Stop with the xenophobic bullshit already.

orpackfan's Journal

Stop with the xenophobic bullshit already.
Sep 20, 2009 at 11:36 AM
By
- orpackfan
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Comments (12) Total Views (169) Everyone can see this journal post.

I am a Pakistani born, Muslim American. I'm proud of it. I believe that the culture that I came from is beautiful. Fantastically beautiful, even though it's got some serious flaws. That being said--I am an American. Period. My allegiances are to this country, as it's been my home these many years. I love it here, and I'd like to tell you why.

As an American, I am allowed to be opinionated. This is not necesarily the case where I was born. Here I am allowed to be friends with men, participate in political discussions, hell- I'm even allowed to walk around freely and scream about politics! This is not something that happens where I'm from.

Now, I'll warn you, I am fiercely loyal to my religion and "birth culture." However, I am also a socialist. (Yes, aren't I just choosing all the hot topics!) I believe in Universal Healthcare, I believe we should figure out a way to end the war on terror, I believe that we are only as good as our weakest member of society.

This is what I believe. I believe it to the core of myself. But I would never dream of telling anyone who believes differently that they are wrong to love their God, be loyal to their culture, or want their values to be upheld. So why are there women ON THIS SITE who would do that to me? Are my beliefs "less valid" because my values are different? You might not like them, but tell me how that makes them "wrong?" I would not dream of trying to yell at someone that they aren't American enough, they don't love their country, that they are terrorists because they go to Teabagging parties or watch Fox News. But because I disagree with these things, I am clearly an un-American terrorist who should just "go back to their country." Wow.

Let me tell you xenophobes what I care about. I care about loving Allah, caring for my family, and caring for the earth and all it's living creatures- Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists- whatever. I care about raising children who can LOVE other people because of their minds, not their skin color or religions. I care about making certain that conservatives are allowed to spout their opinions as much as I have the right to spew my liberal ones. I care about making sure that not another child ever has to die in a war. I care about leaving this world better than I found it. I believe that using compassion and love along with REASON will set us all free.

Wow, I so totally sound like a Muslim terrorist, right? I'm such a threat. I should REALLY go back to Pakistan- because clearly I am damaging the moral fiber of this nation.

Get a handle on yourselves. Stop insulting me, my children, Allah, my parents, my friends, etc.

You diminish yourself when you spew such vitriolic hyperbole. I don't want you to diminish yourself. I believe all humans are, at the core, amazing and beautiful creatures. Step up, get to know me, try to understand who I am before you judge. You're capable, just not willing. I'm willing to help you- just take a moment to pause.

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Sep. 20, 2009 at 11:45 AM

Beautifully written! You are a fabulous human being, mom and friend.

momof6nokc

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Sep. 20, 2009 at 11:46 AM

Very well spoken! You know it is so sad a site that was I am hoping was to bring moms together for support turn into a site full of hate. I might not understand how you feel but I am a different religion, on PA and raised my child to be opened minded. She is a grow woman now and has grow to see people for their character not their religion or color. I know we should ignore it but then how would others learn..........

Midnite00

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Sep. 20, 2009 at 11:51 AM

I am a learned athiest and I get the same sort of bullshit. Only, they can't figure out what my race is becasue I am mixed. If they could, I am certain that I would be told to go back to one of those places. Which would be really hilarious since my predominate race is Cherokee. As an Athiest, I feel as you do. I don't believe that anyone has the right to tell me or my children what they should believe anymore than we should tell them what not to believe. We are individuals. Look up the word.

Anyana

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Sep. 20, 2009 at 5:39 PM

Orpack--you're preaching to the choir, chickie:)

I am definitely with you on this. The Muslim bashing is really upsetting to me because all it reveals is the racist, xenophobic core of many "Americans."

I wish we could replace all those creepazoids with Americans like you:)

fnpdocgrrl

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Sep. 20, 2009 at 8:53 PM

Your Christian, Libertarian, Fox-news watching friend LOVES you. We may not "agree" on certain matters, but what we DO agree on, such as love for God, family, friends, our country, and maintaining that everyone has the right to their opinion is far more important than any difference. You are a beautiful and amazing woman who, quite obviously, cares for others. Anyone who says any different is showing their ignorance and deep hatred for themselves.

Beautiful post. Thank you for writing.

KAJBC

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Sep. 21, 2009 at 12:55 AM

You are a beautiful person.....

tericared

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Sep. 21, 2009 at 9:00 AM

That was beautiful, not as beautiful as you are on the inside, but beautiful none the less. I am ashamed for the people who would dare to tell you to go back to your country. We were a country founded on diversity and the freedom that comes with it. We do not have to agree with one another but we ALL have the right to our beliefs. I am honored to call you my friend and view our diffferences (the few that there are) as an opportunity to learn something. I love you and your bravery!