Last week, our nation was rocked by the tragic events that occurred in New York, Washington and Pittsburgh.
Over a week later, we still feel lost, confused, hurt, angered and afraid. These various feelings have built up and tensions are running high.
The American people are both united and torn at the same time. They are united in the fact that something must be done, however the “something” is splitting the country in factions.
Everyday, I hear someone on campus, on the news or overheard in conversation say, “We need to go after them!” “We need to kill them!” “Nuke them!” “What is the president waiting for?” “Do something for God’s sake!”
Then I hear the president assure people that now is the time to bury the dead. In the meantime, the United States has declared war on terrorism and already, some of our allies are preparing for battle.
Anyway, you get the picture here, but evidently some people are a bit confused on one tiny detail. That detail is who “they” are.
To the president, “they” are the “ones responsible.” To one group of people, “they” are Arabs. To others, “they” are Muslims. And sadly enough, to some, “they” are anyone who is a “non-American.”
I have heard one story after another about this detail.
This past Saturday night, I was watching a special edition of America’s Most Wanted. A high school student from Washington, D.C., said during an interview that just a few hours after the events unfolded, a man stopped him on the street and asked him, “What are you?”
He replied, “I’m an American.” But the man angrily asked, “What nationality are you?” And the boy replied, “I’m part Columbian and part Pakistani.” The boy said that the man spat in his face and called him a “(expletive deleted) Arab.”
There are numerous stories nationwide like this young boy’s.
But, unfortunately, much closer to home, several international students, right here at ETSU, have been harassed as well. Yes, here at ETSU where we have a “zero tolerance” policy toward hate speech and acts of hate.
I understand that the nation as a whole is upset and angry. But, we should not let these strong feelings keep us from distinguishing between those who truly are guilty, and those innocent people caught in the middle.
I do agree with the majority of Americans in that something needs to be done. I do agree that we need to find those responsible. However, I do not agree that the American people have the right to accuse or even attack anyone based on race or religion.
Some have claimed that this is the beginning of an alleged religious war. I have even heard statements that this was an Islamic attack on Christians. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Many horrific deeds in history have been done in the name of religion. For some reason, many people can justify such an act if their deity sanctioned it.
You need to remember that there are radicals in almost any group, religious or secular. It is not fair to judge the entire group based on a select few.
I urge you, before you start pointing fingers at “them,” think about who “they” really are. Put yourself in their shoes and think about how you would feel.
If you still feel hatred in your heart, then you are no better than those responsible for the horrible attacks on America.

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