Spring Break
Stop the blame
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
Seven years ago, a tragic event in New York City forever changed the nation. Citizens of the United States were fearful that another terrorist attack like the one Sept. 11, 2001, would strike again.
With no clear end in sight, the blame for the tragedy was placed on politicians, on religious groups and on people of different ethnicities. While some might like to think we have come a long way since the days of unfounded accusations, scattered postings found yesterday on the doors of buildings like Quinn and Ballentine Halls prove otherwise.
"Zionism planned 9/11." Three words typed on an otherwise blank piece of paper revived a type of fear that overcame reason and led to neighbors becoming enemies soon after the fateful day.
On a day that is supposed to be a solemn occasion to remember those who passed away in such an awful way, and to be grateful for those who stepped in as heroes during a time of chaos, someone let their hatred be the focus of yesterday's discussions.
Though support for the war has declined in recent years, let us not forget the day that America truly united under an umbrella of disaster.
It is not a time to embrace blind hatred, but to be tolerant of those who might practice a different religion, have a different skin tone or support a different politician.
But we should be understanding, not just tolerant. And a catalyst - the 12th annual Diversity Week - is coming to the University of Rhode Island in less than two weeks.
During that time, students and faculty can attend a variety of events like lectures on the topics of the new Confucius Institute, the growing Latino population, peace and nonviolence studies and diversity in Islam. The gay population and various religious groups are also highlighted within the week.
The founders of Diversity Week created it to foster a broader, more accepting mindset to assuage fears of what might not be the cultural norm.
Universities are supposed to be an instrument of education, not of ignorance. Of peace, not war. Of respect, not hate.
Every class, every lecture that students attend is intended to move us forward from the confines of hatred and ignorance and bring us to a more enlightened perspective on society.
Next year, hopefully those at the university will remember lessons learned at Diversity Week, and Sept. 11 can be only remembered for its heroes and the lives lost.
With no clear end in sight, the blame for the tragedy was placed on politicians, on religious groups and on people of different ethnicities. While some might like to think we have come a long way since the days of unfounded accusations, scattered postings found yesterday on the doors of buildings like Quinn and Ballentine Halls prove otherwise.
"Zionism planned 9/11." Three words typed on an otherwise blank piece of paper revived a type of fear that overcame reason and led to neighbors becoming enemies soon after the fateful day.
On a day that is supposed to be a solemn occasion to remember those who passed away in such an awful way, and to be grateful for those who stepped in as heroes during a time of chaos, someone let their hatred be the focus of yesterday's discussions.
Though support for the war has declined in recent years, let us not forget the day that America truly united under an umbrella of disaster.
It is not a time to embrace blind hatred, but to be tolerant of those who might practice a different religion, have a different skin tone or support a different politician.
But we should be understanding, not just tolerant. And a catalyst - the 12th annual Diversity Week - is coming to the University of Rhode Island in less than two weeks.
During that time, students and faculty can attend a variety of events like lectures on the topics of the new Confucius Institute, the growing Latino population, peace and nonviolence studies and diversity in Islam. The gay population and various religious groups are also highlighted within the week.
The founders of Diversity Week created it to foster a broader, more accepting mindset to assuage fears of what might not be the cultural norm.
Universities are supposed to be an instrument of education, not of ignorance. Of peace, not war. Of respect, not hate.
Every class, every lecture that students attend is intended to move us forward from the confines of hatred and ignorance and bring us to a more enlightened perspective on society.
Next year, hopefully those at the university will remember lessons learned at Diversity Week, and Sept. 11 can be only remembered for its heroes and the lives lost.
