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Hatred of Arabs Is So Commonplace, It Usually Goes Unnoticed
Yet the extremism about which I speak isn't actually extreme, at least not in the
customary definition of the word. The man who wishes all Palestinians would die is
better embraced by American analysts than those who argue in favor of
international law (i.e., against Israel's occupation and in support of the right to
return). With minor variations, decorated commentators George Will, Charles
Krauthammer, William Safire, and scores of others say the same thing. They are, in
short, odious folk who both applaud and support the dispossession and
destruction of an indigenous people.
customary definition of the word. The man who wishes all Palestinians would die is
better embraced by American analysts than those who argue in favor of
international law (i.e., against Israel's occupation and in support of the right to
return). With minor variations, decorated commentators George Will, Charles
Krauthammer, William Safire, and scores of others say the same thing. They are, in
short, odious folk who both applaud and support the dispossession and
destruction of an indigenous people.
http://www.yellowtimes.org/article.php?sid=285
(YellowTimes.org) – He wasn't in the mood for dialogue. I
understood this even before opening his message, whose
subject line couldn't have been clearer: "Burn in hell, fucker," the same line he used
to close the diatribe contained therein. I realize I shouldn't have even opened the
message, but by now I am used to violent responses to my essays; in some
perverse, probably egotistical way, I enjoy reading furious letters sent by Zionist
taskmasters.
Having published columns in major American newspapers with my email address in
the tagline, I receive a steady outpouring of invective, most of it directed at my
unsuspecting parents. One hard drive and much less naiveté later, I learned never
to open attachments. (The casual reader might be shocked to know how many
viruses reach the inboxes of pro-justice - i.e., pro-Palestinian - columnists.) Yet I
cannot resist the temptation to read the messages.
Perhaps I read them because they reaffirm my sense of values and my decision to
dedicate my life to activity on behalf of Palestine. Out of curiosity, I replied to the
fellow cited above, thanking him for taking the time to write and explaining that
there is no need for such vitriol. "Even the most ill-mannered among Palestine's
supporters would never write such things," I noted. "I hope all the Palestinians
die," he responded.
There is something magnificent in this type of brutal clarity. Reading it brings
knowledge that, indeed, anti-colonialists - i.e., anti-Sharonists - are dealing not
with a complex political quandary involving two peoples with competing moral
claims, but rather with a trenchant example of ethnic cleansing replete with the
particular sort of hatred that colonization induces.
Thus the reaffirmation that activists sometimes seek: We know, when we are told
to burn in hell by people who couldn't identify us in a crowd of five, that the
speaker is doomed to the dogmatism of his ignorance and invokes violence as a
defense mechanism that shields him from confronting his complicity in unspeakable
horror.
We know that desegregationists were told the same thing. We know that
suffragettes were told the same thing. We know that abolitionists were told the
same thing. More important, we know that anybody in the world engaged in any
form of decolonization - be it sexual, psychological, geographic, economic,
environmental - is told the same thing.
And, of course, there is a wonderful irony here: If the religious dogmatism guiding
these sentiments turns out to be true, then its adherents are the ones who will
burn in hell.
But at play is also something disquieting and heartbreaking. Yes, there is
something reaffirming, even comforting, about learning firsthand how colonialism
transforms humans into hateful and defensive vanguards of ethnic cleansing,
people who embrace extremism as epistemology and refuse to - nay, cannot -
accept anything outside their narrowly defined ideology. Walter Rodney suggested
years ago that colonialism damages the colonial society more than the colonized.
Anybody who has dealt with dedicated American Zionists knows Rodney was right.
Yet the extremism about which I speak isn't actually extreme, at least not in the
customary definition of the word. The man who wishes all Palestinians would die is
better embraced by American analysts than those who argue in favor of
international law (i.e., against Israel's occupation and in support of the right to
return). With minor variations, decorated commentators George Will, Charles
Krauthammer, William Safire, and scores of others say the same thing. They are, in
short, odious folk who both applaud and support the dispossession and
destruction of an indigenous people.
Inscribed in their sort of consciousness is a sense of duty larger than the individual
or the society itself: a religious duty to fulfill scripture, a social duty to undertake a
civilizing mission, a personal duty to transform liturgy to sociology. Historically, as
Zionists illustrate, leaders have turned to God when support for the colonial
mission is outside the possibility of political narratives. Underlying that strategy is a
reliance on biblical achievement to couch or excuse brutal behavior. The biblical
aspect of settler colonialism generally is considered to be a function of society's
extremist elements. Although the sentiments expressed by, say, Cal Thomas and
his ilk certainly can be attributed to religious extremism, I would like to suggest
that they are integral to the colonial errand, and that the colonial errand would fail
miserably without them.
That is to say, the relegation of religious extremism to the margin underestimates
the extent to which the colonial regime - whether or not it purports to be secular -
relies on its existence, to say nothing of its underpinnings. Even while Americanism
and Zionism ascribe themselves with modern ideals of democratic enlightenment,
they draw tacitly from and encourage the articulation of biblical ideals. Ethnic
cleansing is not an appropriate human activity unless a deity sanctions such an act.
Ethnic cleansing, in other words, cannot be undertaken successfully without
extremism, for democracy and enlightenment are the opposite of imperialism and
ethnic cleansing. Ethnic cleansing is allowed to occur from within a democratic and
enlightened rubric only when democracy and enlightenment are endowed with
extremist features that displace the meaning of the terms and inject them with
ordinances supposedly outside of human control.
Extremism, then, in the sense that something "extreme" is outside the parameters
of any group's shared ethos, is little more than an oxymoronic PR ploy in Zionism.
In colonial situations, the center defines the extreme in order that the center's own
extremist positions can be concealed behind diplomacy and thus validated under
the guise of progress or rationality. Its underlying ethics are articulated by those it
comes to define as extreme.
