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vartan
QUOTE
China is home to a large population of adherents of Islam. Sources, including the BBC, suggest that there may be anywhere from 20 million to 100 million Muslims in China.


A bunch of mormons too .. go figure.
Together4ever
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:03 PM) *

You know,I really don't care if you think it's funny stupid or whatever.
Fact is that ppl are scared when they see Muslim looking ppl on their aircraft,if that would not be the case then ppl wouldn't be looked at as if they would be wanting to do something to that airplane.
Ppl are SCARED,not intolerant (well at least most are simply scared and nothing but that).They don't have the intension to make an Arab/Muslim/Middle Easterner feel stupid,hurt or anything when they act "funny" as soon as they see a person like that board their plane.They are SCARED.Scared to die like thousands did damn near exactly 5 years ago.
Do you ppl not understand that??????
And what I said about the simple solution :
think about it,that way Muslims wouldn't be looked at stupid anymore ,wouldn't be treated like crap anymore when they simply want to travel with no bad intensions and the rest of us all who ARE scared could also travel without having to feel scared.
Lets face it ppl,if the hijackers would have been Chinese ppl would be afraid of Chinese now,not of Muslims= Arab looking ppl.
Personally I don't acre about your religion,race,gender.,sexual preferences or anything.You treat me and my loved ones with respect and I will do the same to you and your loved ones.
But yes I AM scared and unfortunatley I do worry each and everytime I see an Arab whether he has or does not have something to do with Terrorism.
The Hijackers were co called "Sleepers".the had perfectly normal lifes,went to college,had American friends,were looked at as nice and freindly ppl,UNTIL they were called to duty-and that led to 9/11.
Do you all NOW understand WHYppl are scared????? It doesn't have anything to do with Intolerance,but with fear.
Nat


You know what I'M afraid of? Tiny minded people who see themselves as victims of any little thing they don't have mind enough to understand... and sit and cry "wahhh wahhhh don't you people understand?" It's people like these that rob other's of their freedoms because they are too simple minded to see a bigger picture. It's you who doesn't understand, sister. And yes, frankly, YOU scare the sh*t out of me. People like you. Please don't come to my country. It's already full of tiny minded fearful little marmots who are afraid of their own shadows because they're not intelligent enough to think outside of what the media spoon feeds them. Yep. I'm being quite foul. You pushed my button. Now my question to you is... and answer it if you can... DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I AM AFRAID OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU?????
Meriem_setif
QUOTE(just_waiting @ Aug 23 2006, 07:26 PM) *

QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:03 PM) *

You know,I really don't care if you think it's funny stupid or whatever.
Fact is that ppl are scared when they see Muslim looking ppl on their aircraft,if that would not be the case then ppl wouldn't be looked at as if they would be wanting to do something to that airplane.
Ppl are SCARED,not intolerant (well at least most are simply scared and nothing but that).They don't have the intension to make an Arab/Muslim/Middle Easterner feel stupid,hurt or anything when they act "funny" as soon as they see a person like that board their plane.They are SCARED.Scared to die like thousands did damn near exactly 5 years ago.
Do you ppl not understand that??????
And what I said about the simple solution :
think about it,that way Muslims wouldn't be looked at stupid anymore ,wouldn't be treated like crap anymore when they simply want to travel with no bad intensions and the rest of us all who ARE scared could also travel without having to feel scared.
Lets face it ppl,if the hijackers would have been Chinese ppl would be afraid of Chinese now,not of Muslims= Arab looking ppl.
Personally I don't acre about your religion,race,gender.,sexual preferences or anything.You treat me and my loved ones with respect and I will do the same to you and your loved ones.
But yes I AM scared and unfortunatley I do worry each and everytime I see an Arab whether he has or does not have something to do with Terrorism.
The Hijackers were co called "Sleepers".the had perfectly normal lifes,went to college,had American friends,were looked at as nice and freindly ppl,UNTIL they were called to duty-and that led to 9/11.
Do you all NOW understand WHYppl are scared????? It doesn't have anything to do with Intolerance,but with fear.
Nat


You know what I'M afraid of? Tiny minded people who see themselves as victims of any little thing they don't have mind enough to understand... and sit and cry "wahhh wahhhh don't you people understand?" It's people like these that rob other's of their freedoms because they are too simple minded to see a bigger picture. It's you who doesn't understand, sister. And yes, frankly, YOU scare the sh*t out of me. People like you. Please don't come to my country. It's already full of tiny minded fearful little marmots who are afraid of their own shadows because they're not intelligent enough to think outside of what the media spoon feeds them. Yep. I'm being quite foul. You pushed my button. Now my question to you is... and answer it if you can... DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I AM AFRAID OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU?????


IPB Image
Together4ever
QUOTE(lal_brandow @ Aug 23 2006, 08:04 PM) *

QUOTE(iceyspots @ Aug 23 2006, 08:01 PM) *


and some "suspicious soft drinks"

IPB Image


we're in trouble now!!! everyone get out of the way!!!!

IPB Image



Is this a dreaded MUSLIM NINJA OWL???????????????????? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Natashabrenda
Thanks Cian,guess you understod what I meant.
And guess what you all,
NO I am not a racist.As I said I don't care about someones race,religion,gender ,sexual preferences,age,-whatever.I DO NOT CARE.
I try NOT to jude a book by it's cover,I have NEVER verbally or physically attacked a person bc of their race or religion.I don't care what race or religion you are,but if someone is messing with the ones I love I will get really really mad.If my German neighbors (or my African neighbors,the Italians that live here-anybody) would have tried to mess with my mans car or beat up my son,heck I would have gotten just as mad.
And if the hijackers on 9/11 would have been ,lets say Asian,I would be scared of those ppl boarding my plane now.
Will it stop me from going to see the man I love? Heck NO!
I hope and pray that one day the world can go back to normal and maybe there will one day be the chance that all ppl regardless of race and religion will live in peace together but hey that most likely is wishful thinking.
I wish I could just get on a plane and NOT think of 9/11 but unfortunatley I can't.
And yes when it comes to that I guess I am a victim,maybe of my own fear,but hey show me how to change that and I will in a heartbeat.I wish everyone out there could look at a Muslim as nothing but another Human Being,but after 9/11 that is not always easy to do.
As I said I have NEVER verbally or physically attacked anyone just bc they were Muslim,and I wont do that in the future,so get real guys how in the heck could I possibly be a freaking racist???????
Nat
Together4ever
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:18 PM) *

