9/11 was an historical tragedy that traumatized many and changed personal views of how Muslims are seen in America. Lower Manhattan in New York City was the home of the famous World Trade Center and ever since the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers by religious extremists, all Muslims have continued to be viewed by some Americans as threats. They have faced prejudice, suspicion, micro-aggressions, racism, attacks, and insults, all because of their religion.
In the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the anti-Muslim hate crimes in not only New York City, but the whole entire U.S., have surged drastically. Citizens who were seen wearing turbans or their religious attire became major targets of people believing that they were supporters of terrorism. Muslim women who were wearing their religious clothing, such as hijabs and abayas, have been reported to have higher rates of public suspicion, daily harassment by other citizens, and targeted discrimination.
In schools verbal and physical abuse has been reported frequently like name-calling or being blamed for the terrorist attacks by their classmates. Co-op senior, Kelly Flores, stated that she has seen racism and discrimination towards Muslims during her time in middle school: “Students would make fun of them for not knowing English. And they would say cruel things that they couldn’t understand and make them say horrible things as well. They would also mock the language that they spoke and say how all of them are bombers.”
Malisa Shatirah, 21 and a Muslim New Yorker, recalls one day in middle school where she experienced an Islamophobic trope. She watched as a boy went up to the white board and began to draw a bomb. Once he was done drawing the bomb, he called out, “Look, it’s Malisa!” Unfortunately, jokes like this have become normalized across America and the kids saying them don’t know how harmful they are to other children.
“Kids need to be taught how to speak of children who look different more nicely,” explained Shatirah. “I honestly believe that jokes like that towards Muslims stem from social media.”
Reem Shatirah, 15, shared her experience with discrimination at school. One day Reem was just minding her business when all of the sudden a boy ran up to her and tried to snatch her hijab off during school. “I was shocked, honestly,” Reem Shatirah stated. “I never thought that I would have to worry about my hijab being pulled off. I felt so embarrassed and disrespected.” Reem wasn’t sure if the kid faced any consequences as he tried to play it off like he was trying to pull off her backpack.
We as people need to come forward and address this issue so innocent Muslim students don’t feel patronized for a stereotype that has little to do with them. Just because they shared the same religion as the terrorists, it doesn’t mean they believe their extremist ideas. They shouldn’t be made fun of and we should all be sure to protect minorities of all kinds in our communities to put an end to this kind of daily discrimination.