What does all this mean? It means that those who write me and wish death on my
parents should not be considered maniacs on the fringe of respectable society;
they are in fact the clearest manifestation of respectable society. They are 500
years of American genocide laid bare in my inbox. They are 400 years of slavery
condensed to four sentences. They are Israeli ethnic cleansing transposed into
crude statements, and one cannot help but to compare the viral attachments with
settlers.
This is why it is important to abandon the conventions of public discourse that so
often leave us ineffectual. We need do little more than seek the truth and speak
the truth. To hell with the experts who bristle at our lack of objectivity. And to hell
with the academics who deride our intellectual sophistry. Only when they give of
themselves to Palestine are they worth hearing. We have no reason to allow
anybody to enfeeble us and circumscribe our stories. That has happened for too
long. Our truths are all we have, so let us speak them.
If I am to travel to Palestine and collect stories to share with Americans, then it is
precisely those stories that I need to tell, rather than transforming them into weak
discourse superimposed with American fantasies. I am not interested in speaking in
a way that leaves American comfort unchallenged, which is exactly what
"objectivity" has often come to mean, as has, no less, much of the American
Academy.
And if, in the process, Zionists get angry? So what? Let them. It is not we who
dispossessed millions, destroyed homes, bulldozed orchards, shot infants,
imprisoned children, occupied civilians, stole billions, and then denied it all. It is not
we who installed checkpoints and watchtowers to protect squatting bigots, and
then cast ourselves in the role of victim. It is not we who need to justify. We have
things other than anger.
Yes, let them get angry, and let them write to us in fits of hate. That anger and
hate only reaffirm the potency of our truths and stories. Our marginality is our most
important asset, for only in entering the mainstream will we be become our enemy,
the extremist.
[Steven Salaita is completing an English doctorate at the University of Oklahoma, with
emphasis on Native, Palestinian, and Arab American literatures. A West Virginian with
Palestinian and Jordanian parents, he splits his time between the United States and
the Middle East.]
Steven Salaita encourages your comments: ssalaita [at] YellowTimes.org
http://www.yellowtimes.org/article.php?sid=285
(YellowTimes.org) – He wasn't in the mood for dialogue. I
understood this even before opening his message, whose
subject line couldn't have been clearer: "Burn in hell, fucker," the same line he used
to close the diatribe contained therein. I realize I shouldn't have even opened the
message, but by now I am used to violent responses to my essays; in some
perverse, probably egotistical way, I enjoy reading furious letters sent by Zionist
taskmasters.
Having published columns in major American newspapers with my email address in
the tagline, I receive a steady outpouring of invective, most of it directed at my
unsuspecting parents. One hard drive and much less naiveté later, I learned never
to open attachments. (The casual reader might be shocked to know how many
viruses reach the inboxes of pro-justice - i.e., pro-Palestinian - columnists.) Yet I
cannot resist the temptation to read the messages.
Perhaps I read them because they reaffirm my sense of values and my decision to
dedicate my life to activity on behalf of Palestine. Out of curiosity, I replied to the
fellow cited above, thanking him for taking the time to write and explaining that
there is no need for such vitriol. "Even the most ill-mannered among Palestine's
supporters would never write such things," I noted. "I hope all the Palestinians
die," he responded.
There is something magnificent in this type of brutal clarity. Reading it brings
knowledge that, indeed, anti-colonialists - i.e., anti-Sharonists - are dealing not
with a complex political quandary involving two peoples with competing moral
claims, but rather with a trenchant example of ethnic cleansing replete with the
particular sort of hatred that colonization induces.
Thus the reaffirmation that activists sometimes seek: We know, when we are told
to burn in hell by people who couldn't identify us in a crowd of five, that the
speaker is doomed to the dogmatism of his ignorance and invokes violence as a
defense mechanism that shields him from confronting his complicity in unspeakable
horror.
We know that desegregationists were told the same thing. We know that
suffragettes were told the same thing. We know that abolitionists were told the
same thing. More important, we know that anybody in the world engaged in any
form of decolonization - be it sexual, psychological, geographic, economic,
environmental - is told the same thing.
And, of course, there is a wonderful irony here: If the religious dogmatism guiding
these sentiments turns out to be true, then its adherents are the ones who will
burn in hell.
But at play is also something disquieting and heartbreaking. Yes, there is
something reaffirming, even comforting, about learning firsthand how colonialism
transforms humans into hateful and defensive vanguards of ethnic cleansing,
people who embrace extremism as epistemology and refuse to - nay, cannot -
accept anything outside their narrowly defined ideology. Walter Rodney suggested
years ago that colonialism damages the colonial society more than the colonized.
Anybody who has dealt with dedicated American Zionists knows Rodney was right.
Yet the extremism about which I speak isn't actually extreme, at least not in the
customary definition of the word. The man who wishes all Palestinians would die is
better embraced by American analysts than those who argue in favor of
international law (i.e., against Israel's occupation and in support of the right to
return). With minor variations, decorated commentators George Will, Charles
Krauthammer, William Safire, and scores of others say the same thing. They are, in
short, odious folk who both applaud and support the dispossession and
destruction of an indigenous people.
Inscribed in their sort of consciousness is a sense of duty larger than the individual
or the society itself: a religious duty to fulfill scripture, a social duty to undertake a
civilizing mission, a personal duty to transform liturgy to sociology. Historically, as
Zionists illustrate, leaders have turned to God when support for the colonial
mission is outside the possibility of political narratives. Underlying that strategy is a
reliance on biblical achievement to couch or excuse brutal behavior. The biblical
aspect of settler colonialism generally is considered to be a function of society's
extremist elements. Although the sentiments expressed by, say, Cal Thomas and
his ilk certainly can be attributed to religious extremism, I would like to suggest
that they are integral to the colonial errand, and that the colonial errand would fail
miserably without them.