I will move to the USA bc the man I love lives there,home is where the heart is.......
Secondly,I live in a part of Germany where we have LOTS of Muslims (from several countries),my man would not be safe here as they have made sure to let us know.Also my son whos 5 years old has been beat up by two Mulism boys bc he's American and we happen to put out the Star Spanngled Banner on September 11th.
They (some of my Muslim neighbors) have tried to mess with my man's car when he was stationed here and came to my house,he wore the BDU and they started calling him names..........
I'm being called "The American ***re",nice ain't it? Now tell me about intolerance!!!!!
And ALL of this started after 9/11.
I went to school with Muslims,some of my best friends were Muslims,but I DARE to love an American on top of that a man who served in the US Military......
Don't tell me about hatured,I feel it EVERY DAY.
Nat



Oh the muslim boys beat up my son story again.... Do you realize with all your foaming at the mouth you've given the terrorists (not muslims.... TERRORISTS) exactly what they wanted. In your little reality they won. yes.gif
sarah and hicham
Bye now!
LaL
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:33 PM) *

And guess what you all,
NO I am not a racist.As I said I don't care about someones race,religion,gender ,sexual preferences,age,-whatever.I DO NOT CARE.



um guess what chicka-flicka.. YOU said you would have a MUSLIM removed from a flight if they wear a shirt with script or pray, so YES you DO care what religion someone is.
babybunny
QUOTE(just_waiting @ Aug 24 2006, 05:26 AM) *

QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:03 PM) *

You know,I really don't care if you think it's funny stupid or whatever.
Fact is that ppl are scared when they see Muslim looking ppl on their aircraft,if that would not be the case then ppl wouldn't be looked at as if they would be wanting to do something to that airplane.
Ppl are SCARED,not intolerant (well at least most are simply scared and nothing but that).They don't have the intension to make an Arab/Muslim/Middle Easterner feel stupid,hurt or anything when they act "funny" as soon as they see a person like that board their plane.They are SCARED.Scared to die like thousands did damn near exactly 5 years ago.
Do you ppl not understand that??????
And what I said about the simple solution :
think about it,that way Muslims wouldn't be looked at stupid anymore ,wouldn't be treated like crap anymore when they simply want to travel with no bad intensions and the rest of us all who ARE scared could also travel without having to feel scared.
Lets face it ppl,if the hijackers would have been Chinese ppl would be afraid of Chinese now,not of Muslims= Arab looking ppl.
Personally I don't acre about your religion,race,gender.,sexual preferences or anything.You treat me and my loved ones with respect and I will do the same to you and your loved ones.
But yes I AM scared and unfortunatley I do worry each and everytime I see an Arab whether he has or does not have something to do with Terrorism.
The Hijackers were co called "Sleepers".the had perfectly normal lifes,went to college,had American friends,were looked at as nice and freindly ppl,UNTIL they were called to duty-and that led to 9/11.
Do you all NOW understand WHYppl are scared????? It doesn't have anything to do with Intolerance,but with fear.
Nat


You know what I'M afraid of? Tiny minded people who see themselves as victims of any little thing they don't have mind enough to understand... and sit and cry "wahhh wahhhh don't you people understand?" It's people like these that rob other's of their freedoms because they are too simple minded to see a bigger picture. It's you who doesn't understand, sister. And yes, frankly, YOU scare the sh*t out of me. People like you. Please don't come to my country. It's already full of tiny minded fearful little marmots who are afraid of their own shadows because they're not intelligent enough to think outside of what the media spoon feeds them. Yep. I'm being quite foul. You pushed my button. Now my question to you is... and answer it if you can... DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I AM AFRAID OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU?????

good.gif
I agree with you..
JenT
You are judging an entire group of people by the actions of a few.

According to Webster, racism = prejudice against certain peoples.

Prejudice = an opinion, often unfavorable, formed without adequate reasons; bias.

whistling.gif
Jenn!
Sounds like someone doesn't understand what racism means. rolleyes.gif
Together4ever
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:33 PM) *

Thanks Cian,guess you understod what I meant.
And guess what you all,
NO I am not a racist.As I said I don't care about someones race,religion,gender ,sexual preferences,age,-whatever.I DO NOT CARE.
I try NOT to jude a book by it's cover,I have NEVER verbally or physically attacked a person bc of their race or religion.I don't care what race or religion you are,but if someone is messing with the ones I love I will get really really mad.If my German neighbors (or my African neighbors,the Italians that live here-anybody) would have tried to mess with my mans car or beat up my son,heck I would have gotten just as mad.
And if the hijackers on 9/11 would have been ,lets say Asian,I would be scared of those ppl boarding my plane now.
Will it stop me from going to see the man I love? Heck NO!
I hope and pray that one day the world can go back to normal and maybe there will one day be the chance that all ppl regardless of race and religion will live in peace together but hey that most likely is wishful thinking.
I wish I could just get on a plane and NOT think of 9/11 but unfortunatley I can't.
And yes when it comes to that I guess I am a victim,maybe of my own fear,but hey show me how to change that and I will in a heartbeat.I wish everyone out there could look at a Muslim as nothing but another Human Being,but after 9/11 that is not always easy to do.
As I said I have NEVER verbally or physically attacked anyone just bc they were Muslim,and I wont do that in the future,so get real guys how in the heck could I possibly be a freaking racist???????
Nat



You are in a serious case of denial, sis. You should go back and read your original post again... yuck.
sarah and hicham
QUOTE(jenn3539 @ Aug 23 2006, 05:37 PM) *

Sounds like someone doesn't understand what racism means. rolleyes.gif



yeah I think she needs some private time in the bathroom with Webster.
vartan
QUOTE
DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I AM AFRAID OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU?????


