-Malala Yousafzai
I recently watched the Republican debate. Ok, admittedly, I didn't watch the whole thing. I can only take so much of politics and posturing and mudslinging and finger pointing, yadda yadda, etc. etc. Anyhow, one of the hot topics was Islamic extremism. Of course, this subject is on the minds of many, especially after the recent tragedies in Paris and San Bernardino.
Often, the immediate reaction to such events is one of anger. People clamor for justice. However, an angry person's idea of justice is often just revenge. And perhaps, when you break justice down to its simplest form, it is revenge. Revenge in the form of punishment, sometimes cruel, sometimes deadly.
Now, what the terrorists did in Paris and San Bernardino warrants anger. They murdered innocent people. So, I understand the desire to respond in kind. However, I believe that we cannot let our anger and our blind desire for revenge 'trump' our humanity.
Yes, I said 'trump'. And now, I'm going to get into politics. It's always a risky proposition to discuss politics, especially online where anonymous people feel free to attack you as a person and threaten your life if they don't agree with your ideas. But I'm going to do it anyway.
As I said, I watched some of the Republican debate and there were questions about the things Donald Trump has proposed in regards to the problem of Islamic extremism. And some of the things he has proposed are, well, extreme. He called for mandatory registry of Muslims living in the United States. How is that any different than the Nazis forcing Jews in Europe to wear the Star of David as a sort of scarlet letter or badge of shame? Or the American government forcing Japanese into internment camps? Or the hunting and harassing of anyone believed to be communist during the McCarthy era? And he proposes banning all Muslims from entering the United States. This is contrary to what America stands for. Not that I'm surprised. Remember when he called Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists and killers? And that Mexico should pay to have a wall built between our two countries?
When terrorists attack, the heinous acts they carry out leave everyone with psychological scars. People become angry, yes. But they also become fearful. And often, the combination causes people to lose their humanity. It causes people to hunt out scapegoats. Like wounded animals who have been cornered, they lash out at anyone they see as a threat. Just as after 9-11, hate crimes against Muslims have increased. Muslim Americans are being verbally harassed and threatened in the streets. Mosques are being vandalized.
American Muslim organizations have publicly denounced the acts of extremists. I understand why they feel they must do this, and why non-Muslims demand it, but it seems unfair. We shouldn't blame an entire group of people or a religion for the acts of a horribly misguided few who are acting out of anger and fear themselves. Did we expect or demand that Conservatives and Christians hold press conferences to publicly denounce the attack on the Planned Parenthood in Colorado that left three people dead? No, we understand that violence is not the "Christian" way. Not that violence hasn't been perpetrated against innocents in the name of religions other than Islam. Just think about the Spanish Inquisition or the Salem witch trials. But we understand that Christianity and Catholicism for the most part, promote peace. And maybe that is part of the problem. We don't completely understand Islam. And we often fear or dislike what we don't understand. That seems to a be a human behavior we have dealt with since the beginning of time.
But that is not what we need in a leader. We do not need someone who feeds our anger and fear and paranoia. We do not need someone who is overtly racist or prejudice or sexist. We do not need someone who will insult, berate, or bully anyone who doesn't agree with him or his ideas.
Now I know why Trump has so much support. People in this country are angry and tired of the same old politicians who talk more than do. They are sick of the establishment. They believe Trump is a straight shooter who will make drastic changes in the state of our government. They are "passionate" about making this country better. (That is what he said after two men beat another man they believed to be an immigrant, invoking Trump's anti-immigrant words) I know, but I don't understand why so many would support a person who spews such racist rhetoric.
Maybe I'm naive or too much of an idealist or "wussified" as some of our own citizens call our nation. And maybe if I lost a loved one in the attacks, I would be calling for revenge and the killing of the perpetrators' families. Maybe I would be filled with an angry hatred of all Muslims. Maybe I would seek to beat up anyone who looked Muslim.
But I'd like to think that I could rise above the hate. I'd like to think that we could all rise above. I'd like to think that love, forgiveness, and empathy still have a place in this world. I'd like to think this country is one of freedom and acceptance and that we can lead the world in finding a path to peace. I'd like to think we've come a long way since the Civil Rights movement. I'd like to think we can elect someone who will lead with courage and compassion. Someone who will protect our country from terrorists, while preserving the rights of all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or gender. I'd like to think that knowledge and understanding will trump hatred.
I'd like to think, but maybe I'm dreaming.
My thoughts go out to all those affected by terrorism, in America and around the globe.
