Anti-Arab Racism at "Ground Zero"

Hey Everyone,

Hope you're enjoying your mini-vacation (in the meantime I plot to intrude on your time off :o)

I've asked you to read chapter three "Observations On a New Fifth Column" in Salaita's book. Below you'll find the question, but first:

Before replying, see if you can find out what the "fifth Column" is. Also, see what you can find about Edward Said. Be sure to consider Salaita's analysis of the media coverage surrounding Said's death. Think about what types of sources you should look into when researching him. Be prepared to discuss Edward Said in class on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Now...the blog question:

Salaita claims colleges and univeristies are "ground zero" for anti-arab racism. He cites the negative experiences Arab students have had at their respective schools, a lack of academic freedom, and a host of external organizations that crack down on professors who teach what is purported by them to be anti-Israeli lessons. Should academic freedom in universities be limited? Do professors have an obligation to teach students in a manner consistent with "American culture" or U.S. foreign policy? Some of you have felt that Salaita is too sensitive sometimes--what do you think about his arguments in this chapter?

Assimilation or Racism

Read the article below from the Chicago Tribune. After considering the perspectives in the article and our course readings, do you think Paul Ruff's email was appropriate? Should immigrants/new citizens assimilate to "traditional" American culture? Please support your responses with evidence and thoughtful analysis. I look forward to hearing from you!

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-assessor-email_both_21aug21,0,4041765.story
Frankfort Township Assessor Paul Ruff stands by e-mail on Islam, immigrants
Official does not apologize for distributing missive in June
By Mary Owen
Chicago Tribune reporter
10:50 PM CDT, August 20, 2008
Despite outrage from the local Muslim community, a Frankfort Township official did not apologize Wednesday for circulating an e-mail with anti-Islamic sentiments."The e-mail's basic message was that people coming to this country should adapt," Township Assessor Paul Ruff said in a statement. "This wasn't a hateful e-mail, but one that touched upon a sentiment in this country and around the world that immigrants have to adapt to their new homes."

Statements in the e-mail were attributed to former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who a few years ago ignited controversy with criticism of Islam and statements asserting that immigrants need to adapt to their new country.Ruff said he did not write the content of the e-mail, and its origins were unknown.The flap has drawn the ire of the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Chicago and members of a mosque in Frankfort, prompting residents and religious leaders to hold a town hall meeting last week to discuss discrimination against Muslims. Ruff did not attend the meeting."It's kind of a shock," Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the council, said Wednesday. "Clearly this is offensive behavior on behalf of a public official."

Ruff held a news conference at the township hall to defend himself against critics of the e-mail, which he acknowledges forwarding in June to people he knew.Two Will County sheriff's deputies were present at the township hall in case of a disturbance. Before Ruff spoke, officials distributed copies of letters to the editor from a local newspaper and played audio recordings of voice-mail messages from people who agree with Ruff.Among the voice-mail messages were statements such as: "Thank you for standing up for our way of life" and "It's about time someone had the you-know-what to speak up."

Rehab criticized Ruff's use of the township hall for his news conference and was frustrated by the distribution of letters to the editor."If we were unhappy with his behavior before, this is even worse," he said. "He can't keep hiding behind somebody else's name and passing out material that is hateful to support his perspective."Ruff said he is not a bigot or a racist, noting he has black and Hispanic neighbors. However, he did reiterate sentiments in the e-mail that denounced Islam and said the religion "institutionalizes discrimination against women and non-Muslims."

Tariq Khan, a board trustee for the American Islamic Association, which operates the Frankfort mosque, said he believes Ruff's response will further strain relations with the Muslim community."It's unfortunate that he's been so stubborn in not apologizing," said Khan, who arrived at the township hall moments after the news conference ended. "It's time to move on. He is a fine public servant, but I feel he made an error in judgment. "Ruff said he was being smeared by people angry about their property assessments.Phyllis Leonardo, 75, of Beecher said she came to support Ruff after seeing criticism of him in the newspaper."They're trying to change our way of living," she said. "Why are we selling our country out?"mowen@tribune.com
Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune

Original Post: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-assessor-email_both_21aug21,0,4041765.story

Do-gooders and Evil-doers

In chapter one Salaita describes America's view of the world as good vs. evil, with Arabs always being portrayed as "evil" and Americans always portrayed as "good". What do you think about this? Be sure to use evidence from the book and outside sources to support your responses. Feel free to locate web links for outside sources (such as online newspapers, journals, news stations) to support your argument. One such article for discussion can be found at:http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/09/16/gen.bush.terrorism/. Please note the date--five days after September 11th.

I'm curious to hear your views on this!

Welcome to the Race & Culture Through Hip-Hop Blog

Hi All,

You might want to bookmark this website on your computer as we'll be using it fairly frequently! In order to post on this site, you'll need to create an account. This is a PUBLIC site, so create a username that bears no reference to your name. Also avoid using your real name in your posts.

To create an account, simply click the "comment" link and follow the instructions. If you have questions, feel free to email me or stop by my classroom.

Blog ground rules:
1. Do not use your real identity
2. Please check spelling and grammar--this isn't a formal blog, but let's show off our superb edumacations!
3. Please post with substance. Your replies should be thoughtful!
4. You may comment or reply to other user's comments

That's it for now...here's your first question for discussion:

After reading the chapter from Ronald Takaki's A Different Mirror, how do you think "we" as in "we Americans" should be defined?