Part of your right to free speech and your freedom here in the US requires respect too .. there is not much in your statement.. I dont agree with what natasha says but you have to respect the fearful along with the strong.. Its the lack of respect that ignorant people have to things they don't understand and lack of respect of the people who are ignorant to the fact that not everyone is the same.
Jenn!
IPB Image
Bosco
QUOTE(Cian @ Aug 23 2006, 08:21 PM) *

QUOTE(Bosco @ Aug 23 2006, 07:57 PM) *

I think what has happened since 9/11 is that people are no longer embarassed to hide their bigotry. The proudly display it and try to excuse it away by referring to 9/11. 9/11 didn't create you. I am pretty sure you were this way long before 9/11.


I only want to address this, because it's the only one I really have comment on.

9/11 DID create a lot of "us". I never gave someone being muslim a second thought until after then. I have no religious prejudice against Muslims, so you can't argue that. I just never really thought about it until post-9/11. Since then? Yes, I tend to be a little suspicious. Fear is our defense mechanism. Fear heightens our senses, and makes us ready for danger. That's physiology - you can't change that. If a snake bites you once, you will be suspicious of snakes. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will avoid doing it again. It's really no different. Allow enough time for the memory of the "hurt" to go away, and things will go back to normal.

Just remember....they're called "Terrorists" for a reason.....


I understand what you are saying, but I still think this is way of excusing an unjustified reaction rather than looking at what really is at issue. I am not impervious to reactions that are based upon generalizations or even prejudice. But when it happens, I correct myself. I think it through and realize I am reacting in an irrational, ugly way. I don't justify this reaction based on physiology or the fact that whatever thought that entered my mind may hold true for a limited number of people of that race/religion/etc. I control how I choose to respond to something (I am not talking an immediate reaction or shortly thereafter).

I have been robbed and had a weapon held to my head by a group of men that were all of a certain race, which I will not name here. It did not carry over into a fear of all men of that race. People are not hot stoves. All hot stoves burn. The physiological reaction to a hot stove makes sense because of all hot stoves will burn, but all Muslims will not commit terrorism. Was I uneasy being out late alone after that, yes. Was I more fearful of men of that race, no.

Likewise, I understand feeling uneasy flying after 9/11. My parents were flying that day and when they were able to fly a few days later, I was scared. But carrying that over to a suspicion of 1.3 billion people does not make sense, not to me anyway.

Why is there no physiological reaction to white males after the Oklahoma City bombing or after seeing nearly every serial killer on TV be a white male? Because I think in these circumstances we know better, we are around enough white men on a daily basis to realize these are the exceptions. The reaction to Muslims stems from ignorance out of a lack of familiarity rather than a justifiable response.
Together4ever
QUOTE(vartan @ Aug 23 2006, 08:41 PM) *

QUOTE
DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I AM AFRAID OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU?????


Part of your right to free speech and your freedom here in the US requires respect too .. there is not much in your statement.. I dont agree with what natasha says but you have to respect the fearful along with the strong.. Its the lack of respect that ignorant people have to things they don't understand and lack of respect of the people who are ignorant to the fact that not everyone is the same.



... and conversely your own logic could also be applied to your own response to mine... and on and on and on. It's called opinion. End of story. laughing.gif
Natashabrenda
OK by THAT definition I am a racist.My definition of a racist is a different one so thats why I can't and wont call my self a racist.
Just Waiting,DO NOT call me your sis.
And oh yes I WILL be coming to the USA,no matter if you guys like it or not.
I want to live in peace and quiet with my family and I want my family to be safe no matter where we live.
You can think and say what you want,if 9/11 wouldn't have happened Muslims would not be looked at the way they are being looked at now!
Nat
iceyspots
QUOTE(Bosco @ Aug 23 2006, 08:45 PM) *

QUOTE(Cian @ Aug 23 2006, 08:21 PM) *

QUOTE(Bosco @ Aug 23 2006, 07:57 PM) *

I think what has happened since 9/11 is that people are no longer embarassed to hide their bigotry. The proudly display it and try to excuse it away by referring to 9/11. 9/11 didn't create you. I am pretty sure you were this way long before 9/11.


I only want to address this, because it's the only one I really have comment on.

9/11 DID create a lot of "us". I never gave someone being muslim a second thought until after then. I have no religious prejudice against Muslims, so you can't argue that. I just never really thought about it until post-9/11. Since then? Yes, I tend to be a little suspicious. Fear is our defense mechanism. Fear heightens our senses, and makes us ready for danger. That's physiology - you can't change that. If a snake bites you once, you will be suspicious of snakes. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will avoid doing it again. It's really no different. Allow enough time for the memory of the "hurt" to go away, and things will go back to normal.

Just remember....they're called "Terrorists" for a reason.....


I understand what you are saying, but I still think this is way of excusing an unjustified reaction rather than looking at what really is at issue. I am not impervious to reactions that are based upon generalizations or even prejudice. But when it happens, I correct myself. I think it through and realize I am reacting in an irrational, ugly way. I don't justify this reaction based on physiology or the fact that whatever thought that entered my mind may hold true for a limited number of people of that race/religion/etc. I control how I choose to respond to something (I am not talking an immediate reaction or shortly thereafter).

I have been robbed and had a weapon held to my head by a group of men that were all of a certain race, which I will not name here. It did not carry over into a fear of all men of that race. People are not hot stoves. All hot stoves burn. The physiological reaction to a hot stove makes sense because of all hot stoves will burn, but all Muslims will not commit terrorism. Was I uneasy being out late alone after that, yes. Was I more fearful of men of that race, no.

