I'm opening this up on my blog for discussion because I'm honestly a little torn about whether or not Juan Williams was injustly terminated from NPR.
I personally don't get nervous when I see a Muslim on an airplane and in many ways I would imagine, for some, it takes great courage to choose to be so readily identifiable as a person of Islam in America. However, if my kid gets bitten by a pitbull, every time I see a pitbull, I'm gonna get nervous. Is this really irrational? My personal red-flags may not go up around Muslims, but if someone else's do, who am I to say that they are wrong? That the conditioning they've experienced growing up or perhaps a traumatic incident is invalid? Mr. Williams did not say he believed ANYTHING negative about Muslims, he was speaking about his reaction. Often what we believe and know to be true about XYZ is different from how we have been conditioned to react to XYZ.
For example: I have no problem with men. I love men, I married one, I hope to raise one someday! I have also met my fair share of... not good guys; sleazy, manipulative, and scary men. So, if I'm walking down a street and I see a group of men-- or even one in-particular that strikes me as "bad news", I'm gonna cross the street and walk on the other side! I am not sexist, I simply have had enough experience to know when I feel safe and when I don't. Someone else may look at that man and say "Are you crazy? He's perfectly harmless!" But that is their experience, and I have mine. Must the two be mutually exclusive?
On the other hand, Juan Williams was supposed to be a non-partisan, neutral party to all things on which he reported. That was his job as a "News Analyst" and a representative of NPR. Did Mr. Williams' sharing personal feelings compromise his audience? Or is it, in fact, impossible to analyze anything without your own personal views and opinions being involved?
I don't have any answers here, but I'm really interested in what you guys have to say.
xo BJG
I dont think he should have gotten fired for 'analyzing' this incident. Many people are afraid when they see a muslim on a plane and it's perfectly normal considering what we as americans have been through, maybe he shouldn't have shared his opinion or views to everyone because of his job with NPR.
ReplyDeleteWell, as a Muslim myself, me and my family dress in ... typical Canadian family clothing, yet whenever we go to the Airport, my brothers name and my dads name causes the people at the airport to "Randomly select them for additional screening" and when we spent about an hour and a half waiting for the people to stop questioning my brother just because he had taken a trip to Kenya to help with HIV/AIDS awareness, it becomes apparent that they got "randomly selected" because of their name.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I was entirely clear in my thoughts on how I felt on the subject until reading this. You've managed to muddle through, what I'm sure are, a lot of peoples feelings/thoughts on this topic and put them to word.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right. I do not flinch or worry or freak out when I see a Muslim, but if I'd had a different experience with someone Muslim, that might make me, even in the back of my mind, a little more wary of the next. Is it necessarily fair? No. But we're human, and as such we can only do our best to be open and trust-worthy of those around us.
I think your examples of the pit-bull and somewhat shady men are so spot on, it really puts the whole thing in perspective.
This theory, I think, applies to any nationality, creed, gender and/or race, and there's not any harm that can come of voicing one's opinion (correctly) on the matter.
Excellent topic, excellent thoughts. Thank you for sharing and for allowing us to share as well.
xx
Kristen
Im from California and i was at the LAX sitting on the plane on my way to Virginia Beach. First time ever on a plane. It was around mid March 2010 there were alot of planes crashing and then the African guy that tried to cause harm on a plane. I saw a couple of Muslims on the plane with there clothing. I was kinda scared and really nervous because what has happened Sept 11th.
ReplyDeleteIve tried not to be judgmental. I told my mother after i came home and she said your not judgmental you were just scared of what has happened in the past, and plus it was your first time on a plane.
and I totally understand about other instincts of who can cause harm to you, or others.
well thats about it!
-darleen
PS.
Your music is inspiring i started to play guitar and piano.
Cant wait if you ever come to tour to Fresno, Cali! Ill be the first inline to buy tickets!
I think there are a little bias(preconceito) in the some people heart's. Here in Brazil there are bias between "social classes" this horrible. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this until you posted it but it is a complicated situation. We live in a world where we have freedom of speech, and we have the right to voice our opinions and say what we think or feel. Yet at the same time there is that saying, "if you have nothing to say, don't say it at all." I'm wondering if this was one of those times to not say anything at all.
ReplyDeleteHe just as everyone else has the right to his own opinion and feelings. That's no reason to penalize someone.
But I agree with you that everyone has been conditioned to react in a certain way or perceive things a certain way depending on their past experiences and beliefs. I have my own beliefs about certain things and feel uncomfortable around some types of people and no one should have the right to tell me what I am feeling is wrong.
Because of his job maybe he shouldn't have slid in his personal opinion when in his job description he is called to be neutral. But then again who are we to say you can't say what you believe, or what you believe is wrong. This might have been the case where he should have kept this controversial view known to only his close friends and family. But who am I to say.
I don't have a right answer to if he was terminated unjustly or not, I don't think any one of us can say what was right and what was wrong. Lastly I think whenever you analyze something, whatever you perceive as things are slowly going to seep in, I personally find it very hard to be neutral about a lot of things I personally feel strongly about.
I apologize for the length and repetitiveness but I don't think there is a right answer to this .
I dont think he should have gotten fired at all he is aloud to voice his own views that is part of his job. I honestly (and this may make people dislike me) feel the same way. I am afraid to fly in general and now it is worse and I'm sorry that I feel that way but living in Jersey what happened really hit close to home for me and no matter how hard i try i really don't think that feeling will ever go away.
ReplyDeletePS I love that you have been posting so much on your blog and twitter Joy I really miss you on FB!!!! Your awesome!
I struggle with this issue. I don't want to sound racist or against any faith but because of the image of Muslims being terrorists being shoved into our faces makes it hard. I, for one, know that not all Muslims are terrorists, but once again the media makes it difficult to believe otherwise. The media focuses only on certain groups which is wrong in my opinion. Once an idea or thought is in one's mind, it's hard to change it. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteI would go more in depth, but honestly? I want to do a little more research and dig into this more before I say anything more. I am struggling to make a final opinion.
I think that it is more difficult to analyze something without using ur personal views and im not sure i would think that he should hv been fired cos of what he sed.
ReplyDeleteWe all hv a right to voice our opinions, but sometimes what we say gets taken the wrong way, and sometimes it seems like yes we r allowed to say it but when we say it we get criticised for it and told we shouldn't hv said it in some way.
I'm not sure I totally agree with what he feels but I understand the sort of situation he is talkin about. When u hv experienced something or heard about something, sometimes it does make u wary if u find urself in a similar situation to what u hv already experienced or heard about. Great topic Beth, really makes u think about what you feel on the subject ;) Shauna xoxo
i feel the same way about your example of "men". It really is a shame that we all have to be so careful to be politically correct. i mean should we be respectful of others feelings of course but if God spoke to me and told me "i no longer want you watching R rated movies" and all of my friends watch R rated movies that doesn't mean i should go around telling everyone that watching R rated movies is bad and that they shouldn't do it. i think that we should have a right to speak how we feel with some considertaion to other peoples feelings. I feel like there's no black and white anymore there's well "we don't want to offend anyone". This is a tough subject but i agree with you joy. I feel like you can't say anything anymore with out offending someone
ReplyDeleteBeing a Muslim myself, I can honestly say that it is very difficult to live in this country after what has happened in 9/11. I understand the fear that people have, but this is 2010! When are people going to stop being scared and learn to accept others regardless of their religion? Yes, there is such a thing as freedom of speech, but when you work a job like Williams, you don't really have the right to express your opinions. I think firing him was the right decision. Juan Williams said that he has an irrational fear of Muslims, and thinks you can identify them based on what they look like. In my opinion, there is no one thing or clothing/garb out there that identifies a Muslim.
ReplyDeleteCheck out this blog my friend recently made. It's very eye opening.
http://muslimswearingthings.tumblr.com/
I grew up about five miles away from an extremely heavy populated Islamic city in the UK; I went to school with kids that were raised with the Islamic faith as a heavy emphasis in their life and have a bunch of friends that are Muslims. But, I also grew up in Florida - meaning I travelled to and fro over the Atlantic for the best part of my childhood spending time with both my parents.
ReplyDeleteAfter 9/11 there was a part of me that was concerned every time my sister and I stepped on a plane regarding the stereotypes I heard on the news. I was influenced by the things I heard being said... Until I stepped back and really thought about what was being implicated and said, essentially, about some of the people whom I were friends with. The tragic events that occurred on 9/11 were because of a very few select extremists - and a whole population of people shouldn't be judged by what a handful of people did. I couldn't imagine seeing one of my friends on a plane and thinking they would have something planned in regards to a terrorist attack, and I would hate to think of a complete stranger judging a friend of mine - but then, what would give me the right to judge anyone else?
Essentially it does come down to a matter of opinion because we do live in a society full of what people boast to be free speech - but where is it that we can draw the line to say what is acceptable for free speech, and what crosses the line. To some Juan Williams may be over the line - but to others, he's simply stating his opinion. If it was in relation to a topic that wasn't as controversial, he probably wouldn't have been faced with the uproar that he has - but when you're discussing something that could potentially offend thousands, you have to be careful what you say and be prepared if offence is taken.
Is it unjust that he was fired? Some may say so. Political correctness is a huge thing in our society. I'm a trainee teacher and rather than calling a white board - a white board... we now call it a dry-wipe marker board so we don't cause offence - and a blackboard is now a chalk board - the items I teach off of in a classroom is something trivial, yet it has to be politically correct. Like you point out - he was supposed to be a neutral figure and he decided to share his personal feelings and views. That was his decision and some may have felt that it had the NPR not taken any action they would be deemed as irresponsible. We’ve seen the amount of hate crimes rise over the years and people who can influence others need to be careful in what they say. They have a responsibility to stay neutral and not express such influencing views on the news.
So basically – I haven’t got any answers either... which begs the question – are there really any answers when it comes to discussions like this? I don’t think there is – there’s way too many conflicting factors.
