some of the discussions that happen online, even in our own forums, and I'm disgusted. I read statements of people who are clearly ignorant of what they are talking about, attacking people and cultures they don't understand. What if we were all judged by the acts of the D.C. sniper, McVeigh or Dahlmer? Everyone would think that any American was a crazed mass murdering psycho.
As I write this, I'm worried that my point won't get across, that everything I've said here will be dismissed at the hatred will continue. I was just as angry as anyone when the towers fell, I wanted to see someone pay, I wanted revenge - but we must all understand that the revenge isn't against every middle easterner you see. A group of people hated our government, so they took that anger and hatred not out on the government, but on over 3000 innocent people. What sense does it make to attack that group of people by targeting those that honestly have nothing to do with it, some of which are just as American as anyone else in this country.
Today we should all remember the tragedy of 9/11, but we must also remember not to let one tragedy lead us to another one. American doesn't mean white; keep in mind how this country was founded, the melting pot has evolved to include a few new shades but the fact remains the same that we are all Americans. I may not look like everyone else, but I feel the same attachment to this country - please don't make me feel unwelcome.
Take care.
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smgoh - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
Hi Anand,Thank you for taking your time to write such a poignant piece. It's a great reminder for everyone we should be open-minded, and see past the stereo-typical mindset our society, at times, imposes on us.
Regards,
Min Goh
egarc - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
Anand,Welcome back and I'm happy you have started your new life with the your best day ever.
Regarding the Muslim issue, I believe most people don't think all Muslims are extremists. It is unfortunate morons like the one you met exist. They have their own brand of evil.
That said, it is true that almost all terrorists are Muslim. The Muslim community has a very difficult job ahead if they want to differentiate themselves from the radical extremists. The fact of the matter is that the effort will have to come from within the Muslim community. Otherwise, the stereotyping will just get worse.
Here is an example of that effort.
http://freemuslims.org/news/article.php?article=14...
GhandiInstinct - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
We need to stop thinking about where we live, and what we are apart of. Religion, country, heritage, exc..We are human beings. A species that is trying to survive whithin it's enviornment. And we do what we must to survive. Most peoples brains haven't evolved normaly into the adult years because of their enviornments.
That drunk Anand, probably had divorced parents, an abusive, alcoholic father. And didn't go to school.
Sadly, he is one of millions in this country. And I don't blame him. It's how he was raised.
It's important for us to be good parents. To raise our children with the right morals and values to further our species in development.
This country is full of ignorant people. People who would vote for a guy that fits their image as a president rather than a guy that fits Americas and the worlds needs, as a president.
To me, it's not a suprise that drunk said that. And I would personally hand that guy a book rather than take to my head what his dense mind gives thought to.
P.S. Aside from all life mumbo-jumbo, if you need input on what to review next. I'd like to see the socket 939 mobos and cpus, and the future of these parts.
Anonymous - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
Anand I'm sorry to hear that, that ignorant man you met has put a damper on what should one of the most happiest times of your lives. As you live in America and are a citizen i'm sure that you've also met many more people here that treat all people equal too. Please do not let one man's ignorance reflect on your friends and life that you have spent in the US. Everyday you live your life freely and proudly as a citizen of the US you are proving all those that would be prejudice of you wrong.I would also like to note that it's true many people in other countries have a HUGE bias against America. It almost seems anything the US does can be skewed to be against them. I am sad to say some of my best friends from other countries have told me some of the most strangest things about the US usually read or heard from their media. Often I tell them.. Well I am American?? do you feel that I am this way too? While they just reply that i'm different.
I'm sorry to say I'm not different. I'm American and I'm proud of it and would die defending everyone who lives here.
rob smith - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
sorry to hear you got married, now we get less time for reviews and columns :( as for the idiot you ran into, you shouldve kicked his ass!Hameed - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
@Anon, No I don't live in the US and I don't plan to, and please don't take my words out of context.Anonymous - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
#8: He has contributed to the death toll of people who died because of excessive drinking. We can't say he hasn't contributed to anything. LOLJake - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
This is truly a great country, it just has a few too many idiots that wish to express their own stupidity. I know I'm not alone when I say that I'm sorry for his remark to you.Enjoy your marriage and enjoy living here, its your country too. Don't let anyone take away your happiness, you deserve to be very happy.
Again, I'm sorry for that person and what he said to you. 99% of the Americans do not feel that way toward you, I guaranty it.
I visit this site all the time, you've taught me a lot and also helped me give advise to others. You should smile proudly for what you've done for all of us. I wonder what THAT guy has contibuted?
Anonymous - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
#5 Hameed: It's ignorant people like you who cause trouble in U.S. (indirectly). I don't know if you are living in the US or not, but if you are then with that kind of attitude you are likely to annoy some people.I am a Sikh with US Citizenship. Heck, it would matter if I have a citizenship or not, because once I landed foot in the land of freedom, I automatically gained all the rights and priveleges that the natives of this country have.
You have to feel part of this country to be accepted by everyone. If you are going to lead your life preaching about your religion, which is not bad, and ignore what happens to the US and then say "I am glad this happened to you," you are obviously going to be isolated. You have to show pride for US, you have to cry for US, you have to laugh for US. This is how you get accepted.
If you are laughing while everyone is crying on Sept. 11, I am sure people will hate you and quite honestly, you can't blame them.
I am not saying that you should quit following your religious beliefs or your ignore your thoughts, but at least don't be negative towards your home (assuming that you are currently residing in US).
Anonymous - Saturday, September 11, 2004 - link
That was rather stupid to say the least. What he said to you was nothing, but I understand the frustration you go through. There have been quite a few hate crimes noted in states like New York and Washington D.C. Some idiots went into Muslim Mosques (Churches) and open fired. Some people even targetted Sikhs who lived in New York, California, and Washington (Sikhs have beards and they wear Turbans like Middle Easterners, but they are not Muslims).Not to mention the fact that even the government ignored some of these hate crimes. Some Sikhs and Muslims were forced to strip to their underwears in the middle of the street in New York by FBI. Some Sikhs were arrested and were under questioning for six months in jail for no apparent reason. Another sikh NYPD Officer was fired because he wore a Turban and had beard, while his brother was promoted to a Liutenant in NYPD because he had cut his hair.
I think some people have a hard time
understanding that just because someone is a Muslim or has a beard and wears a Turban doesn't make him "Osama's brother" or part of a Terrorist group. Eventually the emotions will settle, but every year around Sept. 11th, these emotions will re-emerge, which is quite sad.
Like many people said, ignore these ignorant people. You are successful, you are happy, you are married, you are leading an ideal life. Be happy and don't stress yourself. You belong here like the rest of us. :)