Likewise, I understand feeling uneasy flying after 9/11. My parents were flying that day and when they were able to fly a few days later, I was scared. But carrying that over to a suspicion of 1.3 billion people does not make sense, not to me anyway.

Why is there no physiological reaction to white males after the Oklahoma City bombing or after seeing nearly every serial killer on TV be a white male? Because I think in these circumstances we know better, we are around enough white men on a daily basis to realize these are the exceptions. The reaction to Muslims stems from ignorance out of a lack of familiarity rather than a justifiable response.


good.gif
Bosco
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:45 PM) *

OK by THAT definition I am a racist.My definition of a racist is a different one so thats why I can't and wont call my self a racist.
Just Waiting,DO NOT call me your sis.
And oh yes I WILL be coming to the USA,no matter if you guys like it or not.
I want to live in peace and quiet with my family and I want my family to be safe no matter where we live.
You can think and say what you want,if 9/11 wouldn't have happened Muslims would not be looked at the way they are being looked at now!
Nat


You call the terrorists are brothers but she cannot call you sis? Explain!
Bosco
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:45 PM) *

OK by THAT definition I am a racist.My definition of a racist is a different one so thats why I can't and wont call my self a racist.
Just Waiting,DO NOT call me your sis.
And oh yes I WILL be coming to the USA,no matter if you guys like it or not.
I want to live in peace and quiet with my family and I want my family to be safe no matter where we live.
You can think and say what you want,if 9/11 wouldn't have happened Muslims would not be looked at the way they are being looked at now!
Nat


You call the terrorists our brothers but she cannot call you sis? Explain!
sarah and hicham
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 05:45 PM) *

OK by THAT definition I am a racist.My definition of a racist is a different one so thats why I can't and wont call my self a racist.
Just Waiting,DO NOT call me your sis.
And oh yes I WILL be coming to the USA,no matter if you guys like it or not.
I want to live in peace and quiet with my family and I want my family to be safe no matter where we live.
You can think and say what you want,if 9/11 wouldn't have happened Muslims would not be looked at the way they are being looked at now!
Nat


hahaha so you can make your own definitions of anything you want that way in your head you will not be associated with negativity such as being the racist that you are.
iceyspots
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:45 PM) *

OK by THAT definition I am a racist.My definition of a racist is a different one so thats why I can't and wont call my self a racist.
Just Waiting,DO NOT call me your sis.
And oh yes I WILL be coming to the USA,no matter if you guys like it or not.
I want to live in peace and quiet with my family and I want my family to be safe no matter where we live.
You can think and say what you want,if 9/11 wouldn't have happened Muslims would not be looked at the way they are being looked at now!
Nat


Your definition of racist is different? Ummm.....

IPB Image
vartan
QUOTE
... and conversely your own logic could also be applied to your own response to mine... and on and on and on. It's called opinion. End of story.


I didn't ask a question it was just a comment.. respect everyone and everyones oppinions.. no matter what side.. no need to get nasty on either side.
sarah and hicham
QUOTE(iceyspots @ Aug 23 2006, 05:49 PM) *

QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:45 PM) *

OK by THAT definition I am a racist.My definition of a racist is a different one so thats why I can't and wont call my self a racist.
Just Waiting,DO NOT call me your sis.
And oh yes I WILL be coming to the USA,no matter if you guys like it or not.
I want to live in peace and quiet with my family and I want my family to be safe no matter where we live.
You can think and say what you want,if 9/11 wouldn't have happened Muslims would not be looked at the way they are being looked at now!
Nat


Your definition of racist is different? Ummm.....

IPB Image


jajajajaja.
Together4ever
Sis... tongue_ss.gif


I have concluded that henceforth, all "people" shall be called "creeple".

*pins her official "creeple" badge on her t-shirt*

boo
iceyspots
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:18 PM) *

Also my son whos 5 years old has been beat up by two Mulism boys bc he's American


IPB Image
sarah and hicham
Just a question: how do you know he was beat up because he is American? How do you know it wasn't for something else?
vartan
QUOTE
Also my son whos 5 years old has been beat up by two Mulism boys bc he's American


Was that in america?
LaL
QUOTE(sarah and hicham @ Aug 23 2006, 08:54 PM) *

Just a question: how do you know he was beat up because he is American? How do you know it wasn't for something else?



or as an extention of that ... maybe because of your SO's involvement in the US military... not very popular in many parts of the world.
Natashabrenda
Ok my definition of a racist:
Someone who verbally or physically attacks someone for no reason other than that person lets say being Black,Jewish or whatever.
I DID NOT attack anyone verbally or physically.
Why I don't want her to call me sis? Very easy to explain,she is rude and disrespectful towards me.I have not attacked her verbally nor have I done anything else than telling ppl what I (!!!!!!) think.
Nat
PlatyPius
QUOTE(Bosco @ Aug 23 2006, 08:45 PM) *

QUOTE(Cian @ Aug 23 2006, 08:21 PM) *

QUOTE(Bosco @ Aug 23 2006, 07:57 PM) *

I think what has happened since 9/11 is that people are no longer embarassed to hide their bigotry. The proudly display it and try to excuse it away by referring to 9/11. 9/11 didn't create you. I am pretty sure you were this way long before 9/11.


I only want to address this, because it's the only one I really have comment on.

9/11 DID create a lot of "us". I never gave someone being muslim a second thought until after then. I have no religious prejudice against Muslims, so you can't argue that. I just never really thought about it until post-9/11. Since then? Yes, I tend to be a little suspicious. Fear is our defense mechanism. Fear heightens our senses, and makes us ready for danger. That's physiology - you can't change that. If a snake bites you once, you will be suspicious of snakes. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will avoid doing it again. It's really no different. Allow enough time for the memory of the "hurt" to go away, and things will go back to normal.

Just remember....they're called "Terrorists" for a reason.....