That is to say, the relegation of religious extremism to the margin underestimates
the extent to which the colonial regime - whether or not it purports to be secular -
relies on its existence, to say nothing of its underpinnings. Even while Americanism
and Zionism ascribe themselves with modern ideals of democratic enlightenment,
they draw tacitly from and encourage the articulation of biblical ideals. Ethnic
cleansing is not an appropriate human activity unless a deity sanctions such an act.
Ethnic cleansing, in other words, cannot be undertaken successfully without
extremism, for democracy and enlightenment are the opposite of imperialism and
ethnic cleansing. Ethnic cleansing is allowed to occur from within a democratic and
enlightened rubric only when democracy and enlightenment are endowed with
extremist features that displace the meaning of the terms and inject them with
ordinances supposedly outside of human control.
Extremism, then, in the sense that something "extreme" is outside the parameters
of any group's shared ethos, is little more than an oxymoronic PR ploy in Zionism.
In colonial situations, the center defines the extreme in order that the center's own
extremist positions can be concealed behind diplomacy and thus validated under
the guise of progress or rationality. Its underlying ethics are articulated by those it
comes to define as extreme.
What does all this mean? It means that those who write me and wish death on my
parents should not be considered maniacs on the fringe of respectable society;
they are in fact the clearest manifestation of respectable society. They are 500
years of American genocide laid bare in my inbox. They are 400 years of slavery
condensed to four sentences. They are Israeli ethnic cleansing transposed into
crude statements, and one cannot help but to compare the viral attachments with
settlers.
This is why it is important to abandon the conventions of public discourse that so
often leave us ineffectual. We need do little more than seek the truth and speak
the truth. To hell with the experts who bristle at our lack of objectivity. And to hell
with the academics who deride our intellectual sophistry. Only when they give of
themselves to Palestine are they worth hearing. We have no reason to allow
anybody to enfeeble us and circumscribe our stories. That has happened for too
long. Our truths are all we have, so let us speak them.
If I am to travel to Palestine and collect stories to share with Americans, then it is
precisely those stories that I need to tell, rather than transforming them into weak
discourse superimposed with American fantasies. I am not interested in speaking in
a way that leaves American comfort unchallenged, which is exactly what
"objectivity" has often come to mean, as has, no less, much of the American
Academy.
And if, in the process, Zionists get angry? So what? Let them. It is not we who
dispossessed millions, destroyed homes, bulldozed orchards, shot infants,
imprisoned children, occupied civilians, stole billions, and then denied it all. It is not
we who installed checkpoints and watchtowers to protect squatting bigots, and
then cast ourselves in the role of victim. It is not we who need to justify. We have
things other than anger.
Yes, let them get angry, and let them write to us in fits of hate. That anger and
hate only reaffirm the potency of our truths and stories. Our marginality is our most
important asset, for only in entering the mainstream will we be become our enemy,
the extremist.
[Steven Salaita is completing an English doctorate at the University of Oklahoma, with
emphasis on Native, Palestinian, and Arab American literatures. A West Virginian with
Palestinian and Jordanian parents, he splits his time between the United States and
the Middle East.]
Steven Salaita encourages your comments: ssalaita [at] YellowTimes.org
http://www.yellowtimes.org/article.php?sid=285
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
Most people who spew unrestrained hatred at Arabs little know who exactly they are defaming.
Many Arab Americans cover up their heritage because it is considered controversial. That is how bad hatred of Arabs is.
For example, Ralph Nader's father was Lebanese. Selma Hayek's parents were also Lebanese, though she was raised in Mexico. Frank Zappa, Casey Kasem, Rony Seikaly and Doug Flutie are all Arab American.
Similarly, many Arabs are Christian. In fact, most Arab-Americans (2.4 million out of the 3 million--77%) are Christian. Of the 7 million muslims in the US, only 10% (700,000) are Arab.
http://www.aaiusa.org/famous_arab_americans.htm
Many Arab Americans cover up their heritage because it is considered controversial. That is how bad hatred of Arabs is.
For example, Ralph Nader's father was Lebanese. Selma Hayek's parents were also Lebanese, though she was raised in Mexico. Frank Zappa, Casey Kasem, Rony Seikaly and Doug Flutie are all Arab American.
Similarly, many Arabs are Christian. In fact, most Arab-Americans (2.4 million out of the 3 million--77%) are Christian. Of the 7 million muslims in the US, only 10% (700,000) are Arab.
http://www.aaiusa.org/famous_arab_americans.htm
Look at the pictures of death and wonder why people are so angry with the Arab nations of the world. Just look at those pictures.
Please feel free to post some pictures of Americans flying jets into arab buildings. Let's see the other side of the issue here. Why do Arabs hate Americans? Let's get specific. I wan to see PICTURES OF AMERICANS KILLING ARABS, decapitating Arab jounalists, etc. ect.
Please feel free to post some pictures of Americans flying jets into arab buildings. Let's see the other side of the issue here. Why do Arabs hate Americans? Let's get specific. I wan to see PICTURES OF AMERICANS KILLING ARABS, decapitating Arab jounalists, etc. ect.
So if Arabs aren't here in the US changing our leaders, guarding our oil and corrupt governments against the US people, showing extremely biased news coverage in our own land that tries to turn the world against us, etc., then why should US citizens be interested in be-heading Arab journalists and flying planes into their buildings?
These are things that the US does to incite anger against us. No one flies a plane into a building for abstract concepts like freedom or democracy.
And anyway, the US has killed an uncountable many all over the world, even had their own sucessful coup d'etat with JFK being murdered, so why bother to make it noticable with planes and towers when it's running perfectly as it is?
These are things that the US does to incite anger against us. No one flies a plane into a building for abstract concepts like freedom or democracy.
And anyway, the US has killed an uncountable many all over the world, even had their own sucessful coup d'etat with JFK being murdered, so why bother to make it noticable with planes and towers when it's running perfectly as it is?
... that hate from Arabs is so commonplace it doesn't even get noticed
and racists, ethnic cleansing champions like James and blast can't stand it.
