Thinking of leaving...

[Jenn! 918]

Before anyone goes there, this is by no means an attention-seeking thread. I don't want people to beg me to stay.

I've become quite fed up with all of the attacks in the ME/NA forum. It has gotten out of hand. For someone to come and post a cartoon of Mohammed in a thread we had going to show our support for a fellow ME/NA member is abhorrent. And I am not even Muslim.

I am fortunate to not have to experience this type of bigotry in our day-to-day life. That's one of the reasons we chose to live in Cambridge, MA (a very liberal town).

I would try to just ignore it all, but I can't help but be upset every time I read the offensive comments. It's no longer a debate, it's outright attacks and they are very hurtful. People can be so brazen from behind their little computer screens. Call me oversensitive if you will, but the sort of racism I'm finding here just hurts my heart.

It's becoming less and less "worth it" to be a member here. So unless something changes, I think I'll be finding a support group that doesn't allow this.

Edited July 6, 2006 by jenn3539

[JenT 0]

Sorry to see you go, Jenn, but I understand your reasoning.

Best wishes on your journey -

Jen

[Together4ever 1]

Jenn, I really do understand your feelings. When this onslaught started a few weeks ago with a certain situation I was so upset I was ill and became very depressed. I have never experienced such nonsense in my life. I won't beg you to stay, but I will tell you I am sorry to see you go. You have to do what is best for you at any given time. I personally am ready to make a stand because no pea-brainers are going to direct the path of my life unless I so choose it with a level head. I'm tired of being an emotional soccer ball. Please take care of yourself, always keep your happiness, and remember there are people who care about you.

[sarah and hicham 3]

Jen I know how you feel but I think you should stay. What will I do without you? I know people are stupid but you can ignore it or fight it but I think you should stay.

[~*Dorothy*~ 2]

I am sad to see you go Jenn but I also agree with your reasoning behind your decision...you have been a great member of this board and wonderful source of information...please take care of yourself and hope that we might see you here somewhere in the distant future when the atmosphere might change...Best of luck...Dorothy

[Meriem_DZ 37]

Jenn, I just wanted to say, I hope you stick around. We will be strong if we all stick together. You are a great person and I enjoy reading your post. Hang in there.

Meriem

[~Jackie~ 30]

A few years ago, I was one of the few on VJ that had a muslim husband/fiancee. Whenever there were negative postings about Islam I would always respond and defend. Many times I thought to leave VJ. But I stay to offer support to others. After a year of arguing and trying to make the blind see the truth, I changed my response.

Now, I read --------then think, and accept I cannot change the world. When you see a post that makes you want to scream and type, turn the page and go to a different thread. So I let it go. Be the best person you can be for Allah and your life partner. Don't give a moments thought to the unbelievers if you are not strong enough now to deal with them.

Jackie

sss

(stay strong sisters! )

[chocolaterie 0]

ignorance and stupidity reign freely on the internet. One day when people can no longer hide behind computer screens, attitudes will only go underground. I agree with jmagayreh. Remember what Einstein said, "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

[ceriserose 1]

I think it's important too, to remember that for the posters that spew hate there's just as many like myself, who, while not spending any amount of time in the ME/NA forums, now have a much better understanding and experience of 'regular' Muslim people as a result of your posts elsewhere. You never know what kind of tolerance and understanding you breed just by being yourself around here.

I've been on message boards where I was not so well-liked (shocking, I know! ) and in some cases openly persecuted unfairly. I wanted to leave too (in one case I did). I admit that aside from some differences of opinion with others and my occasional rant I don't have much difficulty on this board, so may not be appreciating the extent of what you ladies and gents face in that forum and elsewhere as a result of your/your SO's homeland/religion, especially in this type of political climate.

Sometimes it's very easy to only see the negative and not realize there are some positives. Which is okay. When I've been there I take a break, and come back when I'm able to deal better. (My strategy, doesn't always work for everyone.)

If you do decide you must leave, I wish you happiness in your future endeavors.

[Together4ever 1]

ignorance and stupidity reign freely on the internet. One day when people can no longer hide behind computer screens, attitudes will only go underground. I agree with jmagayreh. Remember what Einstein said, "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

Hahahaha... beautiful!

(Anyone noticed there are some beautiful things sprouting up out of the muck of the prior ugliness?) Subhan Allah!

[noura 0]

Jenn, I, too, hate to see you go, but understand the frustration w/ idiotic, ignorant, and racist a$$holes - I've been there many times. Sometimes, I just have to walk away b/c well, I can't go there anymore! It's an energetic vampire and I must protect myself - as you should - do what's best for you, but I hope you stick around.... or at least keep in touch through other means. I wish you and Wadi all the best!

Noura

[Aymerlu 3]

Anyone here computer savy? We need to get a web site set up with just us so we don't have to be bothered by all the comments.

I don't want you to go Jenn, but I do understand where you are coming from. This is the most difficult time in my life and I don't need the added pressure of the B.S from the negative comments. I do hope you stay around.

[Jenn! 918]

Thank you to everyone for your support and your kind wishes. You've given me a lot to think about. Sometimes it's hard to fight the fight, you know? I'd like to think that I'm not the type who would give up, especially when exposure goes such a long way towards opening people's eyes. It's just all so emotionally exhausting.

It's such a shame that such a great resource with so many wonderful, helpful people has to be brought down by the very bitter.

Amy, see the thread regarding ME/NA yahoo group that Rahma is starting. I will definitely be there.

[ceriserose 1]

Thank you to everyone for your support and your kind wishes. You've given me a lot to think about. Sometimes it's hard to fight the fight, you know? I'd like to think that I'm not the type who would give up, especially when exposure goes such a long way towards opening people's eyes. It's just all so emotionally exhausting.

It's such a shame that such a great resource with so many wonderful, helpful people has to be brought down by the very bitter.

Amy, see the thread regarding ME/NA yahoo group that Rahma is starting. I will definitely be there.

Sometimes you find the greatest strength in knowing your boundaries and respecting them. Fight the fight if it's worth it to you, in this place, at this time. If it's not, there's nothing wrong with retreating to fight it in another place and time. Honoring your personal needs and wishes is always appropriate.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

If anyone truly crosses the line please always report the thread . I will take care of them if they did cross the line... I am not aware of issues until they are reported however.