Patriotism: Arab Americans vs. Society
Patriotism: Arab Americans vs. Society September 11, 2001, a day that will live in infamy in American's hearts forever, a tragic moment in time where the World Trade Center fell to its' ruins and the Pentagon, a symbol of the American government was partially destroyed. The culprits, about twenty men of Arab descent who were Muslims involved in the terrorist group, Al Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. All of our hearts were affected by these tragedies, but one group in particular was hit harder than any group in our society, Arab Americans, alienated by one hostile act. With the uprising of patriotism in the days after the attacks, many Americans distanced themselves from this group of people, always becoming more aware of them and their actions, and in extreme circumstances persecuting them. Immediately after another attack, the attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, another group of people was shun as an outcast of society, 120,000 Japanese Americans, as a result of the upsurge of patriotism. Their punishment was more extreme though, almost four years in an internment camp. Will Americans ever learn from histories many lessons? Many Arab Americans are finding themselves victimized by the September 11th
Another approach involves educating all of the misinformed in society. John Pierson, a grade school teacher, says, "I think that some sort of mandate to teach patriotism to a greater extent would be problematic. Matui takes from his first hand experience and offers light in the situation. When will citizens in our country overlook the implications of patriotism and think independently? A change is needed soon, or the irreversible or long term consequences will soon appear. Jad Jallah, a resident of Dearborn, Michigan, where one-fourth of the citizens are of Arabic descent has experienced much hostility, after being called a bastard, he says, "I feel hurt, My family is targeted. In the Japanese American situation there was much hatred directed towards them initially and the years afterwards, but time gradually erased the scars. Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines patriotism as "one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests. One can't describe an American today because we're a multi-ethnic society coming from all parts of the globe. When mixed with anger, hate, and vengeance, patriotism causes fervid emotions, as in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. President Ronald Reagan made his views on what patriotism is clear in his Farewell Address on January 20, 1989: "An informed patriotism is what we want.
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