A Muslim American women wearing hijab was chased down 5th Avenue in New York during broad daylight, threatened to be killed, called derogatory names, and had a trash can thrown at her this past Wednesday, September 3, 2014, before she took refuge in a nearby bagel shop. Forty seven minutes later law enforcement arrived, but by then the suspect had already fled the scene.
Ironically, the victim was Linda Sarsour, an Arab American Activist and Executive Director of The National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC). She was attacked right outside her organization's office.
The officer told Sarsour that the police didn’t come right away because they thought it was a “dispute” and not an “assault.” Unfortunately, this attack is not an isolated incident and sheds light on the prevalence and reality of hate crimes in post 9/11 America.
On September 9, 2014 Saalt (South Asian Americans Leading Together) held a press conference at Capitol Hill to discuss the findings of their newly published report Under Suspicion, Under Attack.
Saalt, a non-profit, nonpartisan, organization that facilitates forums for discussion and works on building partnerships both within the South Asian community and amongst people of other ethnic backgrounds, conducted the study over a four year period.
The study looked at the climate faced by the South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Middle Eastern and Arab communities from January 2011 – April 2014. It studied two factors that contribute to the antagonistic climates in communities: negative racist remarks from political figures and elected officials, and hate crimes nationwide against the studied groups. Nearly 160 incidents targeting the studied communities were recorded during this four year period.
The study found that xenophobic political rhetoric has become more frequent, and hate crimes have also increased in volume and intensity since Saalt’s last published report in 2010 (The Rise in Xenophobic and Racist Rhetoric in American Political Discourse 2010).
“Xenophobic political speech targeting our communities is more numerous, more insidious, and is more likely to be heard on a national platform.” What’s disturbing to the Muslim community is that “an overwhelming majority of the xenophobic political comments, over 90% were motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment.”
Additionally, of the 76 incidents of hate crimes recorded, most were targeted towards Muslims. “Over 80% of the instances of hate violence documented for this report were motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment.” These attacks leave a psychological impact on the individuals and their communities states Sameera Hafiz, Policy Consultant for Saalt and one of the panel members at Tuesday’s news briefing.
Yet, as negative views towards the South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Middle Eastern and Arab communities continue to increase, the number of colored people is also increasing.
The study sheds light on the ethnic shift in our nation: “This growing hostility is especially alarming given the shifting racial and demographic fabric of the U.S.” It threatens the safety and security of all Americans nationwide and goes against the core principles of justice and equality. In New York City this safety and security is being threatened by surveillance targeting Muslim cab drivers and street vendors around the city explains Fahd Ahmed, Acting Director for DRUM (South Asian Organizing Center).
In spite of the numerous reported incidents, Saalt’s investigation also highlights better practices by the government, local organizations, and community leaders in shifting xenophobic views. In the aftermath of the Oak Creek Tragedy, policy advocacy organizations came together and requested a Senate hearing on hate crimes. In New York City Advocacy organizations are working together to promote awareness and develop a social media campaign to combat local surveillance and discriminatory policing.
The executive summary also gives recommendations to community members, and local leaders including supporting political leaders who promote equality, and encouraging communities to work collaboratively to build relationships across cultural lines. The NNAAC is sponsoring the “Take on Hate Campaign” a grassroots campaign being launched in Detroit, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco to educate the media, the public, and to build partnerships and provide a platform for Arab Americans to speak up explained Sarsour, a recent victim herself. The study also suggests working with media outlets to report negative racial comments and hate incidents, and encourages communities to facilitate healing after incidents of hate violence.
For more information or to view the executive summary visit: www.saalt.org.
Comments powered by CComment