At the end of the day, his firing had very little to do with political correctness, and a lot more to do with image NPR seeks to have as a network. They've made it more than clear that they had issues with Williams appearing on Fox News at all, and his comments just gave them reasonable cause. As a private citizen he's entitled to whatever opinion life has socialized him into, but as someone's employee, he's got to preach the party line.
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ReplyDeleteBethany,
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing this to the attention of your blog followers! It's a very hyped and controversial story. NPR is being accused of censorship for firing Mr. Williams for speaking his mind on Fox News, and some are calling for the government to even revoke funding from NPR because of this. Like you, I am also torn on the subject because of two reasons: 1.) I believe in free speech, of course, but I also feel that individuals whose profession it is to deliver the news should remain neutral in their opinions, which are the grounds on which NPR fired Juan Williams. 2.) Conversely, Juan was interviewed as a guest on Fox News, not a newscaster, the day he made his infamous comment, and even went on to speak about how irrational and discriminatory his fearful feelings of Muslims are. I feel badly for Mr. Williams since he lost his job, and especially since he followed his controversial comments with ones advocating tolerance. I'm interested to hear what others have to say.
When I first heard about this story I ... shook my head. Not in discust or anything, just in sheer bafflement. He got fired for telling the truth, albeit not something everyone likes to hear, or would even say out loud but if he said he didn't get get scared I'd know he was lying.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't get scared, but I'm not an American, I live in the UK and we were conditioned differently, but no matter where you were brought up the human condition is such that we measure fight or flight risks all the time. Like the example you used of a pitbull, I was biten by a Labrador as a child and since then I have been terrified of big dogs, while I know that friends and family think they are cute and harmless.
Seeing Muslims in garb on planes connects Americans viscerally back to 9/11 and what happened.
It is unfair and everyone is or should be able to overcome it by applying rational thought to it.
But does that mean that instinctively Americans don't feel a momentary tension and a flashback to 9/11 when a Muslim in full garb boards a plane?
Of course not but NPR wants us to believe their perfect species of human beings would never allow such an errant thought through their perfect brains.
I have one word for that... Bullshit!
I'm Irish and my dad was in London in the 1970s and he remembers the stares when he spoke after an IRA bomb atrocity. Everyone heard the accent and slowly backed off or looked at him with discust as if it were him who had set the bomb.
Honestly I don't blame people for being a little concerned. Crazy killers were blowing up men, women and children in pubs. It was a very human reaction. As was that of Juan Williams. I for one think that his honesty should be admired, not abolished and definately not punnished.
Alison x
I have to say I'm a little torn about how I feel about this... But I think that the fact that he specificly said that this was his personal opinion (personal feelings) are an important part of this. He wasn't telling America that they need to feel the same thing... But at the same time his job is one that can be very influential to others. So I guess I'm still just as torn as when I started writing this (I guess I thought I would make a decision when I got to this point) but I do think there is a difference between sharing personal opinions / feelings and trying to get others to agree with you.
ReplyDeleteBtw can I be the millionth person to say I love all of your recent blog post and tweets?!? That's for sharing all of this with us.... I feel like I really learn a lot and find lots of ways to give back and frankly have fun from your blog. Your posts are always a worthwhile read!!! Xoxo Karen
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ReplyDeleteI find this a current "hot button" topic only because many people feel strongly either way. I personally believe that it was a "political" move by NPR who is supposed to be the most "non-biased" news media outlet available.
ReplyDeleteI think what irks me the most about this is that he is a NPR commentator speaking on The O'Reily factor: a KNOWN right-winged/conservative show on Fox News. Though an employee of NPR, he still has the right to his opinion (as cited below from government documents), he was a guest on a show whose in and of itself had nothing to do with his current "job" - but as a human being.
As a former leader in my sorority and current FRG leadership position holder, I follow the motto: "You can't please ALL the people ALL the time, and must do what is best for the majority." As of late it doesn't matter WHAT you say (PC or not) it will offend someone. This journalist was stating HIS opinion in a slightly biased way that could have been taken seriously or at face value.
As a graduate of a Broadcasting program I know that while in "training" it's pound into you that you MUST be non-biased and balanced. They also put emphasis upon being PC - this however I feel is almost impossible in our day and age.
It's in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948 that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." So why are journalists held to a higher standard than a world wide thought process?
Freedom of speech and expression is recognized in International and regional human rights laws. All of which in some part state (based on John Mill's arguements) freedom of speech is understood as a multi-faceted right that includes not only the right to express, or disseminate, information and ideas but three further distinct aspects:
- The right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
All standards recognize freedom of speech - including any medium, be it orally, written or in print; protecting the freedom of speech including, not only the content but also, the means of expression!
With all that said - it is my strong opinion that his bosses were probably looking for a reason to fire him and took the cowards way out.
Check out my "opinionated" blog, I'd love to hear from you :) http://armywifelife-sarah-jane.blogspot.com/
Personally, I don't think he should have been fired for this statement...the U.S. is so afraid to talk about Muslims because they don't want to offend anyone yet, they're so quick to talk bad about Christianity...
ReplyDeleteMy personal belief is that no matter what, you're experiences are always going to influence your life. I don't believe someone can ever be completely impartial if they have had a good or bad experience or something, because you will associate your feeling during the experience with that specific thing or event, and it's always going to trigger it. Sure you can mask those emotions or you can know what's expected in society, but in the end it doesn't matter much.
ReplyDeleteLike example the you said, if you or your child was attacked by a bulldog, in future events you're always going to fear or have some sort of vengeance against bulldogs (however big or small it may be). People can tell you all they want how bull dogs are nice and that you just had a bad experience, etc. etc. but in the end YOU had that experience and it affected you in some way. You can't change that unless you have the opposite experience with as much or a greater effect.
Your experiences shape who you are, they are part of what makes you different from anyone else. Your experiences cannot be replicated. Your experiences are YOURS and by human nature we want to protect ourselves and defend ourselves. So if we must analyze something, we can say all we want how we are being impartial and fair, but if we have an experience in that subject, it's definitely going to affect how we view it. But like I said, just my personal opinion.
Anyway, great topic to discuss! I think it's awesome how you want to hear everyone's opinions on this. =)
-Shanna
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ReplyDeletei think this discussion should be of a broader nature in that, the constitution readily permits anyone, including the press, the right to free speech. i mean, if certain groups can picket gay and military funerals, which any media outlet readily defends their right to do so under the first amendment, i don't see how a man, whom wasn't even making a bigoted remark to begin with, be fired in such a disrespectful way for sharing his own personal beliefs from an organization that suppresses the very rights our military have fought and died for. this is really so much bigger than juan williams though. so much bigger.
ReplyDeleteHey Joy, Just read you new update and For what I have to say I say williams is right to his oppion because by law here in the us we have that freedom of speack and he spoke it and i think its messed up he got fired for it. but i can understand ppls worries about muslim because of what happened in 2001 we cant all truth people so I guess my thoughts on this topic is if i get the bad feeling of from a person to stay my distance as much as possable because I can relate as far as having the bad experince with some guys. and some good guys so for me i all deprents on the vibe i get and the way they act and there body language etc so Not all muslims are bad but we as americans do have to take safe offers for our nation so we don't have another 9/11 act.I know i'm only 17 but men and woman have to take cautions for different things. and If i get a vibe that is say not good news i will get the heck out of there and take a another flight or another route to where i got to go, and if i feel safe then i don't have no problems at all.cause i meen were all humans and we all make mistakes some good and some bad but life is life and we take it the way it is handed and givin to each of us. so idk its just depends for me.xoxo briee sorry for my miss spelt words.
ReplyDeleteCan we not say that we are blessed with the ability to fear those things which may be a threat to us? Of course every muslim person is not harmful, but we have seen those that are in the past. And our brains allow us to identify people or situations that have hurt us before. That is our protection. As far as Juan Williams, I agree with Elle- there's a lot more to this than meets the eye.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Joy. Glad you're so into what's going on around you. It shows how caring you are :)
ReplyDeleteAnwyays, I don't think he should have gotten fired for voicing his opinion. He wasn't saying anything against Muslims, he was simply adressing the way he felt around them. It's freedom of speech anyways. This made me think about the OTH in season 7 where Mouth got in trouble for voicing his opinion about Nathan's whole deal. Haha sorry, I'm a fan :P
I'm sure this topic can go either way, but I personally don't believe he should've gotten fired. When you look around, of course you're going to see someone that's.. different, from everyone else. Whether they scare you, or you find them completely normal. There are many views on it. I look around, and yeah, I get scared sometimes when I see, different. But it's out of my own experiences, as you said Joy. I was held at gunpoint by a Muslim in New York, not too long after 9/11 happened. Yeah, it was scary, the scariest thing that's probably ever happened to me. But then again, I was younger. And for awhile I got nervous around different looking people, but i've coped. I don't like to judge, and I choose not to. Like I said, this topic can go in many different directions, but everyone has their own opinions.
Thanks for always sharing with us, Joy :)
LoveAlways<3
I think that this thing does bring up a great issue of, publicly, everyone has to be *so* politically correct. I am not advocating mean-ness, or overly judging anyone because of anything. But I truly do feel it has gotten to a point now that you really have to censor yourself, which I don't think is right. It almost takes away a part of our freedom of speech.
ReplyDeleteI was a Communication major (just graduated), and one of the things that was brought up a few times in my classes was prejudices. It was said to me by a few professors that labeling and presupposing things about people is not really a bad thing. It is the way we make sense of the world and really helps us when we shape our communication when we meet new people or encounter situations. Our brains categorize things and people just to be able to function.
Of course, taking it too far and blanketing hate is a terrible thing. But I think if the modern world (post 9/11 you could call it even) could get to a place where we recognize that identifications are made and that we have opinions of people, everyone would be better off. This heightened sense of being so PC just needs to be taken down half a notch.