It is a bit absurd to think that our mainstream media, with it's heavy Jewish ownership and bias, is going to show us pictures that will show the inhumane policies and barbaric behavior of the Israeli/American war machines.
Even if the media wanted to do such, it is not easy. For example the Israeli Jews kept all photographers and newpeople out of Jenin for a couple weeks so they could cover up the massacre. The U.S. does similar stuff in Afganistan. The pentagon has purchased all satellite photos showing destruction of civilians target in order to prevent their publication. These example show how big money and big power controls the propaganda.
I agree with Steven. It is better to speak the truth, even if it leads to uggly name calling from odious types, then it is to give up our democratic rights of free speech.
Free Palestine
It is a bit absurd to think that our mainstream media, with it's heavy Jewish ownership and bias, is going to show us pictures that will show the inhumane policies and barbaric behavior of the Israeli/American war machines.
Even if the media wanted to do such, it is not easy. For example the Israeli Jews kept all photographers and newpeople out of Jenin for a couple weeks so they could cover up the massacre. The U.S. does similar stuff in Afganistan. The pentagon has purchased all satellite photos showing destruction of civilians target in order to prevent their publication. These example show how big money and big power controls the propaganda.
I agree with Steven. It is better to speak the truth, even if it leads to uggly name calling from odious types, then it is to give up our democratic rights of free speech.
Free Palestine
To begin with Rene it has been proven the media isn't Jewish owned and operated. Stop getting your news from the Saudi Times, moron. The following letter sent to me shows why hatred of Arabs has increased. SFSU GUPS like their Berkely counterpart have zelously committed hate crimes and infringed on others rights to free speech- more zelously post 9-11 because now everytime someone objects to their facist tactics they claim that those objections will lead to hate crimes against Arabs and Muslims and therefore must be censored. Their are more hate crimes committed by Arabs then committed against Arabs. And post 9-11 they have been working harder to scapegoat everyone else for the actions of their people which no doubt will cause an influx of hatred towards them in the future. It will become a self-fulfilling prophecy if they don't gain some introspection and stop racially profiling and encouraging racism.
Now the letter:
Fatama,
Yes, the events of May 7th have turned into a big story and the poster which
was actually distributed for an April 8th MSA event has also drawn a lot of
criticism. Before you say we are undignified, radical, anti-semites and
succomb to the stereotype the media has set, I would suggest seeking the
truth first. Its not how arabs on our campuses act. In fact we've been very
active and have brought a lot of attention to the Palestinian cause in many
legitimate ways. Below is our statement. We will be having a press conference
on Thursday and hopefully this will clear up the big mess. In addition, the
MSA has issued an apology for the poster which was never approved by either
us or the MSA. That poster was published by one individual with out approval.
In addition Fatama I should point out that we are not anti-semites. In fact
we are opposed to all forms of racism. Our administration is now conducting a
witchunt and is scapegoating all pro palestinians! Why? to silence us because
the movement on the west coast has gained much momentum.
Leila
ps similar things ar ehappening at berkeley
General Union of Palestine Students Statement Regarding May 7th
Endorsed by the Muslim Students Association
ACTION REQUESTED SEE BELOW
website: http://www.sfgups.cjb.net
The Scene
· Police barricades were erected, creating an area where pro-Palestinian
supporters were to be contained. This is not a tactic regularly used by the
university. Several times, pro-Israel students have counter demonstrated at
GUPS events, but never once have they been caged.
· Trashcans were taken off of campus in the area where the pro-Israel rally
and the counter exhibit were to take place. Again, this is not a tactic the
university has used during GUPS events. By removing the trashcans
administration followed tactics used by anti-terrorism specialists around the
world; succumbing to the stereotype of Arabs, Muslims and pro-Palestinians as
aggressive terrorists that may cause a riot or plant a bomb. This form of
racism should be considered intolerable.
· San Francisco Police Department forces were brought onto campus before
the event even started to ensure the security of the pro-Israel rally
attendees. Again during events held by pro-Palestinian students, off-campus
Police forces have not been brought onto campus before events have even
commenced. This makes it clear that SFSU administration considers the
security of Pro-Israel supporters more important than pro-Palestinian
supporters.
The Event
· 11:30 Pro-Palestinian students begin to set up their planned educational
exhibit on the grass. This exhibit included, a mock refugee camp, a mock
checkpoint, a mock massacre scene and several posters. Despite the cage, our
intention was to go ahead with the event.
· 11:50 Pro-Israel supporters begin to flood Malcolm X plaza. Various
reports of pro-Palestinians being called racist names begin to sporadically
come in. Note: Racist slurs began to occur before their first speaker came on.
· 12:00 The first speakers at the pro-Israel rally began to talk. In an
attempt to hear what they were saying pro-Palestinian supporters (inside the
cage) lined up behind the barricade (100 feet away) from the stage.
Pro-Israel supporters began to taunt and tease. Comments such as: "animals",
"terrorists", "sand niggers", "camel jockeys", etc. were hurled in our
direction. Pro-Palestinian supporters began to chant as a form of defense.
Such chants, include "hey hey, ho ho the occupation has to go", "no justice,
no peace", "stop US aid to Israel",
"Sharon:War Criminal". It became quite clear, that this was not a pro-peace
rally.
· 12:30 Pro-Palestinian supporters abandoned the original plan because of
the slurs aimed in their direction. Chants continued. Chanting is allowed by
the university. Heated debates between the two sides began to occur. Although
there may have been some arguments, several exchanges of ideas were made. By
this point: pro-Palestinian students were yelled at and harassed. In addition
to things mentioned earlier these are some other comments reported: "go fuck
your camels", "Arab losers", "go back to your caves". The tense atmosphere
on May 7th was initiated by the pro-Israel supporters.