I understand what you are saying, but I still think this is way of excusing an unjustified reaction rather than looking at what really is at issue. I am not impervious to reactions that are based upon generalizations or even prejudice. But when it happens, I correct myself. I think it through and realize I am reacting in an irrational, ugly way. I don't justify this reaction based on physiology or the fact that whatever thought that entered my mind may hold true for a limited number of people of that race/religion/etc. I control how I choose to respond to something (I am not talking an immediate reaction or shortly thereafter).

I have been robbed and had a weapon held to my head by a group of men that were all of a certain race, which I will not name here. It did not carry over into a fear of all men of that race. People are not hot stoves. All hot stoves burn. The physiological reaction to a hot stove makes sense because of all hot stoves will burn, but all Muslims will not commit terrorism. Was I uneasy being out late alone after that, yes. Was I more fearful of men of that race, no.

Likewise, I understand feeling uneasy flying after 9/11. My parents were flying that day and when they were able to fly a few days later, I was scared. But carrying that over to a suspicion of 1.3 billion people does not make sense, not to me anyway.

Why is there no physiological reaction to white males after the Oklahoma City bombing or after seeing nearly every serial killer on TV be a white male? Because I think in these circumstances we know better, we are around enough white men on a daily basis to realize these are the exceptions. The reaction to Muslims stems from ignorance out of a lack of familiarity rather than a justifiable response.



Thank you for your response.

I should have clarified my statements. I would be suspicious of Muslims who were acting in a way to CAUSE me to be suspicious. I am not suspicious of all Muslims. I'd be a nervous wreck if I were, since I work with several. What would I classify as suspicious behaviour? I'm not really sure. It isn't a rational thing, it's more of a subconscious thing. I suppose that if I saw a group of male Muslims sitting at a gate at the airport, huddled up and speaking in hushed tones in whatever their native language might be, then yes...I would probably be suspicious.

People fear what they don't understand. That is true. I do not understand arabic, german, italian, chinese, japanese, etc. Ergo, I don't KNOW what these people are talking about. They could be huddled up discussing their plan to visit this place and that place when they get where they're flying to. I would have no idea. It is that lack of comprehension that causes the suspicion, or at least adds to it.

My suspicion is a low-grade one. I am not terrified, nor afraid. I will, however, watch more closely for any signs of danger. I would do the same in the inner-city, or while visiting a strange business establishment. Yes, I'm the sort who always sits with his back to wall. I've seen and been through too much to be completely trusting of everyone.
Karen_L
QUOTE(Cian @ Aug 23 2006, 08:21 PM) *

QUOTE(Bosco @ Aug 23 2006, 07:57 PM) *

I think what has happened since 9/11 is that people are no longer embarassed to hide their bigotry. The proudly display it and try to excuse it away by referring to 9/11. 9/11 didn't create you. I am pretty sure you were this way long before 9/11.


I only want to address this, because it's the only one I really have comment on.

9/11 DID create a lot of "us". I never gave someone being muslim a second thought until after then. I have no religious prejudice against Muslims, so you can't argue that. I just never really thought about it until post-9/11. Since then? Yes, I tend to be a little suspicious. Fear is our defense mechanism. Fear heightens our senses, and makes us ready for danger. That's physiology - you can't change that. If a snake bites you once, you will be suspicious of snakes. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will avoid doing it again. It's really no different. Allow enough time for the memory of the "hurt" to go away, and things will go back to normal.

Just remember....they're called "Terrorists" for a reason.....


I think you're spot-on Cian! good.gif

Terrorists set out to create a sense of fear. I think they realize they cannot actually kill every person in the US, but creating an atmosphere of fear is also on the agenda. Buying somewhat into that is natural and I think it's touched nearly everyone since 9/11, even people who KNOW how wrong it is to lump people together into one big frightening "THEM." I think this is natural and as Cian suggested, a psychological mechanism.

BUT... living with a feeling of absolute horror is a CHOICE; it's an allowance and it aids Terror. Permitting onesself to feel terror to the point of not wanting to live anywhere near members of a certain community, Muslim or otherwise, plays into what terrorists want. They want to create an atmosphere of dread and panic AND they want to divide people, create mistrust, and undermine people's sense of confidence and well-being. Another poster mentioned how none of us has any control over whether there is another terror attack and they're right. We only have control over ourselves and how we feel and act and letting ourselves BE terrorized to such a degree actually strengthens the terrorists and gives them power over our lives that they do not deserve.
Jenn!
That must be great to be able to invent a new defintion for something in order to exclude yourself from it.


sarah and hicham
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 05:57 PM) *

Ok my definition of a racist:
Someone who verbally or physically attacks someone for no reason other than that person lets say being Black,Jewish or whatever.
I DID NOT attack anyone verbally or physically.
Why I don't want her to call me sis? Very easy to explain,she is rude and disrespectful towards me.I have not attacked her verbally nor have I done anything else than telling ppl what I (!!!!!!) think.
Nat


Most people who are racist never commit any violent acts against the race that they don't like. Like you!
iceyspots
QUOTE(jenn3539 @ Aug 23 2006, 08:59 PM) *

That must be great to be able to invent a new defintion for something in order to exclude yourself from it.


LMAO... for real....