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ReplyDeleteMy head is spinning in several different directions on this one. But here is my take on this:
ReplyDeleteI have had the pleasure to get to know several different groups from Islamic background working on campaigns. What I can say from that experience is that it was an incredible eye opening experience. I wouldn't say that I got frightened if there was a Muslim on a flight, or in an airport. However, I was uneducated any misguided towards the entire religion. I grew up Christian, and never really understood the Islamic faith until I put myself in their community and learned. Before, like a lot of people, I only knew what the news feed its audience.
When I think of racial profiling, I like to play devil's advocate and think about if it were me. Would I want airports in predominantly Muslim areas to racial profile me? No. Being singled out because of my race would be hurtful and degrading.
I am a political science major, and pre-law. Topics such as free speech and prejudice come up all the time. The law side of me says he should have been fired. He made a statement that can potentially have negative, long term affects on a group of people. As he is a person of authority (media), he has the power to influence many people, and that influence could potentially hurt others. However, the democratic side of me thinks he was unjustly fired. If a person can't make a personal statement about their views, what's next? If the right of free speech is taken away, what do we have left?
Therefore, the compromise would be allowing Williams to keep his job and the network releasing a statement saying they do not support the views expressed, however he has the right to express those views. Also, it would only be fair to have a counter argument.
Alright, that is it for my little rant. It is a heavy topic, but I am extremely interested in what others have to say. Thanks for the topic Joy!
So, I think I have ADHD and picked up on one thing he said and blocked out the rest. After watching that video again, I'm actually disgusted with his view, the way he presented it, and his use of the phrase "these are the facts".
ReplyDeleteMy view of freedom of speech is based off of Mill. And that is that we have the freedom of speech until it harms someone. The definition of harm can be taken many ways, but I think it's physical, emotional, and spiritual harm. Now, to make generalized statements like he did that may invoke fear in some and confirm the fear in others is not the right message to be spreading on the news, and for that, I'm glad he's canned.
A professor of mine was harassed by four white guys on my university's campus a few years ago. It hurt and devastated her in such a way that I'm sure she feared any white boy in a purple engineering jacket for a while, but she NEVER once said to our class to fear the engineers in the purple jackets.... that we must be cautious. She knew that not EVERY engineer in a purple jacket was going to harass her, so why would she spread the same type of hate she endured? What we should hate is ignorance and the act itself, but she shouldn't connect it to a generalized group of people. All it does is breed MORE hate and prejudice and it turns into a vicious cycle.
Muslims (in America and around the world) experienced personal and institutional forms of racism after 9/11. It needs to stop, and it's not about being politically correct. It's about sending the right message to an impressionable audience.
I think explanations are not excuses. We'll never really know every little thing that has conditioned someone into their reasoning, but at the same time, I do think that person should try and fix whatever issues they have. Issues meaning things that take away from the well-being of others or themselves. Opinions are great. If everyone thought the same way... well, the world would be scary. Pointless even. They make us smarter and better.
ReplyDeleteCertain judgments are necessary, and can be even be lifesaving. People are biologically judgmental. It's what we do. When an act takes that judgment further is when there's a problem. Thoughts tend to turn into actions and actions into thoughts. If enough people, or even one, think the same way about anything then bad or good things can come from that. Having someone say one thing on TV can strengthen/create another's thoughts. Again, opinions are fine, but when they target a group of people, things get tougher. If another judges someone because of their thoughts on another, then they're creating a chain of judgments and not helping the situation. Should we judge this reporter? I don't think so. He could try and fix his fear. Should what he said have been allowed... good question. I do think that he did create more fear against a group. The placebo effect could always kick in, by shedding light on the topic and creating fear perhaps bad things are more bound to now happen.
Keeping intentions that are respectful and loving is best, I think. Whatever is the least harmful is best.
Who knows. I feel like I'm writing a social psych essay.
I agree with Elle too. And...I don't think its impossible to analyze something without ones personal opinion but I'd say it'd be a challenge. In my opinion he shouldn't have been fired. Frankly I don't think there's much 'freedom' now a days.
ReplyDeleteAside from that, love your blogs! Keep'em coming :)
-xo
I have never once caused any muslim person discomfort, physically or emotionally, for being a muslim. I completely understand that the 9/11 acts were not committed by the muslim individual standing next to me in line at Subway. And to be perfectly honest, I'm not fearful of muslims at all, on a plane or in any other situation.
ReplyDeleteHowever, even though it is an unfortunate situation, it is completely understandable that certain people have an 'irrational fear' of muslim-dressed individuals sitting on an airplane. That does not make that person a bigot, any more than me being wary of the group of teenage african americans on my corner at 1 am on a Tuesday makes me a racist. I'm wary because they are a group of older teens out in the middle of the night. I'm wary because there have been countless break ins/robberies/muggings/assaults/ and even a few stabbing and rape incidents in the area in the past few years. I could care less if those people are black, white, asian, or purple. Being wary doesn't mean that I'm going to run outside and start yelling profanities and racial slurs at them. It just means that I'm going to avoid them. I may be missing out on the opportunity to meet some really nice, great, quality individuals, but that is my choice to make. I'm not mean, or rude, I'll just avoid the situation. Most of the time all it would take is a smile and a kind word as opposed to a scowl and a cat-call to soften me up.
Let's think about this logically.....why is it so offensive to you if someone is being being slightly cold and uncomfortable because they have been conditioned to fear people in your current situation or (of your certain color or who practice your religion) who has the most to lose? They are the one who is uncomfortable, they are the one who is missing out on getting to know you, so why are you angry if they are quiet or awkward because they are fearful? If you are a good person and a kind hearted individual, whether black or muslim or whatever, then be yourself, offer a smile and a kind word and maybe you will be a part of the social movement that is needed to counteract those few unfortunate people that have ruined many peoples perceptions of your religion or race. Stop blaming the people that are scared of you and start being a part of the solution.
It is absolutely ridiculous that Mr. Williams was fired. He was speaking on how this fear he has is 'irrational'. He was not fostering bigotry in anyone who actually listened to what he was saying. And for an 'unbiased' radio station to fire him because of what he said is hypocritical and short sighted. How is it that we have come far enough where we are are punishing an individual for admitting that they are 'irrationally fearful' just because it is currently not popular to use the words 'muslim' and 'fear' in the same sentence; to admit that we are human beings and are conditioned as such.
btw - SGC, muslims wear a lot of different things, but non-muslims very rarely wear traditional muslim clothing. A quadrilateral is not always a square, but a square is always a quadrilateral. Also - nine years is not so long ago. All that being said, I sincerely hope that you as a muslim have not been targeted and made to feel attacked, either physically or emotionally due to your religion.
I don't think the issue here is political correctness in my humble opinion. The issue is being prejudiced against a whole group of people based on what a few did. We should try and put ourselves in their shoes and think about how would we feel if someone was judging us based on what others had done. I think the least we can do is make an effort to get rid of those prejudices than try and justify them.
ReplyDeleteThe person in question here has the power to influence people so I think its even more important for people like him to know that their words can impact others. Yes people have the right to state their opinions but at the same time we need to be responsible while doing so. We can’t go around spreading hate , our irrational fears onto others in the garb of freedom of speech.
I agree with your argument on conditioning. I've always found it difficult to respond to someone who feels offended about how I react toward a situation or respond to a comment based off of the conditioning I've experienced. I am in no way racist, but I do not take the chance to go against the conditioning I have experienced when I am in an unfavorable position where I feel my safety is being compromised. Others of the same race and gender should be angry at the criminals that condition the population to proceed with such caution, not at the population itself. The issue did not originate out of thin air. There were general trends that formed certain responses toward situations involving a targeted race or gender. Of course, there are many reasons why these races and genders continue the cycle of being a target. So the solution is to start at the source of the problem (poverty, limited educational opporunity, lack of concern for their wellbeing, etc.) and then change the general stereotype, but of course that is not an overnight fix.
ReplyDeleteIn this particular case, I don't feel Juan Williams was understood properly. Understanding that he is, in fact, supposed to remain neutral, he was not suggesting that he views all muslims to be a threat. Instead, it seems he was rather identifying the fact that the American people have been hit with such a blow of terrorism closely linked with Muslims, and to remain politically correct would be a threat to the safety of the country. Whether you are a Muslim extremist or a harmless Muslim, the distinction cannot be made visibly. So, unfortunately, we must take precaution for the safety of others. People also shouldn't forget that there are just as many side checks for suspicious looking characters, based on their behavior, type of clothing (baggy, loose), or amount of luggage. There are also random checks as well on innocent-looking girls. The same situation arises when you consider strangers. During the day, they may not seem as harmless, whereas at night, they may be considered a greater threat. You are conditioned to how you approach certain situations. For example, feeling safer walking alone during the day than at night.
I think being politically correct is a bunch of doo doo sometimes. Those individuals who define what is politically correct are the ones who form the general opinion that we are all supposed to confine to. How can we argue a point that may contain greater truth and lead us toward a more successful path if we are confined to the standards set for us. I guess the question is, with all that we have experienced in the history of our nation, can we really escape the cycle? Can we form an argument that is logical AND just, or must we remain in this whole idea of what others deem to be fair? We won't really ever completely get out of the cycle, but we elect those who make the decisions. Here is where voting could count, but then you have to deal with all of the dirty politics some of our leaders result to. Where is the trust? When and how can we begin to define what being "just" truly is in America?
I completely agree with Tasha. I don't like the way he presents his views as "reality", as if it could be applied to everyone and he's just the only one actually speaking it. I'm a Caucasian, a Canadian, and a university student and the way I see it is that I would be just as much to blame for 9/11 as a Muslim in full garb on a plane in the US. It has to be noted that a few Muslim EXTREMISTS were the ones who did this. It would make just as much sense to assume that every Christian or every white American behaves the way that Christian extremists do(i.e the Westboro Baptist Church), and that when we see white Americans our first thoughts are "homophobe, racist, solider-funeral-picketer."