· 1:20 At about 1:20 the rally began to wrap up. Pro-Israel supporters
were escorted off of campus. We were let out of the cage. It should be noted
that during this period students were prevented from walking freely on their
own campus. Pro-Palestinian students were finally allowed into Malcolm X
plaza. It was then that students noticed an Israeli flag hanging from the
student union. The student union is for all students and hanging a flag from
there is against school regulations. Many students didn't feel that the
Israeli flag should be hung from the student union. The Israeli flag
represents oppression and occupation of the Palestinian people. It was then
that students began chanting "take it down, take it down". An administrator
took down the flag, supporters cheered and dispersed shortly after. It did
not seem as if the police were concerned about the developing situation as
they did not tell people to move back or take out there batons as they do
when they feel a confrontation is likely. No arrests were made.
The events of May 7th have fit into a continued pattern of discrimination
perpetuated by the San Francisco State University Administration. They have
made it extremely difficult for GUPS to reserve rooms, to hold events and to
express ourselves freely. Other student groups on campus do not have to jump
the hurdles GUPS has to when planning an event. We have been labeled and
stereotyped as aggressive terrorists by our own administration. Instead of
representing us, it seems as though they are working against us, trying to
find any way to suppress our voices and the pro-Palestinian movement on
campus. In lieu of the events on May 7th, President Corrigan has released a
statement, that is one sided and unfair. He along with others on campus, in
their attempts to suppress our voices and take away from the Palestinian
movement, are attempting to label us anti-Semites and hate mongers.
Unfortunately, they are sadly mistaken. We stand firmly against anti-Semitism
and all other forms of racism. We will not be intimidated by these
politically motivated attacks on pro-Palestinian students.
It is time for the community to get involved and let President Corrigan and
the SFSU administration know that their attempts to block free speech on
campus will not be tolerated. Here are lists of demands we are making:
1. An apology from the administration for their treatment of pro-Palestinian
students
2. Retraction of President Corrigan's letter attacking the counter
demonstration
3. The establishment of an Arab and Muslim studies program to expand
knowledge of the history of Arabs and Muslims. This is necessary in order to
ensure Academic freedom on our campus and a fair and balanced course offering.
4. Administration must drop all disciplinary action against GUPS and
pro-Palestinian demonstrators
5. In a post September 11th era, it should be a requirement that members of
administration take a sensitivity training course. There has been and
continues to be a severe backlash against Arab Americans and the
administration should be sensitive to this, not take part in it.
Now the letter:
Fatama,
Yes, the events of May 7th have turned into a big story and the poster which
was actually distributed for an April 8th MSA event has also drawn a lot of
criticism. Before you say we are undignified, radical, anti-semites and
succomb to the stereotype the media has set, I would suggest seeking the
truth first. Its not how arabs on our campuses act. In fact we've been very
active and have brought a lot of attention to the Palestinian cause in many
legitimate ways. Below is our statement. We will be having a press conference
on Thursday and hopefully this will clear up the big mess. In addition, the
MSA has issued an apology for the poster which was never approved by either
us or the MSA. That poster was published by one individual with out approval.
In addition Fatama I should point out that we are not anti-semites. In fact
we are opposed to all forms of racism. Our administration is now conducting a
witchunt and is scapegoating all pro palestinians! Why? to silence us because
the movement on the west coast has gained much momentum.
Leila
ps similar things ar ehappening at berkeley
General Union of Palestine Students Statement Regarding May 7th
Endorsed by the Muslim Students Association
ACTION REQUESTED SEE BELOW
website: http://www.sfgups.cjb.net
The Scene
· Police barricades were erected, creating an area where pro-Palestinian
supporters were to be contained. This is not a tactic regularly used by the
university. Several times, pro-Israel students have counter demonstrated at
GUPS events, but never once have they been caged.
· Trashcans were taken off of campus in the area where the pro-Israel rally
and the counter exhibit were to take place. Again, this is not a tactic the
university has used during GUPS events. By removing the trashcans
administration followed tactics used by anti-terrorism specialists around the
world; succumbing to the stereotype of Arabs, Muslims and pro-Palestinians as
aggressive terrorists that may cause a riot or plant a bomb. This form of
racism should be considered intolerable.
· San Francisco Police Department forces were brought onto campus before
the event even started to ensure the security of the pro-Israel rally
attendees. Again during events held by pro-Palestinian students, off-campus
Police forces have not been brought onto campus before events have even
commenced. This makes it clear that SFSU administration considers the
security of Pro-Israel supporters more important than pro-Palestinian
supporters.
The Event
· 11:30 Pro-Palestinian students begin to set up their planned educational
exhibit on the grass. This exhibit included, a mock refugee camp, a mock
checkpoint, a mock massacre scene and several posters. Despite the cage, our
intention was to go ahead with the event.
· 11:50 Pro-Israel supporters begin to flood Malcolm X plaza. Various
reports of pro-Palestinians being called racist names begin to sporadically
come in. Note: Racist slurs began to occur before their first speaker came on.
· 12:00 The first speakers at the pro-Israel rally began to talk. In an
attempt to hear what they were saying pro-Palestinian supporters (inside the
cage) lined up behind the barricade (100 feet away) from the stage.
Pro-Israel supporters began to taunt and tease. Comments such as: "animals",
"terrorists", "sand niggers", "camel jockeys", etc. were hurled in our
direction. Pro-Palestinian supporters began to chant as a form of defense.
Such chants, include "hey hey, ho ho the occupation has to go", "no justice,
no peace", "stop US aid to Israel",
"Sharon:War Criminal". It became quite clear, that this was not a pro-peace
rally.
· 12:30 Pro-Palestinian supporters abandoned the original plan because of
the slurs aimed in their direction. Chants continued. Chanting is allowed by
the university. Heated debates between the two sides began to occur. Although
there may have been some arguments, several exchanges of ideas were made. By
this point: pro-Palestinian students were yelled at and harassed. In addition
to things mentioned earlier these are some other comments reported: "go fuck
your camels", "Arab losers", "go back to your caves". The tense atmosphere
on May 7th was initiated by the pro-Israel supporters.