"I should be exempt from not paying my taxes because under my own definition I shouldnt have to pay."
Together4ever
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 08:57 PM) *

Ok my definition of a racist:
Someone who verbally or physically attacks someone for no reason other than that person lets say being Black,Jewish or whatever.
I DID NOT attack anyone verbally or physically.
Why I don't want her to call me sis? Very easy to explain,she is rude and disrespectful towards me.I have not attacked her verbally nor have I done anything else than telling ppl what I (!!!!!!) think.
Nat



So I came dangerously close to letting you know how your words make others feel.... careful now.

wink.gif
Natashabrenda
I know that bc that entire family hates everything and anything American.People,Flags.........They have told me to my face that America should be destroyed and all Americans killed.THAT HOW I KNOW!! And no it did not happen in the USA but here in Germany.
And guess what ,these ppl did NOT have a problem with me or my son until )9/11 and we put out the American Flag (do that each and every year since 9/11 and always get yelled at and called all names in the book) and it started since then it was obvious to them that we are the "enemy".
I know lots of ppl have a problem with seeing an Amrican Soldier.But that is bc they do not undersatnd that a soldier gets orders and has to follow them.My man has not asked to go down to Iraq,he had orders to go.
I do not support the war in Iraq,I think it's a sensless killing on both sides.My opinion is pull the troops out and let them kill each other if they choose to.There shouldn't have been any troops been put to Iraq in the first place,but yet Soldiers (that ONLY follow orders) are being treated like crap for the mistakes their Boss has made.
Nat
iceyspots
me thinks natasha has dug herself into a big @$$ IPB Image she cant get herself out of.
PlatyPius
QUOTE(sarah and hicham @ Aug 23 2006, 08:59 PM) *

Most people who are racist never commit any violent acts against the race that they don't like. Like you!


And in that case, it's really none of our business, is it?

People can think what they want. It isn't anyone else's place to dictate what others believe or feel. If you really, really hated black people, what would it matter? Unless you were planning some act of violence against someone, it really isn't anyones concern.
vartan
QUOTE
There shouldn't have been any troops been put to Iraq in the first place,but yet Soldiers (that ONLY follow orders) are being treated like crap for the mistakes their Boss has made.


I disagree but that is a different topic .. hahah
sarah and hicham
QUOTE(Cian @ Aug 23 2006, 06:06 PM) *

QUOTE(sarah and hicham @ Aug 23 2006, 08:59 PM) *

Most people who are racist never commit any violent acts against the race that they don't like. Like you!


And in that case, it's really none of our business, is it?

People can think what they want. It isn't anyone else's place to dictate what others believe or feel. If you really, really hated black people, what would it matter? Unless you were planning some act of violence against someone, it really isn't anyones concern.


Well since she came in here saying that she is scared and racist... I believe I can respond to that... maybe it's not my business but she wanted to make it known that she doesn't feel safe around certain people.
Jenn!
QUOTE(Cian @ Aug 23 2006, 09:06 PM) *

QUOTE(sarah and hicham @ Aug 23 2006, 08:59 PM) *

Most people who are racist never commit any violent acts against the race that they don't like. Like you!


And in that case, it's really none of our business, is it?

People can think what they want. It isn't anyone else's place to dictate what others believe or feel. If you really, really hated black people, what would it matter? Unless you were planning some act of violence against someone, it really isn't anyones concern.


Yes, people can think what they want. But racist speech promotes racial discrimination and violence, whether or not it's the speaker himself actively discriminating.

As you implied yourself:

"Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd."
Bertrand Russell


ETA: The goal however should not be to curtail free speech, but rather to educate the speakers.
Together4ever
QUOTE(Cian @ Aug 23 2006, 09:06 PM) *

QUOTE(sarah and hicham @ Aug 23 2006, 08:59 PM) *

Most people who are racist never commit any violent acts against the race that they don't like. Like you!


And in that case, it's really none of our business, is it?

People can think what they want. It isn't anyone else's place to dictate what others believe or feel. If you really, really hated black people, what would it matter? Unless you were planning some act of violence against someone, it really isn't anyones concern.



... unless you are the black person thrown off the plane for being black...

can o' worms anyone?
iceyspots
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 09:05 PM) *

I know that bc that entire family hates everything and anything American.People,Flags.........They have told me to my face that America should be destroyed and all Americans killed.THAT HOW I KNOW!! And no it did not happen in the USA but here in Germany.
And guess what ,these ppl did NOT have a problem with me or my son until )9/11 and we put out the American Flag (do that each and every year since 9/11 and always get yelled at and called all names in the book) and it started since then it was obvious to them that we are the "enemy".
I know lots of ppl have a problem with seeing an Amrican Soldier.But that is bc they do not undersatnd that a soldier gets orders and has to follow them.My man has not asked to go down to Iraq,he had orders to go.
I do not support the war in Iraq,I think it's a sensless killing on both sides.My opinion is pull the troops out and let them kill each other if they choose to.There shouldn't have been any troops been put to Iraq in the first place,but yet Soldiers (that ONLY follow orders) are being treated like crap for the mistakes their Boss has made.
Nat


IPB Image
mybackpages
QUOTE(Natashabrenda @ Aug 23 2006, 07:57 PM) *

Ok my definition of a racist:
Someone who verbally or physically attacks someone for no reason other than that person lets say being Black,Jewish or whatever.
I DID NOT attack anyone verbally or physically.
Why I don't want her to call me sis? Very easy to explain,she is rude and disrespectful towards me.I have not attacked her verbally nor have I done anything else than telling ppl what I (!!!!!!) think.
Nat



Actually a racist is someone who believes in the superiority if his or her own race in comparison towards other races and this is often accompanied by intolerance and discrimination.

Bigots however are strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and this also is accompanied by intolerance and discrimination.

As humans we all have some tendancy to favor our own culture or ethnic group- its called ethnocentrentism. It is however never an excuse to use language which promotes ignorant steortypes of those who are different from us.

This topic is just so very sad. It reminds me of something Bertrand Russell once wrote: Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd.[size=3]
LaL
OH NOES!!!