ReplyDeleteFree speech is all fine and good, but at a certain point you have to realize that while you may have the RIGHT to say whatever you want, should you really do it if it's going to hurt other people or paint an entire group of people in a negative way because of the actions of a few? If you decide that you still should say it, you at least have to be aware of the potential consequences. People aren't going to respond kindly to those kind of comments in today's day and age. And like many have said, he is in a position of authority. People watch and listen to what he says. And there are TOO many people who aren't aware of the media biases that ANY network or news source have. There are people that will watch the news every night on only one station and somehow think that they are getting the full and accurate story. I was actually shocked to read comments where people stated they ARE aware that the media plays a large role of shaping people's perceptions of Muslims, yet they still allow themselves to fall for it.
I don't know, at the end of the day we're ALL people and that's the main point. The main point isn't what religion these people were or where in the world they came from, it's that PEOPLE were capable of causing this devastating tragedy.
There are countless people of every race, every religion, every country, every sex, every sexual orientation, etc. that have committed extremely devastating crimes. So if you were to fear Muslims because of this, why not just fear EVERYBODY? There's just as much reason to do so.
We shouldn't think it would be okay for him to say this about Muslims unless we think it would be okay for someone to make a statement such as the one Williams made regarding an aspect of ourselves (whether it be females, Christians, Americans, or anything that you might personally identify yourself as).
Anyways that's just my take on things! Glad everyone's respecting other opinions! :)
I live in Australia. Part of living here is embracing the multi cultural society that builds us. But sometimes it can be difficult to respect and accept when laws and practices are waivered for certain ethnicity's. Not intentionally, but there is a difinitive line, and it's obvious when it has been crossed by all parties.
ReplyDeleteIt's a complex topic. And everyone will have their own theories and opionions. A the end of the day we are one soul and one individual.
He got fired for saying this? To be honest, I think that that's a little unnecessary, especially as he wasn't saying anything negative or bad about Muslims, just about what you said Joy, his personal reaction. In New Zealand, Paul Henry ('Breakfast News' Host) said many controversial things, and never got fired for them. And his latest one, about a woman named Sheila Dikshit (pronounced dixit), he was suspended and then he resigned. But I personally don't think they would've fired him if he hadn't resigned - even though his comments were quite bad and racist. People liked him because he was honest. Juan Williams was just being honest too. He shouldn't be fired for a little honesty.
ReplyDeleteAnnabelle
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ReplyDeleteWell that's an interesting question... I'm French so I hadn't heard of that but still I feel concerned by it...
ReplyDeleteI think it's hard for us to be the judge of that... I kind of have the same feeling as you have regarding your example with men, sometimes you don't feel safe with some people even if you don't know them you have chills just seeing them...
I was shopping the other day and I saw a men that was creepy as far as I was concerned and so I waited for him to leave the area before going there myself, I was with a friend and she said I was stupid, that he wasn't going to harm me but for some reason he was creeping me out...
For that reason I would say that he just acted as a human being, he is afraid and he voiced his fear... The problem is that he had to be impartial, it was his job and he shouldn't have given example as personal as the one he gave so he might have corrupted in a way the people that were listening to him....
Still his intentions weren't to judge Muslims and at the end of the day he is just human like all of us and I really think that it is impossible to analyze something without giving your own opinions because that's just how it is... Sure he shouldn't have said that but can we blame him?? After all we could have all done the same thing...
I really think him being fired is excessive... We all have fears and nobody should decide if they are stupid, irrational, unacceptable... or not because we are all different... His biggest mistakes was to voice his fear and not to fear in the first place...
Sure he did a big mistake but I'm not sure that him being fired was the right thing to do...
The thing is that we all have our own opinions and ideas on this subject and that's what makes it interesting because that way we can all see different POV and we can learn a lot... Thank you Joy for bringing this subject... I think it's great to be able to share our own opinions on that question!!
Xoxo
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ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting. I mean, I think as a whole, politcal correctness has gone to far. We've got to the stage where we don't say or do harmless things at the fear of being accused as racist or whatever. One thing in Britain I don't agree with, im not sure what its like in America but, in our local Primary schools, the children are no longer aloud to do nativy plays at christmas as they say its not far to children from other relgions. This is something that makes me really angry, whilst I understand and have no problem in the fact different religions celebrate different holidays, why should we not be aloud to celebrate our own? Why not take the oppurtunity to do a number of different celebrations to celebrate each culture/religion as this will also allow the children to learn about the diverse beliefs in our society.
ReplyDeleteIn this paticular case, hmmm ...there are different sides, so its tough.
I mean, I can see how this comment may of been hurtful to muslim people as they are being stereotyped and branded as all the same. Speaking as a teenager, I know how it feels to be steretyped. I mean, in Britain, if you walk around with your hood up, people automatically assume your going to stab them or something! They don't think 'oh it's raining, thats why she has her hood up' and you know, its kind of annoying and this must be how muslim people feel too. So in that repest, I guess its wrong to make comments like that.
On the other hand, as you so nicely said Joy, if you have a bad experiance with something, then is it really wrong to fear things simular in the future? I like you Joy, have the same feeling when your walking alone, sometimes If I see a man I don't feel safe around, yeah I get scared and will try to get away, by crossing the road or whatever.
In this paticular case, I don't persoanlly feel the man in the video was being racist, or interntially set out to offend anyone. He was simply speaking from a negative experiance. However, I think we do need to think about how we stereotype people and consider how it may make them feel. I don't know, its a tough one!!
Really interesting read Joy, thanks for sharing and sharing your views with us. I relate to them alot.
Annabelle , I hope you don't mind me responding to something you mentioned. I'm an Indian and the woman that Paul Henry insulted is a chief minster of one the states in our country. As you stated what he said was indeed racist so I personally think that was reason enough for him to be fired. From what I know this wasn't the only time he has made a racist comment. He has made comments on similar lines in the past and NZ like India is a multicultural society so to live in harmonry you have to respect each other's faiths , cultures , beliefs , customs etc.
ReplyDeleteHey Everyone, I agree too Elle on some levels that there is more to what meets the eye because there is always more to a story than we can even think.So I think Williams and the issue is wrong on some levels because we as americans have that fear regardless of A Muslim or not. We all have our own fears and some time that fear is Muslims and for me it all depends. I think the us and the NPR were wrong to fire Williams knowing BY LAW WE HAVE THE RIGHT OF THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH and It's messed up and the us and NPR broke that rule. if there so concerned with his words of speech then why should we have the right to speak our thoughts and mind if all will happen is for us to get fired or seem like were against muslims and there doings and etc. its all wrong.
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ReplyDeleteOh gosh, the more I read about this issue, the more fired up I get. Bethany Joy, you have unleashed a monster (and I need to be quick here because I am at work).
ReplyDeleteThe problem with his opinion, for me, was that his "reality" was distorted. I'm sure if he were in the shoes of a Muslim man in full garb at the airport, being searched and humiliated due to this "fear" that Americans have, he'd think twice about making stupid comments on the news. Yes, we should talk about the tough issues, but we shouldn't be allowed to say that something makes us nervous and leave it at that. If he had presented it in a way that acknowledged how ridiculous that sentiment was, I'd be more sympathetic, but he tried to prove it by not only misquoting a man, but taking that quote OUT OF CONTEXT.
When he quoted the bomber, he made it seem like what America is experiencing are random acts of terror because Muslims hate America. He almost made it seem like a one-sided war. If you read the quotes of the bomber he alluded to, you'd see WHY he said what he did, and that the reason is not that they want to kill innocent Americans. It has to do with how THEY have been treated by Americans in the past/present. This is not a one sided strife. Americans are not the only victims, and we need to stop presenting this conflict like that. To me, that is the true danger, and why a journalist - who has the power to influence our perceptions with the stories they tell - should be fired if he/she reports something so wrong and hurtful that it will only continue to distort our view of an innocent group of people.
Another problem I have is that the opinions of those who support him believe they have the right to say 'they fear Muslims' and it's their freedom of speech to say that. Ask yourself WHY you fear them and look a little deeper into the issue instead of just making petty judgments. Those fears, especially in this particular case, have hurt a lot of Muslims. I'm sure I couldn't even comprehend the personal and institutional prejudice they have experienced since 9/11.
It was an ignorant opinion, and I don't think there is room for ignorance in the mass media. So, to me, it's not about bias/objectivity/political correctness.. it's about presenting a distorted and hurtful opinion as truth.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very interesting post, and i love how you extrapolated on the question : is it possible to stay "non partisan" on a subject that we are supposed to report. On One hand, this case of Juan Williams can ask the problem of journalism. Has it to be a non judgement and a very objective approach, or in a concern of sensibilized the "audience", has it to be more personnal?
On the other hand, I think here it goes past the journalism and it always ask the problem of jugdement. With journalism, when we read or listen or watch news, we are able to say : now I know the subject and I think that... So if we can say that, why a journalist couldn't do it? So in this case there is no problem , and it not supposed that we agree the person. But when we try to convinced minds of our ideas : here it is the matter.
Finally, for me, there is no problem to expose one's own point of vue, even if it is chocking ; we are supposed to be free of our ideas; but trying to impose one's convictions ,here, I think it can be dangerous!
(P.S. : sorry for the mistakes I'm French lol)
God Bless You,
Estelle
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ReplyDeleteNice one. I think sometimes we forget that we are only human. We're allowed to feel things and have reactions. Whose to say whether your reaction was right or wrong. It's just YOUR reaction.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago i was hurt really bad by some friends (or who i thought were friends), and i see them today and i dont hate them. i dont dislike them. But i have learned from that experience how to deal with certain people, and to be cautious, and to seek God on the choices i make with the people in my life. I got burned, and i think most people would have the same reaction i did, but i dont look at everyone that comes in my life the same way. I can't. God forgives us and forgets our sin for everytime, so who am i to hold a grudge.