· 1:20 At about 1:20 the rally began to wrap up. Pro-Israel supporters
were escorted off of campus. We were let out of the cage. It should be noted
that during this period students were prevented from walking freely on their
own campus. Pro-Palestinian students were finally allowed into Malcolm X
plaza. It was then that students noticed an Israeli flag hanging from the
student union. The student union is for all students and hanging a flag from
there is against school regulations. Many students didn't feel that the
Israeli flag should be hung from the student union. The Israeli flag
represents oppression and occupation of the Palestinian people. It was then
that students began chanting "take it down, take it down". An administrator
took down the flag, supporters cheered and dispersed shortly after. It did
not seem as if the police were concerned about the developing situation as
they did not tell people to move back or take out there batons as they do
when they feel a confrontation is likely. No arrests were made.
The events of May 7th have fit into a continued pattern of discrimination
perpetuated by the San Francisco State University Administration. They have
made it extremely difficult for GUPS to reserve rooms, to hold events and to
express ourselves freely. Other student groups on campus do not have to jump
the hurdles GUPS has to when planning an event. We have been labeled and
stereotyped as aggressive terrorists by our own administration. Instead of
representing us, it seems as though they are working against us, trying to
find any way to suppress our voices and the pro-Palestinian movement on
campus. In lieu of the events on May 7th, President Corrigan has released a
statement, that is one sided and unfair. He along with others on campus, in
their attempts to suppress our voices and take away from the Palestinian
movement, are attempting to label us anti-Semites and hate mongers.
Unfortunately, they are sadly mistaken. We stand firmly against anti-Semitism
and all other forms of racism. We will not be intimidated by these
politically motivated attacks on pro-Palestinian students.
It is time for the community to get involved and let President Corrigan and
the SFSU administration know that their attempts to block free speech on
campus will not be tolerated. Here are lists of demands we are making:
1. An apology from the administration for their treatment of pro-Palestinian
students
2. Retraction of President Corrigan's letter attacking the counter
demonstration
3. The establishment of an Arab and Muslim studies program to expand
knowledge of the history of Arabs and Muslims. This is necessary in order to
ensure Academic freedom on our campus and a fair and balanced course offering.
4. Administration must drop all disciplinary action against GUPS and
pro-Palestinian demonstrators
5. In a post September 11th era, it should be a requirement that members of
administration take a sensitivity training course. There has been and
continues to be a severe backlash against Arab Americans and the
administration should be sensitive to this, not take part in it.
It is not just zionism that we should oppose-but judaism itself. This hook-nosed racists are the most evil domineering capitalists in the world today; Hitler was correct about them and the threat they posed. We must continue his work and slaughter them throughout the world!
but all religion, and patriotism, too. Anything that makes people feel good about killing each other is bad for humanity. Anything that makes people believe what they're told instead of thinking for themselves is bad for humanity.
"It is not just zionism that we should oppose-but judaism itself. This hook-nosed racists are the most evil domineering capitalists in the world today; Hitler was correct about them and the threat they posed. We must continue his work and slaughter them throughout the world!"
Does anyone honestly believe that Rene really wrote this shit? This is just some zionist ass trying to discredit someone whose pro-Palestinian ideas they are too dumb to counter...If you do not have anything constructive to say, sit down and shut up. Accept it. Do not try to slander someone else. That is just petty, and anyone wiht a half of a brain knows it.
Does anyone honestly believe that Rene really wrote this shit? This is just some zionist ass trying to discredit someone whose pro-Palestinian ideas they are too dumb to counter...If you do not have anything constructive to say, sit down and shut up. Accept it. Do not try to slander someone else. That is just petty, and anyone wiht a half of a brain knows it.
.. or a Zionist as you find necessary to blame for all the dispicable things done by Muslims. The attitude of the message you refer to sounds like the typical byproduct of growing up in a Muslim society where racism and hatred is celebrated, unless it is any minisule slight towards them, which of course is INTOLLERABLE!!
The idea, X, is that someone wanted to discredit what Rene has been saying for months on this site. If it was just a jew hating muslim why then would they choose to use her name? that doesn't make any sense. WHy would they pose as Rene? Wouldn't they just pose as someone else or someone then whose ideology they were very apart from, like let's say yours or Gehrig's or someone like that?
What kind of scumbag would write such monstrous bigoted garbage and present it under my name.
Idiots who say "Kill all Jews" come from the same cesspool that create "Kill all Palestinians" racists.
I would like to request that SF IMC finds out who made such a slurr using my name and then ban that person from ever posting again on any IMC sites. I know that the Guardian talk forums in Great Britain is able to to that kind of sensible operation. I'm not sure if IMC software has that capability.
I would appreciate some feedback on what IMC participants think about this kind of phony posting
Idiots who say "Kill all Jews" come from the same cesspool that create "Kill all Palestinians" racists.
I would like to request that SF IMC finds out who made such a slurr using my name and then ban that person from ever posting again on any IMC sites. I know that the Guardian talk forums in Great Britain is able to to that kind of sensible operation. I'm not sure if IMC software has that capability.
I would appreciate some feedback on what IMC participants think about this kind of phony posting
I was too upset by the shit that was posted in my name to thank you for your keen observation-- that this kind of unsupported racism has nothing to do with anything I have ever posted on IMC.
At least there are some readers on IMC who can remember prior postings.
I believe in a free Palestine and I will continue to post materials and ideas about that. Freedom of speech is something that many of my infantry buddies died for. It is a precious thing and it will not be deterred by slurr artists and name callers.
At least there are some readers on IMC who can remember prior postings.
I believe in a free Palestine and I will continue to post materials and ideas about that. Freedom of speech is something that many of my infantry buddies died for. It is a precious thing and it will not be deterred by slurr artists and name callers.