IPB Image




scary isnt it??
Henia
[quote][/[quote name='Natashabrenda' date='Aug 23 2006, 07:35 PM' post='396134'] Desert Fox and Vartan I completley agree with you!!!!!
And here's MY opinion:
If all those ppl that are engaged to Muslims have SUCH a big problem with the way America has turned out to be after 9/11 (and let's not forget that the hijackers WERE indeed Muslim AND prayed to their Allah aloud just before they killed THOUSANDS of INNOCENT ppl IN AMERICA) then they should just move to the country of their better half.
I will be flying to the USA next months and I AM scared.I'm very sorry (honestly) that nower days ALL Muslims are looked at as terrorists as I am sure only a small percentage of Muslims IS involved in terrorism,but that's America (and a good part of the rest of the Western world as well) after 9/11.
If we should happen to have someone who looks suspicous on board our aircarft and that person on top of that wears a shirt with Arabic script AND prays-I WILL HAVE THEM REMOVE THAT PERSON .
There would be a very simple solution for all this though,well at least as far as flying goes-
an Arabic airline,that flies Muslims only.Or an airline that flies non Arabic/Middle Easterners/Muslims only.
That way neither could or would be offended by the other and everyone could enjoy a safe trip!!!
Unfrtunatley "innocent" Muslims and Arabs,Middle Easterners and ppl that just happen to "look suspicous" are the "victims" of what their brothers did on 9/11.But this is the world we live in.
My soon to be husband and me just had a conversation about that tonight when we talked about where we'd settle down in the USA.And I have told him I don't want to be anywhere near Muslims bc I'm SCARED of them.NOT because I believe they're stupid,evil,ugly -whatever,but bc I'm SCARED.
Before 9/11 I wasn't,now I am,and I know A LOT of ppl feel that way since 9/11.
Of course Muslims and there loved ones have to suffer from that,but hey me being born in Germany-trust me I know what it means to suffer for something you actually didn't have ANYTHING to do with.I was born in 1975,my parents were born in 1940,so hey my family didn't have anything to do with the killing of the Jews,yet my parents were looked at in a strange way bc they were German............I have a very close friend who is Jewish and she STILL looks at old Geramn ppl as if each and every one of them was a Jew Killer.She was born in 1954,after the Hollcaust but has lost many family members in Concentration Camps in Germany...so you see it will go on for Generations.
And hey lets face it,Muslim ppl do love to provoke Americans.
There is this Muslim "Comedian" in NYC who actually makes JOKES about 9/11!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This piece of ****(find your own words) is standing on stage making JOKES about the victims!!!! I myself have seen it on TV just a few days ago and by God I was hell raising mad.If I ever get a hold of that guy he will have to listen to me and he will not like my opinion one bit.In my eyes someone like that should be given a one way ticket back to the Muslim Country he came from .
AMERICA-LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!!!!!!!!
Nat
[/quote]



Esalaam ( that means PEACE) for your info Nat...



I just want to comment to your post my dear fellow human being ...



I agree with your ending comment America...love it or live it... but I donno agree with the rest.

I appreciate your comment and input...as America gives us the right to free speech... so PLZ bare with me when I give you my input too...

First off, I would like to introduce myself...My name is Henia. I live in the USA. I am European...Eastern European. I have been in the US since 1997. I am a convert to Islam and I am going to marry a MENA muslim man (God willing) this September. I converted way before knowing my fiancee and I converted by my own free will. There are no jihed or force here.

I come from a mixed family, Roman Catholic and Muslim ... and I remember in my not distant youth when my family had fled a war zones and the governments...in which the US didnot help until the 11th hour. Before that the Communists Russian totally brainwashed our minds with the "ideal Marx world" ...before that German Nazis came to my country, to my town with their facist ideas and hardcore hand that came down on us ...So I do know alittle about fear, pain and suffering Madame... so I would like to explain you my opinion on this...

I do understand your concerns with "Muslims" with several of the members of this religion preforming various tragic acts ... but one cannot generalise all Muslims into this category... There is an estimated population of 8 million Muslims living in the US (alone) and 2/3 of this poulation are immigrates. (Please note: unless you are a Native Indian, you are an immigrate too) Also 10% of the professional work force are Muslim and 4% of that are in finance. There are about 3,000 mosques in the US, a very small number compared to the number of Christian churches...

Muslims voted in bloc for President Bush in the US presidential election 2000. There is no exit poll information available about the Muslim votes. Nevertheless, based on three unscientific surveys of Muslim voters, Muslims voted 70% to 90% in favor of Bush with a significant 34% voting for the first time. Muslims, therefore, became the only bloc vote for Bush. In Florida, the last battleground, there would not have been any battle without an estimated 60,000 votes which Florida Muslims asserted that they delivered in favor of Bush. There are more than 200 Muslim organizations and communities in Florida.If we take an arbitrary criterion of 70% or more votes as a sign of a bloc vote by a community, then three of the four distinct minorities who voted in bloc did so for Gore in election 2000. African-Americans with 90%, Jews with 80%, and gays and lesbians with 70% voted for Al Gore according to the CNN exit poll statistics. How ironic huh?

On day of 9/11, I was working in my job at a major company working in translations...when my collegue came rushing to me to tell me that the WW towers were on fire. I was completly stuned... We all went into the breakroom to watch it on the television, I was struck by sight of the building, the darkness of theashes that was covering the sky. I had witnessed yet another the bigg tragedy of my lifetime.

On the next day, I received my first hate comment in the USA."You motherxxx.. raghead"..I tried to interrupt the old lady and tell her that I am an not arabic, but she didn't know what I was talking about. Then I realized, 80-90% of the American thinks, every body that wears a hijeb (head cover) .But that is typical of American, the most parochial nation on the earth. On 9/13 nite, I was heading towards my apartment and I was stopped by the cops which is the first time, I was ever pulled over. First thing, I was asked where I was heading at 11PM? I politely told him that I was going home. His intention was pretty obvious. He was looking for an suspicious Muslim to grill.

I don't know after 9/11, how many times in lunch/dinners, I had to convince that I am not arabic and I donnot intend to do any harm to anyone. Still many of them, remain suspicious that I am hiding my identity. Shortly after this, I was terminated from my job based on my so called " poor performance" yet I had worked there for 2 years with an outstanding record. I know, how difficult for the educated Muslims to get a white color job in US. Quite naturally, Muslims who lost their jobs after 9/11, didn't get an equivalent job or are still looking for a job.

I have been actively looking for a position ever since... and 9 times out of 10 when I apply I do get a call back...it is only after my callback that I am told "we have found someone else" know many friends who have changed their names to American sounding Christian names to get a job. So Jaher Mohammad can post his resume as John Mathews as well.

