A little ticked

[noura 0]

well said and beautiful a1angied

noura

[chiquita 0]

Yes and basically the Arab or people from the ME/NA are being placed into the position that African Americans wrongfully were decades ago... AND NOW ITS PERFECTLY OK TO DO THIS. This is what sickens me beyond compare. Sorry I am not in such great spirits these days and bigotry, blindness, disregard for human-ness just makes me ashamed of what this country is becoming. Sorry if that stepped on some toes. Remember this is just my opinion based on the things happening around me. I want to feel proud to be American, but as they say "pride comes before the fall." I will be happy being dutifully human instead and just keep praying like crazy I can just be with the one I chose to spend my life with.

I feel the same way. I am so ashamed of how my husband has been treated. America is supposed to be the best country in the worl and I believe it still is. However, there are so many "bad apples" not only in our population but in our government employ as well.

I was venting some time back and called some of these people bigots and boy did I get in trouble for that!

( I think it was regarding goldenheart and her situation.)

Actuall I don't care because at that point I had had it with the injustice I see going on regarding those who are trying to immigrate to the states legally!!! (I don't want to go there again...I am still upset about that situation.)

I think most Americans are now afraid of Muslims and that is a shame because of a few "bad apples" who are also ruining it for the rest Muslim population.

I agree, pray pray pray. It is all I can do at this point for us now.

Hugs

chi

[Bosco 1]

I have two different perspectives - one on a broad scale in terms of U.S foreign policy, FOX news type of propaganda, etc. but a totally different perspective on a personal level.

My husband has been very warmly received into this country by individual people. I think people are friendlier to him than they might be to a fellow American, and many go out of their way to show him kindness. People have sincere questions (if sometimes silly) about where he is from, his religion and what his life was like back home. They take time to understand his English as well as to make themselves understood.

I don't feel he has faced any blatant discrimination. I was worried when his work card arrived because his name is SOOOO Arab and quite difficult and long, and thought his name alone might put off potential employers. He had a full time job offer two days after getting the card, and has had two more since (less than two weeks). Many people have reached out to him.

I think it is easy to broadly brush our country as bad based on the Iraq war, immigration policy, etc., but I think Americans as individuals can be some of the most generous, warm hearted people. Look at the outpouring of personal donations after the tsunami. When people are in need, Americans tend to forget color and religion. I used to devote a lot of time to volunteering with refugees (unfortunately very few are entering the U.S. these days) and the generosity in time and money people were willing to give to help these non-English speaking "brown" people is beyond description.

Sometimes it just takes opportunity to open people's minds (as was the case with Amal ). However bad US policy is, especially since 9/11, I think most American people as individuals are pretty darn good.

Rebecca

[amal 4]

rebecca,

I do agree with you on the basis that America "as a whole" is good. The only problem is that the "bad-apples" are making the statements for the rest of the country. My husband hasn't had many issues with discrimination other than what I talked about before..also he has not had much luck in finding a good paying job due to his nationality. I believe it was the movie "men in black" that said it the best.. "people individually are very intelligent but put them all together and they become stupid" (not exactly as it quotes but i'm sure you get the point).. well the same goes for this situation.. I'm still very disappointed in the stupidity and un-willingness of ppl to open their minds and see that ppl are ppl no matter where they're from. It's definitely a subject that can be seen on 2 levels. I'm glad you brought that up.

amal

[tnh9479 1]

The eternal optimist, I also believe that most people in America (or anywhere else for that fact) are intrinsically good. I remember when Hicham and I were dealing with difficulties with my family when I told them we were intending to marry. I had told Hicham then that I believed we found each other for a purpose...that both of us came together to spread tolerance among our families, friends, and people we come into contact with. It has been a rocky journey at times. However, we have seen some people becoming accepting and understanding whom we never thought would.

Twila

[a1angied 0]

I hope that Hasan will not face many difficulties with people when he is able to join me here in the US. My prayers are that none of our men or women that come from any country are discriminated against. If we all could be judged by our own actions then we would be a great society. Since we live in todays times it is not always that way, but somehow everything happens for a reason and a greater purpose. We can only live our lives and be as happy as we can and not worry what others think or say about our relationships. Just know that happiness is what we are all here for with our loved one's. I have met so many great people through VJ that have offered so much love and support to help me know how to get what I am ultimatley striving for and that is to marry and live with my husband here in the United States. I am very greatful that God places people in our lives, the good, the bad and the ugly but it is all for a purpose. Helps us to keep growing so we don't get stagnet. It is all a learning and growing process and it touches many areas in our lives. May all have amny blessings.

[lostinlove228 0]

I think every country has it's positives and it's negatives. How much disrimination and racisim you are going to experience depends on where in the country you live in. You know what discrimation againg Arabs and muslims are not just in this country but also in the Arabic Countries where the Majority of people Muslim. We need to look at each person as an indivisual. I know that when I graduated College and was looking for a JOB,( I have the Hijab on) I was worried if I would find a Job. Escpecially since my field is in business. I had to be a little pushier then I would with it, but I had no problem finding work.

There are plenty of bad apples, but there are also plenty of good people.