Its the same thing with Muslims. I live all the way in The Bahamas, and when i go on a plane i may see one of them, and i would treat them like any other human being. With God's love in my heart. Sometimes its the small things that matter to people. But it doesn't mean that i would not be mindful of the past, or cautious. Thats just the way it is.
Make sure everything you do is in love. Be midful of your actions and reactions. And pray that God will be with you in all you do and say. He knows that we are only human, and we make mistakes, but the key is to recognize that wrong and confess it.
Juan Williams stated his opinion - and an opinion can be both right and wrong. So where do we go from here?
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ReplyDeletePoor journalism all around on Mr. Williams' part. If I was a food critic and I had to try a seafood restaurant but hated fish, would I write a review lambasting the food there because of my personal prejudices and likes/dislikes? No, that's not subjective.
ReplyDeleteIs Mr. Williams allowed his opinions? Sure, just not on national tv/broadcast. Is he being censored because of this or is his 1st amendment rights violated? No, it's called decorum and knowing when is the appropriate time/venue to say certain things. More importantly, it's knowing what influence and publicity someone in your position will have. Do I say "I hate your cooking" to my grandma at the dinner table? No, I save that for my fiance when we've left grandma's. Do I feel repressed in my ability to have my own opinions? Umm, no. Has Mr. Williams stirred up fear and bitterness with his thoughtless comment? Absolutely. Is it hard for Muslims who had NOTHING to do with 9/11 to move forward from 2001? Heck yes. Is it okay to be "conditioned" to feel a certain way? Yes, that's human ... reflexive, if you will. Is it reflexive to say whatever you feel like saying to a large audience on a national scale? No, that's called lack of control and foresight.
I feel terrible for people who suffered (and continue to suffer) so greatly because of 9/11. I feel terrible for Muslims trying to continue their daily lives post-9/11. They're not mutually exclusive of one another ...
Everyone deserves to be loved and respected, no matter what their race, sex, or religion. That doesn't mean you have to condone it.
ReplyDeleteJust this past week, I was watching a show on ABC called "What Would You Do?" This issue actually came up. An actress dressed up in Muslim attire, and was in a random bakery. The man behind the counter was refusing to serve the woman because of what she was. It was interesting to see people's reactions. A lot of people didn't say a word. They just watched it happen, and then they walked out. They did not stand up and say anything at all. They did nothing. There were a select few who stood up for the woman and said something. You could tell by their reactions that they were truly upset about what they were witnessing.
People are entitled to their own beliefs. Sometimes, people take that a little too far, and make their opinion a little too loud and clear. This world is not an easy place to live in. I'm not Muslim. I am just a Caucasian girl from Southern California. But I have had my share of run ins with people who have bullied me.
I don't know if I think he should or should not have been fired. Stating your opinion in the political world is always a risky move.
In all honesty, it comes down to the statement that Love IS Louder.
That may sound cliche right now, with everyone saying it, but it's true. Love is what is going to save people. Love saved me.
Another amazing update Joy...I think that everyone has the right of their own opinion but me i don't get nervous or afraid when i see a Mouslin on an airplane...An angry pitbull could scare the life out of me though...I guess what i mean is that it's not really fair to put people in boxes and for example think that all Muslims are the same because they're not...Every one of us is different and so are our beliefs,experiences and lives...All this is totally subjective and like you said someone could like a person somebody else couldn't depending on the way they grew up and the social surrounding they come from...It's a matter of character and personality...I'm in no position to judge what Mr. Williams said or his being terminated from NPR...I have to admit though that having an opinion and being able to express it is a basic human right but when it comes to politics things get much more complicated...Especially when you're supposed to be neutral to everything on which you report...It's way too hard to talk about smt and keep you personal believes out of it...Pretty tricky...
ReplyDeleteRegardless of all that one thing i know for sure is that none of us deserves to ever feel descriminated against...After all at the end of the day we're all humans trying to leave their lives...Don't we all have weaknesses,needs,desires?
Anyways...Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts with us...Indeed very interesting!!!And as always #loveislouder than everything!!!
xo Fotini
So Mr. Williams states that 1. he fears seeing Muslim people on a plane and 2. the bomber on trial said that America's war with Muslims is just beginning. Is he seriously equating an entire religious population with the comments of a deranged Muslim extremist? He made a sensationalized assumption that has ZERO proof that 1 billion people are to blame for the handiwork of a handful of fanatics. Unfortunately, people nowadays think that assumptions = facts.
ReplyDeleteI understand being conditioned to feel and act a certain way towards a group - I majored in Psychology. However, if you are conditioned to such behavior, conquer your fear. If you have an irrational fear of spiders (like I do), face it. You have a distorted perception of Islam? Go learn about it or talk to Muslim people. Don't go on national television and discuss your fear with other people who share your fear and thus feel validation for hearing it come from a public figure whose opinion carries weight.
I'm all for free speech, but not at the expense of the safety of a population. His comments are not only damaging to the Muslim community, but also to America. Hatred inciting hatred will just give ammunition to extremists who want to harm us. Comments and attitudes such as Mr. Williams' just aim to divide and what's scary is that many share his sentiments. And for that, I agree with NPR's decision to fire him.
Not to get too technical, but I looked up the US Department of Labor's definition of a news analyst and it says they "examine, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources". This is Mr. Williams' job. After reading about this, I initially felt sorry for Mr. Williams' for though I think it is a slightly racist comment, I do not think that he should have gotten fired for it. He was not being accusatory nor stating his distaste for Muslims, he was simply giving his honest reaction. I cannot say that I feel more nervous flying with Muslims present, nor do I always notice, but if I do notice I initially might have a moment of anxiety. I think that Mr. Williams simply stated what many Americans feel.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the breaking point came for me when I went to NPR's website. Until then I was heavily leaning on the side of the injustice of his being fired. BUT.. on NPR's statement of the Code of Conduct it first says that the purpose of the code is to ensure "impartiality". It then goes on to define unbiased as "we separate our personal opinions - such as an individual's religious beliefs or political ideology - from the subjects we are covering."
Mr. Williams failed to make this separation, and though it is sad that he has to be fired, I believe that for the upstanding reputation and credibility that NPR so nobly holds, it is right that he was fired.
WOW Joy!
ReplyDeleteThis is a touchy subject to comment on or even have a voiced opinion on...We as humans are conditioned to react to negative and positive reinforers. I have gone through some pretty rough negative experiences that have conditioned me to react towards those experiences that remind me of those negative reinforcers...I personaily don't think that Mr. Williams should have lost his job over his personal feelings. He is NOT at fault for feeling a certain way when it comes to experiences that he has had to go through. What right do we have to tell him how to feel about certain experiences. Every person in our country has the right to feel and express those feelings. Are we not a country that has the freedom to speak? But, I believe that our government ONLY likes to hear from Americans that feel the way they do! When they have an American that feels differently (especially in News reporting or Television) they will get rid of them!!! Sorry for those who I have offened but, that is how I feel!!! I do feel for the Islamic culture that has had to go through the ridicule and humilitation that goes along with this subject! But, we will always have this tension on this subject due to those who decied to attach our country....I hope that sheds some light for you Joy!!! Again my heart goes out to those who have to suffer for this!!! As you have been saying Love is Louder!!!! :)
Sincerely,
Melanie
Although you make a good point about us as humans being biased in the way we view things due to difference in experience, I do think it is up to us to know when to keep our mouth shut and when to open it.
ReplyDeleteMr. Williams' statement was ignorant, especially since he is a broadcast journalist, and should thus be looking at issues objectively and saving his opinions for when he is "off-air." I think that him being fired was slightly extreme, but at the same time I feel it was appropriate because when you think of a newscaster's job you think of objectivity, you aren't supposed to really display your opinion, especially one as ignorant as his. But I do agree with you, that maybe if I had a bad encounter with a Muslim, I would feel the same too, and maybe if I was raised to believe that Muslims are bad, I would feel that way too. The thing is though, we can't look at issues on a psychological level, we can't justify the actions of everyone by saying "oh they were raised that way" or "they were abused." If we did that then how would it make it any worse justifying a rapist's action like Paul Bernardo by stating the fact that he grew up being verbally abused by his mother and abandoned by his father. He is a sick man, but if we were to justify everyone's beliefs ignorant or not, where do we draw the line?
I know I keep saying this, but I really do value your arguments, I guess it's easy for someone so say they aren't racist or sexist etc, but when it comes down to, we're usually more or less the same, that I suppose is the human condition.
Thanks for opening up this topic Joy, it's made me gather my thoughts on the issue better.
Wow, I personally had not heard anything about this, I should learn to watch the news more. After reading this blog and watching the clip, I feel that I to am confused on if Mr. Williams being fired was the right decision. I mean one of our countries biggest things is free speech. I guess the thing in question here is whether this was the right time and place for Mr. Williams point of view.
ReplyDeleteTasha, I totally agree with you there, Paul Henry was way out of line - he always is!!! And I too am glad that he no longer works for TVNZ. But the point I was trying to get across, and I'm not sure if it was all that clear, was that why should Juan Williams have been fired for a comment that was so minuscule compared to the many racist and rude things that Paul has made and never got fired for? It doesn't make sense to me.
ReplyDeleteSure Juan's comments have definitely fired a lot of people up, but it was only one comment. He should be able to learn from his mistakes and be given a second chance. :)
There's a difference though. It would be one thing if both of these men were employed by the same company, but they weren't. They weren't even from the same country. So you can't really say it's unfair for Williams to have been fired when Henry got so many free passes...they weren't employed by the same people, and Williams's job description called for him to be impartial and non-partisan.
ReplyDeleteI'm from NZ too Annabelle so I know what you're talking about in regard to Paul Henry - I actually think that TVNZ is just as much to blame for the way they reacted in that situation as he was for the comments he made. As the State-Owned Broadcaster I think they should've done something about Paul Henry long before his comments about the Govenor General and Sheila Dikshit. Especially when the first response from them was that 'he says what everyone else is too scared to say,' which was such a cop out. I'm glad they did suspend him in the end and that he resigned.
