Civic

Acts of Support and Solidarity Following the Backlash

September 22, 2001

Source: The New York Times

On September 22, 2001, The New York Times reported, "Arab-Americans Are Finding New Tolerance Amid the Turmoil." The article noted the efforts made to respond to -- and prevent further -- backlash. "Nabeel Abraham, an anthropologist who is co-author of 'Arab Detroit,' said that since the gulf war, during a decade of accelerated immigration from the Middle East and Asia, he had observed a 'phenomenal' improvement in attitudes toward Arab-Americans in the news media and among elected officials."

After Backlash, New Public Service Advertisements

September 21, 2001

Source: Newsday

On September 21, 2001, Newsday reported "In the wake of terrorist attacks on the United States, the Ad Council is launching the campaign with hopes to curb the backlash that certain immigrant groups have faced. In the commercials, a diverse sea of faces look into the camera and say, 'I am an American.' Since the Sept. 11 attacks, hundreds of Muslims, Sikhs and other groups have reported being harassed or assaulted. In at least one murder case, the shooting death of a turbaned gas station attendant in Phoenix, police are investigating the...

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Editorials Regarding Backlash, Scapegoating: (Sept 17 - October)

September 20, 2001

Source: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

On September 20, 2001, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram published an editorial by Bud Kennedy regarding statements made during a town prayer service called "Community United." The editorial noted, "On the national day of prayer intended to unite us as one America against evil and international terrorism, a Baptist pastor said he's sure glad he doesn't have to pray with any Muslims...The Burleson Star newspaper quoted Pastor Milburn: 'Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, not multiple deities or Allah.'" Others who...

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Citizens Act Locally to Support Muslim Neighbors

September 20, 2001

Source: The San Jose Mercury News

http://www0.mercurycenter.com/premium/local/docs/locshields19.htm

On September 20, 2001, The San Jose Mercury News featured the article: "Volunteers set up escorts for those in fear: Bodyguards offer to walk with kids, protect mosques." The article stated, "Bay Area Muslims and residents of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent are reporting so much hostility since last week's attacks that volunteers are matching...

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Acts of Support and Solidarity Following the Backlash

September 20, 2001

Source: Episcopal News Service

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens/2001-264.html

On September 20, 2001, The Episcopal News Service detailed some of the grassroots efforts and practical help being offered by Episcopalians in the wake of the backlash. "Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold issued a request...to promote contacts with Muslim neighbors. 'As interfaith services are planned, please make every effort to include Muslim as well as Jewish (and other) voices...[and] reach...

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Rallying for Unity and Tolerance

September 20, 2001

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On September 20, 2001, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported that "More than 30 leaders of ethnic, political and religious groups gathered Wednesday to condemn a string of hate crimes across the country since the terrorist attacks last week...As a reminder of the events that followed the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when Japanese-Americans were placed in internment camps, the noonday rally was held at the Japanese-American World War II Memorial. Among those present were six Japanese-American war veterans, who...

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In the Schools: Harassment and Unity

September 19, 2001

Source: South Whidbey High School

On September 19, 2001, students at South Whidbey High School in Langley, Washington pledged "to end the practice of discrimination and hatred in their own hallways and community, and standing up against it when they see others committing it." They issued the statement "Resolution for a United Nation" and challenged high school students across the country to join them. "Students who sign the resolution will wear a gray ribbon that signifies the ashes and the dust that settled over Manhattan. It also symbolizes the determination of...

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Editorials Regarding Backlash, Scapegoating: (Sept 17 - October)

September 18, 2001

Source: The Arizona Republic

http://www.arizonarepublic.com/opinions/articles/0918prothero18.html

On September 18, 2001, The Arizona Republic published Steven Prothero's editorial, "Intolerance deeply rooted in ignorance of religions." It read, in part: "Times like these no doubt call for tolerance. All Americans need to be reminded that we are a nation not only of immigrants but also of religions, that Muslims and Sikhs are as welcome here as are...

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Acts of Support and Solidarity Following the Backlash

September 18, 2001

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On September 18, 2001, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on letters from local school children, sent to the President, the rescuers, and to children at Al-Salam Day School, a local Muslim school that had closed due to threats. The article reported, "Riverview Gardens schools Superintendent Chris Wright told school principals that the recent terrorist acts, which have been linked to Islamic extremists, offered students a chance to learn about American values as well as about discrimination against Arab-Americans or Muslims...

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Acts of Support and Solidarity Following the Backlash

September 18, 2001

Source: Al-Hewar Web Site

http://www.alhewar.com/september_11_condolences.htm

The Al-Hewar Center is maintaining a comprehensive web site which includes statements regarding the terror attacks and the backlash that followed. As noted on the site: "America will rebuild her buildings, but the real challenge is to keep her spirit of tolerance alive." The Al-Hewar Center describes itself as "an independent forum for...

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Religious Communities and Advocacy Organizations Issue Statements Regarding Backlash, Scapegoating

September 18, 2001

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47099-2001Sep17.html

On September 18, 2001, The Washington Post published the editorial, "The stars are suddenly too few." The editorial, a joint statement from diverse religious leaders, states: "We commit to celebrate the shared beliefs that bind us -- especially the sanctity of all human life -- while we honor the differences that have called us on separate paths to the same...

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