Rudaina Soomro, Canada. Student
This day in history has become one of the most shocking, and globally infamous for the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred in the States. This Saturday, 20 years ago, the 9/11 attacks occurred on September 11, 2001. This date has been engraved in our hearts along with all the citizens who died that day.
How a simple day in our lives can become so distorted and overturned is something we cannot answer, simply because incidents happen beyond our knowing. People who have survived or are still grieving the losses of loved ones, have yet to find closure. Their lives were impacted the most, especially for those who worked hard to help save others during the attacks, but weren’t there in time to reach the people inside the building. The physical and emotional damage that remains after two decades is still very present. Just having to hear the stories of those who had no choice but to jump off the roof to save themselves, or about the many firefighters who entered that building to rescue the people in need, knowing there was the risk of not coming out of the building, leaves the worst type of agony. To describe the attacks that occurred that day would simply be, the intention that carried into actions of violence. Around 3,000 people died during the attacks but so many more were mentally and physically impacted. Many have suffered from illnesses from the heavy debris, and many have either died or still suffer. The cost for cleaning up debris and damages were $750 million dollars, but for many, money can’t fix any pain they endured from that day on.
Although it has been two decades, the news is still discussing the real culprit behind the attacks but, more importantly, there were fingers being pointed in a certain direction. The entire community of Muslims and minorities have, and still experience extreme racism and islamophobia due to the attacks. Racism and attacks on Muslims have still existed before the 9/11 attacks, but afterward, they became intensified and created a large and long-lasting impression on the Muslim community and on Islam. The community of Muslim Americans has experienced some of the worst Islamophobia, and the majority of Americans do not a positive view of Islam. Many Muslims have come forward about the attacks they have experienced, and one of the biggest insults they all experience is being labeled a ‘terrorist’. To anyone who received this insult, it is simply translated as a term of violence and hate, and that person receiving such a harsh word will be deeply affected. American Muslims suffered the most from the hate after the attacks when news had globally labeled Muslims as ‘dangerous’ and ‘violent’. Had they been honest and kind, people could have learned that Islam is a religion of peace. It is the intention to be kind, to follow the path of righteousness, and not to have arrogance. It is to treat others around us as humans, nothing lower or higher, only equal. It means to have respect for your environment and to spread kind words and actions. Muslims are, to this day, expected to apologize for the attacks, which is clearly wrong. Those who have caused pain should be given charges and suffer consequences, but not a community of innocent people.
Islam has been heavily twisted into horrible labels, but we need to be spreading the message that Muslims should not be treated differently due to religion. Yes, the 9/11 attacks created a heavy stigma and bias to racism against Muslims, but does that mean we should continue these stereotypes? Should we continue to let film and media depict Islam in the wrong way? Should we allow characters to paint all Muslims as ‘terrorists? Should we stay silent when someone jokes about causing violence while screaming ‘Allahu Akbar (God is Great)’? Absolutely not. These are just the beginning of stereotypes. These scenarios that play out for people to see are embarrassing and very hurtful. It is racism and it is islamophobic, and it needs to stop. The final question is, after experiencing or hearing about the terrible attacks, how do we react properly? People living in communities need to begin by changing their mindsets about Muslims. We have been slain in the name of ‘terrorism and it needs to come to an end. If a woman is wearing a hijab and you find that an issue or relate that to terrorism, you are clearly the problem. If you find Muslims a threat to your community, you are the problem. If you decide to take action and participate in creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for a Muslim citizen, you are the problem. People need to end their judgment and quit their stares that do not make us feel any more accepted. Being told to ‘go back home, although that country is our birthplace is not an acceptable thing to tell someone. Having suspicions and judgment towards minorities and Muslims isn’t something that helps our world progress into equality. To have equality and equity as well creates a world of love. It creates safe atmospheres for expression and less hate towards those of different religions. In our lifetime, we are bound to meet people around us who fit into stereotypes but it is up to you to believe if that stereotype is something that is kind or hurtful. Next time you have the chance, take the step to further create peace by making Muslims around you comfortable. Being by their side, and hearing their struggles is a beautiful type of friendship and trust. We only need small actions to create historical impacts. We can all create what everyone believes is impossible; world peace for everyone.