ReplyDeleteBut like Bryanna said the situations are completely different and it's two completely different countries and two completely different employers. So it isn't a simple comparison to make.
I don't know much about the Juan Williams situation so I don't feel like I can make an informed comment about it without knowing more. But this certainly has been an interesting blog and discussion to read and I'm glad that it has remained quite calm and respectful!
I'm from the UK so i haven't heard of the Juan Williams headline. But my view is that whenever anybody notices or see's anyone of a different nationality or race, most instantly have their own, almost always wrong, view of that person. We've grown up in a world where pre-judging and discrimination happens very often! It's not our fault it's just a natural thing, it's whether we act and how we act on that view that makes it wrong or right.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know from the information on this post about Juan Williams and his comments, they were just his first thoughts and he didn't react in a violent or harmful way to those thoughts. So he shouldn't have been fired, however I don't know the whole story, these are just my views.
Becca x
Wow this is a touchy subject and reading this post and the readers' comments actually brought tears to my eyes. It saddens me greatly that in this modern society people continue to be afraid of Muslims just because of 9/11. No Muslim should be judged for the act of a few extremists. There is no religion in the world which condones the act of murder and the same goes for Islam. What the extremists did on 9/11 was definitely not in accordance with the Islamic teaching and faith. We need to remind ourselves that not only non-Muslims condemn these acts, but Muslims too.
ReplyDeleteWhat Juan Williams said was definitely out of line. It's true when people say "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" Freedom of speech is fine and good but he should know that when he makes such comments it comes with consequences. I'm sure that no Christian or Jew or Hindu etc would appreciate it if he made similar comments about their religion.
I live in a country where we have different races and people practising different religion. We have experienced brutalities from a certain race in the past but we have put the past behind us and we live in racial harmony. I think we should all do the same.
On another note, thanks Joy for putting up this post. Reading different views on this topic is definitely eye-opening.
Hey Joy!
ReplyDeleteI really think you hit the nail on the head with this post. The way you described the pit bull situation is perfect! As far as America knows, it was radical Muslim terrorists that caused 9/11. It is perfectly natural for people to be a little cautious when they see a person, who could potentially be a terrorist similar to the ones in the WTC planes, sitting in the seat next to you. Even though they are most likely not a terrorist, it is fine to put up a barrier or wall of protection. It is only natural when something as monumental as 9/11 happens. It is just fear that history could repeat itself that scares people.
I think the firing of Juan Williams was completely irrational. What happened to freedom of speech? He was not stating an opinion or trying to convince others to hate Muslims, he was just stating his feelings. NPR just caused more trouble and got more attention from firing him than they would have if they left it alone or simply made a short statement apologizing for offending some people.
It is sad that some people just cant let comments go. We all need to realize people have different opinions, some may offensive and others may hurt our feelings but you can't change the way a person feels, so there is no use in getting angry or trying to change them.
Love your work Joy, keep it up.
-Jason McNeely
It wasn't the Muslim religion that attacked your country, it was a terrorist group. A vile group of people that plotted agaist your country. Muslims should not be subjected to the bias because of the religion they follow. That is disgusting. My grandad is from Pakistan and I went to school in a heavily muslim populated school and they're people, people who deserve to be treated with the same respect as everyone else. Also, the fact that you compared it to a dog biting your child is quite offensive. These people are not animals, nor should they be treated badly.
ReplyDeleteDear Joy,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that people are still fear of us (Muslims) just because of 9/11.
Do I understand Mr Juan Williams feeling of fear? Honestly, yes I do.
Do I fear of going other places and being treated unjustly for being a Muslim? That, I do too.
A friend of mine, who was in London a few years back, she was sitting at the park waiting for her friend. A mother and son passes her by…the son kicked her leg intentionally but sadly his mother just smiled and passed a comment on being a Muslim. It was hurtful to hear that and it still is ….
Media plays a part in most of our life. The scary part is some of us are influenced by this without any thought given.
best regards
idha
I agree so much with all that you said. It is never wrong to go with your intuition, or gut feeling, in regards to walking the other way if you feel unsure of the people around you. I admit I was nervous the first time I flew after 911. I was going to New York and there were Muslims on the plane. But I told myself that they were not the ones responsible for the attacks and so I let my worries disappear. It is hard to not go to that place in our minds sometimes. However, most of us in America won't pass judgement on all Muslims; those who do are the ones who get all the attention.
ReplyDeleteIt is not irrational to have fears, or protective walls, as with people who give you a bad feeling, or pit bulls, etc. What is irriational is putting all people, or animals, of the same likeness in the category of these evil creatures. Stereotyping hurts. But we must admit that at some point or another in our lives, we have all probably stereotyped people, wrong as it may be.
I may disagree with things people say, but I will never tell them that their opinion is wrong, because it is their opinion, and we all have one. While Juan Williams probably shouldn't have said what he did as a News Analyst, he wasn't wrong. He was stating a feeling, and for that, I think the NPR went a little extreme in firing him. And that is my OPINION :)
To everyone justifying their prejudices and a fear of entire group of people because of the horrible actions of a few, when you see people that look like this guy http://blogs.e-rockford.com/applesauce/files/2010/04/tim.jpg (who, btw was a WHITE, AMERICAN, ARMY VET) do you worry that he'll bomb the building you're in? Probably not. So please, what the world needs right now ISN'T people justifying their reasons for fearing entire groups of people or saying it's okay/there's nothing wrong with it/it's perfectly acceptable/not our fault we feel that way. That comes from ignorance of not understanding other cultures and not even caring to try. What we need is for people to recognize the reactions they're having and try to do something about it (like learn about that group or get to know/be friends with someone from that group), and then pass that on to future generations. If we continue this thought process of "it's okay to fear Muslims because some Muslim extremists/terrorists bombed our country" the world is going to continue to be a very sad and hateful/hurtful place.
ReplyDeleteEverybody is entitled to their own opinion. Especially with the media, they have their right to address situations with what they think is right to them. They have their press freedom. But of course, he also should've thought of the Muslim community before saying anything on air. Just like his right to his own opinion, the people he is referring to also have their own constitutional rights.
ReplyDeleteI've thought of this situation over and over again. I've come up to this rationale that, probably, he was fired because of backing out of sponsors. Remember when news of Tiger Woods' affairs were at it's peak? He lost so many sponsors/endorsements. In Juan Williams' case, he publicly said something against the Muslim community, which gave them a negative image. This act is referred to as libel. It also greatly affected his image as a commentator. In a sponsor/endorser's point of view, you can't afford to have someone represent your company who has done this. So, I guess, him getting fired is strictly business.
**** if you have the time, please also check out my blog: myprivacymysecret.blogspot.com
I am a Muslim, and I find it very funny for people to be scared of "us". Especially because, if you would see me on the street, you wouldn't know what is my religion, because I am the same as everybody else. Those people who did horrible things since 9/11 are not muslims, they are extremists, and there should be a difference.
ReplyDeleteI partly understand the man who said he was scared of Muslims, but that is not realistic, that is media propaganda that lasts almost 10 years now.
So, I, as a Muslim, am scared of Muslims! But I'm not scared of Muslims as religious people following the sacred book of Qur'an, but the extremists, crazy, mentally diseased people who kill people (sometimes even themselves), which is strictly prohibited by our religion, call themselves muslims! Also, when a Christian (or Jewish, or every other) man kills an entire village, they don't call him "Christian terrorist", they just call him a murderer. Not even a terrorist. That's not fair.
(I would be so thrilled if you actually read this, because I am a fan of yours, and I appreciate your work.. I hope you will understand what I was trying to say, I am not American, I am from Bosnia&Herzegovina, so English is not my primary language.. Thank you for reading.)
Emean_ I had a Muslim classmate when I was in high school and college. She's very nice. She even turned out to be one of my good friends. She's not that different from us at all. And I very much respect her religion as much as she respects mine. I think people should STOP equating Muslims to terrorists. We should also stop categorizing people(eg. Geeks, Jocks, Christians, Muslims, Democrats, etc.). STOP USING LABELS!
ReplyDeleteAre you seriously comparing Muslims to dogs?? How would you react if everybody start being afraid of Christians because Jack the rapper was christian? Or should we be afraid every time we see a German because Hitler was German? Or should we be afraid each time we see a French because of all the atrocities French did in Algeria
ReplyDeleteThe answer is obviously no, because this is racism...
i know its kinda not related but i wanna say that i think all of the stuff with hacking this past week is terrible and i want you to know that the real fans are the ones that take your words and listen to them maybe get inspired the people that hacked into you facebook are definitely not fans
ReplyDeletei would have written a comment earlier but i dont really use the internet for gossip so it wasnt untill i clicked on twitter and realised
i think that its wrong what they did because you hadnt even come out yet with your news and theyve kind of taken that away from you aswell as the time it could just be you your friends and family that knew
now i feel i should comment on your blog post as i am using this so anyway this guy what he said is being blown up by the media i think i mean the mind is powerful and maybe what he said should have just stayed in his mind but if a kid at school said that they would be praised for showing there opinion and not expelled yes hes an adult and should no better but i mean he should have been told to explain more show that he could see other oeoples opinions and respect them and publicly apologise not been fired
(i know its a random comparison but stick with it) in england theres a woman called cheryl cole shes like the most famous woman in england anyway she was reported to have lip singed a song on the xfactor where she judges this caused furour among fans and i cant help but think its to do with the media i mean 12 weeks ago she was fighting for her life with malaria so what if she did
this guy is plainly shown what he said but what the media interprets of it tends to make us think that way.
ps i hope they find who ever hacked into your acount and i hope that many oth fans realise when they overstep the mark next time your only human afterall
Idiots are everywhere!!!!! Men,women,animals,black, white, ,catholic,muslim...whatever...... All kind of extremists is dangerous.A good education, the respect of the other,politeness,integration in the host country..so much concepts who could make live in peace the whole world......SO GET OUT ALL KIND OF EXTREM PEOPLE TO LIVE IN LOVE TOGETHER!!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses from France, thanks Joy and all the best for you!!!
