Are YOU a Terrorist?

A terrorist, with all fancy wording aside, is someone who imposes terrorism.  Once again, I'm enlisting the assistance of my friends over at Merriam-Webster's website to paint this picture.  Terrorism is defined as "the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion."  Terror, my friends, refers to a "state of intense fear."

Photo courtesy of britannica.com

Have you ever been caught up in a conversation with someone, and all of a sudden they are talking about how much they hate a certain type of person, or what they would do if said type of person were to walk in front of them?  I have heard several people speak this way about the GLBT community.  I have heard people talk like that about black people, Hispanics, even non-religious people.  Or perhaps about religious people.  "I dare one of those forsaken fa***ts to walk in front of me right now!"  "In America we speak English; don't you dare talk to me in that Spanish-talk!"  "Don't even think about knocking on my door again; I don't care about your message!"  The examples are endless.  Americans, who have the luxury of shouting "U.S.A!" upon learning of the death of Osama bin Laden, are the same ones sometimes capable (and guilty) of a sort of terrorism on their own soil.

What happens is that the people attacked by these such statements are terrorized; coerced to live in "intense fear," denying who they are, afraid to speak out or reveal their "true selves."  Closeted gays are afraid to come out of the closet; they may be teased, ridiculed, beaten, or even killed.  Spanish-speakers are afraid to have an accent because they may be denied a job or other opportunity.  These people are living with the terror used by societal terrorists to force them to live in silence.  To live a lie.

This type of judgement is injust.  It's not fair to either party.  To close your mind to not allow diversity in your social or professional circles.  To live in intense fear of being yourself.  Once again, I seek an end to hatred.  Educate yourselves.  Ask questions.  Be tolerant and accepting.  Above all, do not be a terrorist.

Bin Laden's Dead. Now What?

Terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

I will start by saying that I was ashamed to see several of my fellow Americans posting racial slurs regarding the death of Mr. bin Laden.  Things along the lines of, "Are they sure they have the right guy?  They all look the same over there!"  Seriously?!  Where is your tact, your respect, your education?  The man was not the poster child for Arabs.  He just happened to be one of them.  That gives you no right to say what you have said.  Completely uncalled for.  End of point one.

Furthermore, Osama bin Laden was not the only man involved in the terror regime.  Will there be repercussions?  One can only hope not.  But it is, unfortunately, highly probable.  There are still lives at stake in Afghanistan (and now Pakistan).  While the death of bin Laden represents a (huge) victory in the War on Terror, it does not signal a new non-existence of hate in the world.

What is my point? -You may ask.  We should take advantage of the unity we are feeling as Americans right now.  We should rise up in the strength that is our nation's "indivisibility," and stop the hate.  Understand that "United we stand."  Support our leaders in the tough decisions they have to make in the coming days, weeks, months.  There are far more pressing issues than birth certificates, countries of birth, and bad comb-overs.  Over 300 people lost their lives last week in the South.  A large part of Texas is destroyed from widespread fire.  There are countless Americans without jobs, homes, or food.  In our unity in this victory, let's reach out to those in need on our own soil.  The one thing we have in common is our country.  "The Land of the Free, the Home of the Brave."

Let's make strides toward true "Liberty and Justice for all."  Let's not forget that, while there is a lot of excitement overseas right now, we have a country under our feet that needs the strength of her people. Be strong.  Take a stand.  Spread love, tolerance, liberty, and justice.  We are the United States of America, not the Divided States...

Take pride in our nation's diversity.  Become an Equal Opportunity Citizen.