|
You don't have to be Arab/Arab-American to take a stand against the violence, harassment and discrimination that many Arabs/Arab-Americans have suffered following the tragedy of September 11th, many people who are or are perceived to be Arab/Arab-American have suffered violence, harassment, and discrimination. As a multi-issue GSA, even if your group doesn't have Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, or South Asian members, you can promote solidarity and tolerance through being an ally. Here are some ways to encourage people to become active allies in the fight against racism:
How the Recent Hostility Towards Arabs/Arab-Americans Affects Everyone:
-
Hostility towards Arabs/Arab-Americans can be diverted towards people who aren't Arab/Arab-American but who are perceived to be.
-
When hostility towards Arabs/Arab-Americans is not challenged it sends a message that hate
and harassment are tolerated. This degrades the potential for a safe and respectful environment
for all people.
-
Hostility towards Arabs/Arab-Americans puts pressure on people who aren't Arab/Arab-American
to act aggressively and angrily towards Arabs/Arab-Americans.
-
Hostility towards Arabs/Arab-Americans can make it hard for Arab/Arab-Americans and people
who aren't Arab/Arab-American to be friends.
-
Hostility towards Arabs/Arab-Americans makes it hard to appreciate true diversity and the
uniqueness of all cultural backgrounds.
-
Hostility towards Arabs/Arab-Americans can strain community relationships.
How to Fight Prejudice Against Arabs/Arab-Americans as an Ally:
-
Organize discussion groups in class or after school to talk about how hostility towards Arabs/
Arab-Americans affects everyone.
-
Bring up the issue of harassment and discrimination against Arabs/Arab-Americans in conversations with friends or discussions in class.
-
Interrupt anti-Arab jokes, comments or any other behaviors that make prejudice against Arabs/
Arab-Americans appear OK.
-
Put pro-solidarity/anti-hate posters in the halls and classrooms or wear shirts, buttons, etc. that identify you as an ally and display a message of solidarity with Arabs/Arab-Americans.
-
Don't make assumptions about other peoples' ethnic, religious, or cultural backgrounds. Assume
that there are Muslims, Arabs, Arab-Americans, people of Middle Eastern decent, and/or South Asians at your school.
|