Hi Joy,
ReplyDeleteI'm a loyal fan of yours ans love your blog. I wanted to let you know that I think there is a fake facebook page of you up, I thought I should send you the link to report it, it seems too personal after after reading Sophia's tweets it upset me.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001417735756
Alex Nastasi
So you're saying that this man is "scared" of muslims? sorry I'm just a bit slow ;) I'm a muslim myself and I don't get those reactions from people well I live in Sweden and there are alot of muslims here so it's pretty common.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog entry I understand your point. A friend of mine had a really bad experience with a gipsy woman and I understand her prejudice against them but as we had studied journalism I know that she never will say anything like what Juan Williams said. Because a journalist can't give opinions, we have to inform, contrast and make the audience get the conclusions. Mostly because tv journalist are usually admired and with a comment like that you can cause a exagerated reaction. Not every muslim is a terrorist.
ReplyDeleteTo make my point clear (I'm from Spain so sorry for my English) imagine that a minority of americans, imagine a nazi organization, put a bomb in a europe. How would you feel if when you come to London, Spain...people started to look like you as if you were murderer?
I don't really know, but I think things never get completely objective and I always think we can kind of feel what a person means, but as working in the medias a man should not try to convince about wether or not one thing is right or one is wrong, because then its time to get information out and show different aspects of a discussion! I dont know so much about this situation though!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I am so sorry about what happened with the sonogram, got to know it through Sophia's twitter! You just have to know that you have a really strong fanbase, and we support you on whatever you need us for! It was really devastating, and I just can't understand why people would do such thing?! If they are PC-geeks or something, they should use that talent in the right way, not break yours or anyones privacy!! thats just pure insaneness ! But I bet you have amazing friends and family to support you, but just remember that we, the not-crazy fans are here for you to! Or well, we are crazy, but in the right way ! :D So I hope you're doing OK, even though I bet it must have been hard :-) Take care
God bless
xoxo <3
Well this is an interesting one! I hadn't heard this news until this post, so thanks for sharing! You know, I really liked the way you put it because I think many of us have these apprehensions about certain people, whether it be their skin color, ethnicity, gender, and that doesn't mean that we're racist or sexist. As much as we try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt 100% of the time, we can't deny our gut instincts. As you said in your post, if we get a bad feeling about someone, regardless of what they look like, we're going to take measures to avoid them. When something tragic happens to us by a person of distinct nature, unfortunately, it automatically conditions us to viewing that group negatively. We, as humans, then make the choice of whether or not we are going to continue judging that group on a whole, or realize that you can't judge a group based on 1 person. I think that automatic apprehension though is an ingrained part of our existence and maybe something passed on as part of a defense mechanism. Of course, in our modern world, racism and sexism are frowned upon in the general society (as well it should be), so we learn that feeling this way about an entire group is wrong, even MORE so if you're in the media and portrayed through a television screen. I bet it would be different if this guy had said the same exact thing at a normal-every-day job, but the fact that he is on Television exacerbated his opinion to the tenth degree. I bet the network didn't want to catch heat from everyone and their Mom who would be writing in to the station offended by what he said, so they axed him. I don't think his opinion is wrong, it's his opinion. If we're being honest with ourselves, we all have these thoughts from time to time. What matters is what we do with our thoughts. Do we choose to believe all are bad? Or do we realize that you can't judge an entire group based on one individual?
ReplyDeleteI just watched Tim Wise's appearance on CNN where he talks about what happened with Juan Williams as well as the issue of racial and religious bias and the importance of opening up a dialogue about their existence - which I think is what you've tried to do with this blog entry Joy and a few others have mentioned as well.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I've only just discovered Tim Wise and I personally really value what he has to say (others may not, so be it) and I thought that I would share the video on here as it directly relates to the issues brought up in this entry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG_sR9cIT_U
I should add that Tim Wise also blogged about the issue on his website as well and I'm going to post an excerpt from the blog:
ReplyDeleteAn excerpt from Bikini Liberalism: Juan Williams, Implicit Bias and the Trouble With NPR
"...But today such a defense is deserved. Williams, it turns out, has been done a supreme disservice by his other employer, National Public Radio, and it is a disservice to which the harshest condemnation should be applied.
For those not up on the story, its contours are simple enough: On Monday, Williams appeared on Bill O’Reilly’s show to discuss the previous week’s flap on The View, where O’Reilly had bellowed that “The Muslims killed us on 9/11″ as justification for opposing the building of the so-called “Ground Zero Mosque.” During their conversation about Bill’s outburst — which had prompted hosts Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg to walk off stage — Williams admitted to O’Reilly that he is often nervous on planes if he sees persons who are identifiably Muslim. Although he went on to caution O’Reilly, and presumably those watching, about ascribing to all Muslims the terrorist tendencies of an infinitesimally small few — so, in other words, he wasn’t endorsing the fear to which he himself sometimes falls prey, but rather merely noting it honestly — the full context of his comments mattered not to the folks at NPR. On Wednesday they fired him, explaining that statements such as those he had offered on O’Reilly were ”inconsistent” with their “editorial standards and practices.”
Yet what had Williams done, exactly? He acknowledged his own biases, and then explained the fallacy embedded therein. He was being honest, and in so doing, demonstrating an important fact that the nice white liberals who predominate at NPR try to deny, especially for themselves. Namely, that even the best of us can be taken in by racism, by religious bias, by ethnic chauvinism, by prejudice. No matter our liberal bona fides, the bottom line is this: advertising works, whether for selling toothpaste, tennis shoes, or stereotypes.
Putting aside for a moment the irony – after all, much of the most crass anti-Muslim invective has been provided by the very people at FOX who pay Williams’s bills – the point remains: no one can completely avoid ingesting some of that to which we’re subjected when it comes to racial or religious “others.” Years of research bears out this fact, indicating that wide majorities of us have internalized implicit biases against all types of people: African Americans, Latinos, Muslims, women, LGBT folks, persons with disabilities, and others. Not because we are bad people, let alone bigots, but because we’re imperfect beings who despite being pretty decent, nonetheless can find ourselves stuck in the cognitive traps laid for us by the larger culture.
The only difference between Juan Williams and the people who fired him is this: Williams is honest enough to admit his own damage. And importantly, what the research on this subject tells us is that it is precisely those persons who are able to see and acknowledge their biases who are the most likely to challenge themselves, and try valiantly not to act on them. In other words, it is the Juan Williams’s of the world whose self-awareness in this regard will minimize the likelihood of discriminatory behavior. Meanwhile, it’s the liberals who deny to their dying breath that they have a “racist bone in their bodies,” or who swear they “never see color,” or insist that they are open-minded, forward thinking and free of prejudice, who are often unable to see how their internalized biases effect them, and move them around the chessboard of life without them even realizing it. Frankly, those are the ones from whom racial and religious “others” probably need the most protection..."
hey,
ReplyDeleteI'm from Germany and there are quite a lot of the what have against Muslims. But not everyone be right to say what he thinks? I think so, but you should be careful how you say it and what! I have no problems with Muslims, of course I'm most afraid when I am traveling alone and see horde of Muslim boys. Many Muslims here in Germany are bad, they reach an open on the street even when small children are present. but this is really everywhere. For me it is as long as they let me and my family and my friends alone, I have no problem with them. If they have done something terrible, then they should be punished like everyone else. Everyone has a right to live, he must leave it to others as well.
Very nice Greetings from Germany
Jasmin
I don't think people who feel nervous when they see muslims in traditional clothing on an airplane should be juged for feeling this way. However, what happened in the past and actions of certain people have been exploited by the media and politics in such a way that a lot of people let stereotypes and biases influence their thoughts and actions. Personally, I believe Mr. Williams has the right to voice his opinion. Censorship can cause human beings to follow a generally accepted way of thinking, without learning to think for themselves. Daring to think for ourselves is the most important matter here. We should be able to voice our own opinions, but at the same time be self-critical and ask ourselves: 'Is what I believe correct, shouldn't I look at it from a different perspective, am I being judgemental here,...?
ReplyDeleteIt is wrong to speak about a whole group of people, being Muslims or other, as if this group is homogeneous and statical. We shouldn't base our opinions of or feelings towards a certain group of people on the actions of some members of this group. We have to understand that when we start judging people based on their names or their appearance there is something fundamentally wrong with our way of thinking. At the same time, we should stop looking for a 'culprit' or 'enemy' while trying to analyse a historic event or while analysing our own (Western) identity. Nothing is black and white and that is why I believe Mr. Williams has the right to speak about his opinions, because it forces me to think about why I do not agree with him, while at the same time respecting other opinions than my own.
Love,
Lauren
Wow.. I first read a couple of comments and then watched the video and I have to say.. what the heck? Why are people making such a deal of this? I am a really proud Muslim and I want to thank everyone, who has left a comment right here, for their opinions. I first thought that the most Americans were Muslim-haters (I'm sorry) but now I can forget this :) I also want to add this: please please please don't punish Muslims by hating them. We can't do anything about the fact that there are extremely agressive people out there.. (This doesn't mean that I think they're innocent!)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Bethany, for publishing this blog. Greetings from the Netherlands ;)
Interesting argument. It's true that some men are sexual predators. Some pitbulls are vicious. But the tiny majority of people who are terrorists are not muslims. They may claim to follow Islam but no true follower of Allah and his messenger would do such terrible things. It's a tragedy that the symbols of a faith have become the hallmarks of terrorism. But what is more sad is how blind the American public is in believing whatever the government, and more influentially their media say. And you claim that gossip is the biggest problem in American society!