No doubt, Muslims from Western influenced countries, are mostly moderate and some times, more secular than most of the Americans. Many of the illeterate daily laborer Muslims in our village town, which happened to be on the border near a Muslim area, are more secular than average Americans. My father had a favorite Muslim contractor, who came over the border to build our family house. I used to call him Bakkar mamu and he never visited any Mosque. He might be a class three or four educated, but he was firm in his conviction that religion feeds him nothing and if he continues in the path of honesty, why Allah would punish him for not going to Mosque? Because if he did punish him for not going to the Mosque, then Allah is as bad as a local 'tolabaj mastan' ( local hooligans who collect their dues by force ). He with his courage deeply influenced me to be an agnostic in childhood.Only later in my teens and twenties was I able to have the information to the truth of the existence of God and about religion.

I sometimes wonder, why I have not found a single lowly educated American who can think like him beyond their religion ( highly educated Americans are different story).

However, average Americans can not think like Bakkar and therefore, Muslims will be vanishing from the white color jobs sooner than you can think. There is a desperate need for Americans to take the time to understand Islam and not to buy into the stereotypes that are floating out there.

And more recently, on two trips to California... I went all hijebbed out in the airplane minding my own beeswax... going through the Xray machine check points...when the guard looked at me, did not smile and asked me for my ID. I gave him my ticket and ID/ He pushed me into a line. I looked at the people in this line. Mostly of looking like Paki or Indian...none of which were wearing hijeb like me, but of course they had that MidEast "look" the line seems to take forever, while the other lines seemed to move much faster. When I finally got my turn to put on purse and laptop in the belt, two men came to me and asked me to step aside. I thought "o snap what did I do?" Lucklily after unpacking everything in my purse, doing that wipe test on my laptop and my laptop case they let me go... In the plane, I took out my Qur'an and begin reading silently. I got stares, whispers and the attendants coming to check on me several times. LoL I can only laugh about all this, since it is not worst thing that has happened to me, but still... I say elhamdullah I am really NOT arabi, it might have been worse.

And just alittle note to end up here... just the other day I was driving by the Planned Parenthood clinic on my way to go shopping...when yet again Christian protesters were out picketing... and screaming all types of hate words in the name of their religion. And O yea, did everyone forget the violent Nazi marches in Ohio a few years back, mass suicide in Waco, Texas and the Oklahoma bombing...

Hmmm...all those were done in the name of a sect and /or religion...

I wonder how many Americans today do not unequivocally support most, if not all, of these Nazi economic and political principles?Should we rid the US of all the Muslims?



As you read the following words of Adolf Hitler, ask yourself which American politician, which American bureaucrat, which American schoolteacher, which American citizen would agree (or shall I say disagree) with the principles to which Hitler...how similar it seems to many politicial speeches we hear now.

And also Americans should not be shocked to learn that Big Brother has been eavesdropping on their telecommunications. It's been an open secret for years that the hush- hush National Security Agency's big electronic ears on the East and West coasts of the USA have been hoovering up all international phone, fax, and email communications.

When you call your aunt in Palermo, or your friend in Egypt, or your girlfriend in Paris, NSA's super computers pick up and process the transmission. State of the art programs search the messages for key words, locations, repetitions and patterns of interest. This process has been going on long before 9/11. I have always wondered what government listeners do with highly sensitive financial information passing between corporations, banks and securities or commodity markets. Obviously, there is enormous potential for the state listeners to profit from secret information about mergers, acquisitions, large trades of stocks or commodities, and the movement of currencies.

I would like post a link for everyone to view and to see the 12 warning signs of Fasicism It is an interesting little read.

Come on wake up and smell the Facism people IPB Image



And some various Headers I have read ....

New Majority Leader: Iraq War “May Be The Greatest Gift That We Give” Our Grandchildren

Headstones of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan are inscribed with the Pentagons war-marketing slogans

White House and the RNC are going to make a habit of using uniformed military personnel as props at Republican political rallies, despite the fact that it is a plain violation of military regulations banning politicization of the armed forces.

"You must glorify war in order to get the public to accept the fact that your going to send their sons and daughters to die." The inside story of the cozy relationship between big box office American war movies and the Pentagon



July 1, 2003: U.S. Suspends Military Aid to Nearly 50 Countries: because they have supported the International Criminal Court and failed to exempt Americans from possible prosecution.US has at least 9000 prisoners in secret detentionCongressman: Muslims 'enemy amongst us'





But donnot get me wrong I love America and all the opportunies I have here, and I am saying anything against our government or President...but I can have my opinions of course, but COME ON stuff happens... and we can prepare all we want... check out every person, every home... but in the end of the day God has the final say in what happens and what doesn't... so the next time you sit by me in the airplane, donnot keep looking at me, cos I wear this headscarf... I maybe a Muslim but I am a human first. And if you took the time to speak to me, you would find that out.

Thank you for your time to read this...and may you be forever blessed and kept safe from harm.





PS: Muslims died in 9/11 too...and die everyday...



Esalaamu Waleikum wa Rahmat Allah wa Baraketu



Henia heart.gif





iceyspots
QUOTE(lal_brandow @ Aug 23 2006, 09:17 PM) *

OH NOES!!!

IPB Image




scary isnt it??



haha... Kiss me i'm egyptian?
Natashabrenda
Oh no,hold on a minute,I did not say I am racist.Someone posted a webster definition of racism and based on THAT definition I said if THAT is racism then yeah I could b called a racist.
My definition of a racist is a different one as I said.
And being scared doesn't make me a damn killer.
Now you guys tell me the damn motives the Muslim Hijackers had!!!!! What was it ? Fear? Hate? WHAT has caused the to kill thousands??????? At least I'm just scared and feel unsafe around Muslims,but I don't kill anyone or beat them up or call them names!!!!!
Nat
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