Does this mean you agree with the palestinian tactic of targeting children ?
I mean you can believe in a free palestine and not agree with that tactic.
You can condemn Israel and the 'children killers' of palestine(?) and still want a free palestine.
I know palestinian children have been killed in IDF operations against palestinian 'child killers', I know this. I am aware of this.
Can any of you anti zionist pro palestine activists say that palestinian targeting of children is wrong?
You may say I am supposed to know you believe it is wrong to target attack and kill children.
I know you believe that in me being against a palestinian state, means to you that I am in favor of the accidental killing of 'innocent' palestinians.(not true)
Can any anti zionists here say even one time its wrong for the palestinians to target israeli children ?
(I'm trying to present this question in every possible way so that I get one of only two possible answers. It is wrong for palestinians to target Israeli children. It is not wrong for palestinians to target Israeli children.)
Is it possible for any of you to simply say that targeting children is wrong, without attaching conditions and expounding on additional beliefs and opinions surrounding the situation in the middle east ?
Is it possible, without condemning me and others against a palestinian state, to simply say, without being condescending or comical or trite or bitter or angry, it is wrong for palestinians to target Israeli children.
Its late, past my bedtime, I'm getting tired and I have only minimal public education to back me up. I just cant think of a way to make myself any clearer. I cant think of any more ways to arrange this inquiry to insure you do not misunderstand.
There are only two possible answers and neither means you are against a palestinian state.
I mean you can believe in a free palestine and not agree with that tactic.
You can condemn Israel and the 'children killers' of palestine(?) and still want a free palestine.
I know palestinian children have been killed in IDF operations against palestinian 'child killers', I know this. I am aware of this.
Can any of you anti zionist pro palestine activists say that palestinian targeting of children is wrong?
You may say I am supposed to know you believe it is wrong to target attack and kill children.
I know you believe that in me being against a palestinian state, means to you that I am in favor of the accidental killing of 'innocent' palestinians.(not true)
Can any anti zionists here say even one time its wrong for the palestinians to target israeli children ?
(I'm trying to present this question in every possible way so that I get one of only two possible answers. It is wrong for palestinians to target Israeli children. It is not wrong for palestinians to target Israeli children.)
Is it possible for any of you to simply say that targeting children is wrong, without attaching conditions and expounding on additional beliefs and opinions surrounding the situation in the middle east ?
Is it possible, without condemning me and others against a palestinian state, to simply say, without being condescending or comical or trite or bitter or angry, it is wrong for palestinians to target Israeli children.
Its late, past my bedtime, I'm getting tired and I have only minimal public education to back me up. I just cant think of a way to make myself any clearer. I cant think of any more ways to arrange this inquiry to insure you do not misunderstand.
There are only two possible answers and neither means you are against a palestinian state.
You begin your posting by indicating your racism in the very first sentence. You ask "Does this mean you agree with the palestinian tactic of targeting children?
To suggest that this is a basic Palestinian tactic is ignorant and racist. To suggest that anyone who believes in a free Israel is also someone who believes in the Israeli tactic of targeting children would also be a racist statement. I hope you can understand that.
Just as many other supporters of a free Palestine have posted on this site, I deplore the killing of all innocent children by anyone, anywhere, anytime. I have never made any exception. I know that there are hateful, bigoted idiots on both sides. The scumball posting shit in my name is a good example.
At least you are aware that the killing of children is not all one sided. There is hope in your humanity and perhaps some day you will better understand how it might be to live your life (with a family that you love) under a murderous occupation that practices ethnic cleansing and apartheid policies.
Free Palestine
To suggest that this is a basic Palestinian tactic is ignorant and racist. To suggest that anyone who believes in a free Israel is also someone who believes in the Israeli tactic of targeting children would also be a racist statement. I hope you can understand that.
Just as many other supporters of a free Palestine have posted on this site, I deplore the killing of all innocent children by anyone, anywhere, anytime. I have never made any exception. I know that there are hateful, bigoted idiots on both sides. The scumball posting shit in my name is a good example.
At least you are aware that the killing of children is not all one sided. There is hope in your humanity and perhaps some day you will better understand how it might be to live your life (with a family that you love) under a murderous occupation that practices ethnic cleansing and apartheid policies.
Free Palestine
I'm not racist.
"To suggest that this is a basic Palestinian tactic is ignorant and racist."
If it isnt palestinians targeting Israeli children, then who is doing it ?
Who are these people? Why am I racist for asking this? Explain without your agenda in tow.
Any other anti zionists know the answer ?
"To suggest that this is a basic Palestinian tactic is ignorant and racist."
If it isnt palestinians targeting Israeli children, then who is doing it ?
Who are these people? Why am I racist for asking this? Explain without your agenda in tow.
Any other anti zionists know the answer ?
It would be interesting to see just how much pro-Israeli spam indymedia gets.
It has been my experience that there is no other issue that produces such a backlash as justice for Palestinians.
It has been my experience that there is no other issue that produces such a backlash as justice for Palestinians.
Israeli terrorism is far worse than the Palestinian counterpart. Israelis kill far more civilians including children. And no, it's not just Israelis retaliating and Palestinians terrorizing. Often Israeli attacks are unprovoked and murderous. They commit atrocities to elicit retaliation from the Palestinians which they can then point to and scream "TERRORISM". They count on the Western media remaining silent about the innumerable Israeli atrocities and pointing out Palestinian terrorism -- which is more often than not retaliation for Israeli terrorism against civilians.
This is what Alex Evers claims. I answered his racist question in very clear language.
Alex seems too ignorant to see the racism in his question. Any person with nominal intelligence should have been able to understand my comment. Perhap, a few English lessons at his local elementary school would help. Just a suggestion.
Free Palestine
Alex seems too ignorant to see the racism in his question. Any person with nominal intelligence should have been able to understand my comment. Perhap, a few English lessons at his local elementary school would help. Just a suggestion.