ReplyDeleteHi Joy,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to write to you and say that I've really missed your posts here. Your insight, the cool things you find and just feeling a little bit more like a part of your world. Thank you for having this blog for us so that we can see more of you than just you as Haley. I am so sorry that 'fans' have mistreated you recently, I have no idea what that must feel like. I just hope that one day you can come back here and continue to share your wonderful self with us again. I load bjgofficial.com everyday in hope of seeing a new post from you. Maybe tomorrow...i miss your posts, but also respect and encourage this break. I just hope you'll be back!
From Holly in Australia..xo
Bethany,
ReplyDeleteI feel torn about your comments.
Yes, it is alright to express a personal opinion when discussing a topic. But an opinion is not acceptable when it makes negative comments against a community sound OK.
Though I'm sure it came with no bad intention, your comparison sounds really worrying to me. You're comparing muslims to pitbulls, which are known for their unpredictable and agressive nature and are likely to attack with no particular reason. I feel offended by such a comparison, though I'm not even a muslim!
Plus, I'm shocked by how many people talk about "muslims" and "americans" as if they were 2 distinct communities. Everyone should remember that there are currently over 7 millions muslims in the US. These muslims are "american muslims". The american history (as we know it) began with immigration, which means that christians, jews, atheists etc... aren't "more american" than their fellow american muslim citizens. Everyone should remember that those muslim citizens live and work in America and love their country as much as the rest of us do.
Personal experiences are not an excuse for making negative opinions about a whole community. Also, a few evil people's deeds are not an excuse for considering all the other muslim people as potential terrorists. Because, yes, when someone feels scared when they see a muslim person in the same plane, it means they consider this person as a potential terrorist.
Juan Williams not only expressed an opinion, he expressed prejudice against muslim people as well.
Our opinion is getting biased against the muslims because of the medias. Remember that at the beginning of the last century german people's opinions were biased against the jews because of the media as well. Same for the african-american in the US...
Everyone really should sit down for a minute and think about how dangerous this is.
This is not a "politically correct" matter, it is a matter of respect and tolerance.
Dear fellow Americans (and the media),
ReplyDeleteAs a Muslim American, born and raised, every day starts to feel more and more like a struggle as people ask me to explain things that were said and done by people (terrorists) I don't even know. Before I start, I urge you all to read up on terrorists of other faiths. Trust me, they exist. Maybe not on FOX News... but they're there.
The media is tainting the image of my beautiful and peaceful religion. The translations on TV of our scripture are inaccurate and out of context. The lunatics they televise claim that their hate and violence is in the name of God, but if any of you really think someone believes God tells them to kill, then I don't even know if I writing this will penetrate your ignorance.
In Islam, a warrior is NOT to kill a woman, child, elderly person, animal, or even destroy a tree, home, or place of worship. If a person is suffering aggression, THEN they should fight it. But the way of peace is to not start wars. How is that terrorism?
In Islam, our greetings upon seeing each other or departing each other's company is "asalam aliekom" - peace be unto you. How is that terrorism?
In Islam, we are told to love our neighbors as we love ourselves... to treat others as we want to be treated. We have mandatory charity to the poor. Adopting and caring for an orphan is one of the straight paths to heaven. A smile to a stranger is written as a good deed by the angels. How is this terrorism?
In Islam, we believe and love Jesus and Moses, just like Mohamed. We believe in the Bible and Torah, just like the Quran. We believe in heaven and hell. We believe in angels. Does any of this sound alarming?
Why is it that when I walk into a grocery store, people look at me as if I'm about to blow the place up? Why do people either smile nervously at me or stare me down? Why is it that one of the first things people say to me is "where are you from," not "hello, how are you?"
So thank you, media, for making me feel like a stranger in my own home. Thank you for making me feel like I don't belong. Thank you for brainwashing people into fearing me and hating me without even talking to me. Thank you for taking the few and making them the image of the whole.
Thank you for inspiring those guys who tore my friend's headscarf off. And that man who yelled at my dad to "go back to your country." And for making my brother always get "randomly selected" for extra screenings at the airport because of his name. And for the guy back in college who didn't get up when I came on the bus with a fragile project for organic chemistry class in my hand, but who jumped up immediately with a welcoming smile at the next stop when another girl came on carrying nothing.
When you have millions of eyes and ears fixed on you, and that much influence on what people believe, you need to be more responsible with your words. You need to state the facts and leave it to the people to decide. In fact, it's offensive that you interpret the news for us, or rather, shove your opinions in our face as if we're not intelligent enough to decide on our own. Stop the brainwashing. Stop the hate and racism. Why must it be "us" and "them?" We are not that different from you.
Sincerely,
Dr. SG
PS - Bethany, I've been watching you and OTH since senior year of high school. Now I'm done with college and doing my residency, and I STILL watch!
Here's my thing. One can be negative and hate-filled without saying one word about another group/thing/whatever. Take "Only true Christians are good people to be around." It's the tone of voice and context. That statement says nothing about any other group. But I bet you read it thinking "they don't like (fill in the blank with : gays, jews, Catholics, women who wear tank tops, men who have brown hair, whatever...)."
ReplyDeleteWhat amazes me nearly daily is how Muslims have become a symbol for danger in the US. But horrible acts like the Oklahoma City Bombing and Jonestown and Wako never tarnished Christianity. How is that connection made for one group and not the next? Or eliminated for one group because they are called extremists but not the next? Christian extremists or Muslim extremists or whatever extremists...they're all extreme and do not in any way represent the majority. Otherwise they would be called the regular old every day that everyone participates in group.
I am a muslim myself and I dress just like y'all dress, like u Bethany or like any other person (random clothes) Anyways, I just wanna say that in America all this bullshit stuff about muslims being a terrorist it's a little Over exaggerating. I live in Belgium and we don't have that much of a problem. Seeing a muslim in a shop or shopping mall or the street the people don't get that reaction like ''OH THERE'S A MUSLIM HE MUST BE DEFINITALY A TERRORIST, I'M SCARED NOW'' NO, We respect, well, must of the people, we respect each other and even the Christian or any other religion is like ''yeah, we are not scared why should we?'' We are all people and we respect each other. That's it! BTW The terrorist ones aren't muslims!!!!!! GOD DID NEVER TELL US TO KILL PEOPLE. WE ALSO BELIEVE IN JESUS AND WE'VE GOT PRACTICALLY THE SAME BIBLE (CORAN) WHAT GOD ASKED IN THE BIBLE HE JUST DID THE SAME IN THE CORAN. THAT'S IT! WHY DOES PEOPLE ALWAYS OVER REACT?? We are people just like another and we love all the people. And remember that TERRORIST AREN'T MUSLIMS!!!! They think they are but there's not written in the bible or the coran that we need to kill people. GOD NEVER ASKED US TO DO SUCH A THING.
ReplyDeletePEACE OUT(love)
Naoual
Oh, I forgot to say, I can't Believe it comes from a BLACK mouth (Juan Williams) That he is scared. I could also say that ''he can get back to HIS country'' and that I am scared of him cause he is BLACK but no, I don't cause I don't judge people by they're look or skin color.
ReplyDeleteU just can't do that. U make an opinion of that person by talking to them and they're character. Not just because he is black or white or chinese or muslim or anything. U just can't do that.
If I was living in the US and that I would get that reaction like all the time I guess I would get crazy. It is disgraceful to see that.
When I watch american television which I do a lot I always think it's a beautiful country and I would like to live there, but when I see all this silly reaction about the muslims, I prefer to stay where I am in BELGIUM.
At least we don't have that problem. Well, in every country u've got some racist people but I never felt or heard saying someone to me ''get back to your country'' LIKE, NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! Maybe because I don't look like an arabic girl but even my friends never get that reaction.
I am really glad to have friends from different religion, culture. At least you learn a lot from being with different people that has different culture. It must be really annoying for ''Juan Williams'' to stay always with the same people that has the same culture. Poor thing.
Anyways, Forgot also to say that I love what your doing Bethany and just keep up the amazing work. And from the rumors I've heard I wish you the best with your pregnancy. :D lucky baby :D lol
Naoual
Interesting views on here. Some great people out there with open and loving minds. Thank you God!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very delicate subject but here is a artist talking about his view on terrorism...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmBnvajSfWU
We must focus on healing the world instead of building walls all around us. Love for all Humans and Creatures of the earth. Here is a song i dedicate to you all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tug63dI4MEY
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that we should have the right to voice our own opinions. That's what America is, its a free space where anyone and everyone should be free to express how they feel as long as they refrain from harmful or malicious actions as a way to do so. Whether or not he should be fired from NPR, really isn't up to me, so I'll leave that alone.
ReplyDeleteWhat I will say is that these perceptions are in my opinion the thing that's wrong with this country. We see it everyday, and even though it's not always intentioned maliciously or hatefully it contributes to the growing fear and ignorance in the world.
By associating a personal negative experience with a certain type of person, and then further associating that person with a race, or gender, or breed, or sexuality etc. is wrong, in my opinion. This is not to say that I think that people who do this are wrong or cruel or evil, in fact i think it's somewhat and sadly becoming a part of human nature.
I think it needs to stop. I think people need to treat isolated incidents, as just that. Isolated incidents. If I meet a girl with green eyes, and she slaps me across the face, will I then be afraid when meeting another green-eyed girl? No. Because that was an isolated incident and her behavior had nothing to do with how she looks.
If we started treating everyone like exactly what they are, human beings. And stop associating them with our experiences and our preconceived notions about that 'type' of person, we might come to meet some really interesting people that could change our lives.
Kaitlyn.
PS: I love you Joy, you are so talented and beautiful, and I respect your opinions, just as I respect all opinions.
:)
I'm a Muslim, I wear a head scarf, I always wear pants, and long sleeves T-shirts and tops, or if i wear a dress top i'm sure to wear a tee inside. I don't live in the States, but I do visit often... I was on a subway once, and I noticed a lot of people wince and stare at me blatantly...
ReplyDeleteThe mistake of one Muslim or a groups of Muslims shouldn't create a reputation for ALL Muslims, in fact, I encourage you guys to watch this YouTube video, it has humor to it as well...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9qr931UUeQ