Thrive on our unique society
COMMENTARY

Two old friends, meeting up in Washington, D.C., looking forward to exchanging news and getting reacquainted. Not an uncommon scenario, and surely it was not unreasonable to expect to enjoy the experience. Instead, after my friend's weeklong visit, I was left with sick feelings of disgust, despair and humiliation.

It was the first day on the subway when the commotions began. An irate middle-aged woman started shouting, practically spitting expletives at my friend Kala and me. “You're all terrorists,” she said menacingly, showing her fists. “Go back to where you come from. Don't pollute our country.” Her anger was aimed at my friend because she's Muslim and wears a veil. These days, with the nasty backlash aimed at America's Muslims, my friend wishes she was invisible when she leaves her house.

For the week my friend was visiting from another state, similar scenes were daily occurrences. Wherever we went, the nastiness was beyond belief. By the end of the week, we decided to stay indoors instead of going out to dinner and a movie. It simply wasn't worth the stress. My friend told me that her life has been hell since Sept. 11, 2001, and the ensuing wars with Afghanistan and Iraq. Each time the country goes on Orange Alert she doesn't leave her house unless she has to. If she does go out, people call her epithets such as “Taliban bitch” or “Saddam's daughter.” Somehow my friend remains an optimist at heart. She says she thinks her life will get better even if she can't enjoy it right now.

Being different in America is a fundamental part of our identity as Americans. We are a multicultural society that is supposed to welcome and thrive on diversity. If we attack each other because of those perceived differences, life will become intolerable. What will we have left?

America is neither your country nor mine. It is ours, all of ours. My friend should be able to leave her house at any time without the threat of harassment. Her veil represents a personal involvement in the specific values and beliefs of her religion. As Americans, we are supposed to be allowed to express those values, beliefs and aspirations. And wearing clothing that reflects our religion is one means of expression.

Different minority groups in America have gone through painful revolutions to gain social equality and social recognition at different times. The Muslims are going through a tremendously difficult period right now. Their faith preaches peace and tolerance, not violence. Nobody can justify violent outbursts that label and exploit people, scaring them to the extent that they seal themselves in their homes. Being American and being Muslim are not mutually exclusive. There is a place for everyone in America.

Gillian Oak is a columnist for The Hoya at Georgetown University. This column was distributed by U-Wire.