Free Palestine
I guess I already knew you and the others wouldnt do it. Wouldnt call for the end of palestinians targeting children.
Youre correct about my inability to understand your answer. I believe answers corrupted with 'honey' are impossible to pin down.
If my question is a racist question, why cant you give me a nonracist answer. You cant. Im stupid, sure. But I'm not racist.
Besides, lets say the black and brown members of my immediate family concluded I was a racist. How could that be seen by any stretch of the imagination as bad a thing as your support for the targeting and killing of children?
Old stupid Alex , never schooled in double speak, never was considered cool by the coffee house crowd. Loved his family to much. Hated child abusers to much.
Tanks again rene ssie. I'm leaving this place today. Before I am enlightened by you.
Youre correct about my inability to understand your answer. I believe answers corrupted with 'honey' are impossible to pin down.
If my question is a racist question, why cant you give me a nonracist answer. You cant. Im stupid, sure. But I'm not racist.
Besides, lets say the black and brown members of my immediate family concluded I was a racist. How could that be seen by any stretch of the imagination as bad a thing as your support for the targeting and killing of children?
Old stupid Alex , never schooled in double speak, never was considered cool by the coffee house crowd. Loved his family to much. Hated child abusers to much.
Tanks again rene ssie. I'm leaving this place today. Before I am enlightened by you.
The AE troll is leaving! Waaahooo!
Probably needs to download some porn, which is the only way he gets laid....
Probably needs to download some porn, which is the only way he gets laid....
Palestinians are born Palestinian. They are not a political group. When you say, "Palestinians target children" you are saying Palestinian people are racially disposed to kill children. This is a racist stereotype. Simple, eh? No Palestinian is predisposed to do anything. A Palestinian is not someone who chooses to be a Palestinian. You cannot 'become' a Palestinian. Likewise you cannot renounce the fact you are Palestinian if you happen to be one. Being a Palestinian is not a cause. It is not a system of belief. It is simply an ethnicity. To characterize Palestinians as child killers is VERY VERY racist. If such a thing is not racist, then I ask you what is?
the claim that is a faux message is hardly believe. The people in opposition to occupation don't need to fake anything when your side spews its racist vomit everywhere it goes. example:
arabian are DUMB!!!
by julia • Wednesday May 29, 2002 at 05:20 PM
kill_all_arabians [at] hotmail.com ur kidding me right? rega
what the fuck are you ppl talking about?!?!?!?!?! THE STUPID ARABIANS are the fuckers!!!!!!! omg how can you say israel is gulity?!?!?!?!?1?!?! you ppl suck!!! i hope all of you long painfull death!!!! i course each and everyone of you...!!!!! damn!!!! how can you be so blind??? if they want their land so much they can do it in other ways!!!!! killing them selfs and innosent citizens wont help!!!! if it didnt help upto now it wont vchange forever!!!!!! if people like you will start thinking diffrently maybe things could be better.... the arabians can find some other land... israel is for the jews!!!!!! it was ours in the past 54 years!!!!! they cant just get up one morning and decided they want it!! where will all the israeli go?? they are hated by EVERYBODY!!!! israel is the only safe place left on this earth!!! and these stupid arabians dont understand it..... gad i hate them.... and you people... you have any idea whats it like waking up in the morning sending your child to school not knowing if you'll ever see him again?! he's a child!!! he's a small little creature that doesnt understand anything!!!! he doesnt choose!!! all he did was walking to school and BOOM he's dead... no more child... and its not even his parents fault!!!! its the goverment!!!!! and the goverment in israel is dumb!!!!!!! so why doesnt the stupid arabians dont understand the goverment doesnt care about its citizens much... I HATE ARABIANS!!!! and i hate you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See? we don't need to fake anything. Its you guys forced to make fake postings and try to disrupt Indymedia instead of finding your own forum because your position is totally illogical and can't stand on reason.
arabian are DUMB!!!
by julia • Wednesday May 29, 2002 at 05:20 PM
kill_all_arabians [at] hotmail.com ur kidding me right? rega
what the fuck are you ppl talking about?!?!?!?!?! THE STUPID ARABIANS are the fuckers!!!!!!! omg how can you say israel is gulity?!?!?!?!?1?!?! you ppl suck!!! i hope all of you long painfull death!!!! i course each and everyone of you...!!!!! damn!!!! how can you be so blind??? if they want their land so much they can do it in other ways!!!!! killing them selfs and innosent citizens wont help!!!! if it didnt help upto now it wont vchange forever!!!!!! if people like you will start thinking diffrently maybe things could be better.... the arabians can find some other land... israel is for the jews!!!!!! it was ours in the past 54 years!!!!! they cant just get up one morning and decided they want it!! where will all the israeli go?? they are hated by EVERYBODY!!!! israel is the only safe place left on this earth!!! and these stupid arabians dont understand it..... gad i hate them.... and you people... you have any idea whats it like waking up in the morning sending your child to school not knowing if you'll ever see him again?! he's a child!!! he's a small little creature that doesnt understand anything!!!! he doesnt choose!!! all he did was walking to school and BOOM he's dead... no more child... and its not even his parents fault!!!! its the goverment!!!!! and the goverment in israel is dumb!!!!!!! so why doesnt the stupid arabians dont understand the goverment doesnt care about its citizens much... I HATE ARABIANS!!!! and i hate you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See? we don't need to fake anything. Its you guys forced to make fake postings and try to disrupt Indymedia instead of finding your own forum because your position is totally illogical and can't stand on reason.
X2, this comment is obviously black propaganda posted by fascist pro-terror activists to make pro-Israelis look bad.
'black propaganda' sure. Some insidious conspiracy to undermine the saboteurs of indymedia, no doubt. Call Mulder and Scully, quick! Don't bang your head on the UFO ramp when you get abducted, and watch out for those pesky chemtrails.
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