Klarinet Archive - Posting 000467.txt from 2001/09

From: "F. S. Sterns" <fssterns@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] This horrible event
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2001 12:53:52 -0400

on 9/13/01 10:53 AM, Virginia Anderson at assembly1@-----.com wrote:

> However, the
> forced injunctions to Bible verses and fellowship "in Christ" by a small
> fundamentalist minority of this list has made me feel marginalised and has
> only managed to divide this group. And, if it has marginalised me (who has
> at least Christian ancestry and cultural associations), just think what this
> does to Muslims, for instance.

...beautifully put. I wish I had been as clear and articulate in explaining
how some religious supplications, no matter how well intended, can be
extraordinarily hurtful and more.

Some words, phrases, and the like, because of long standing and sad
experiences by minorities, become "code words" in many contexts and it's
risky to use them unless you're face to face with the person who can read
your body language and interpret.

> It is a time for uniting in our commonality - in our horror of the act, in
> our insistence that the guilty are found and punished according to due
> process without harming more innocent people - not dividing up according to
> our religions and national identities. And if you have any Muslim
> neighbours, smile and say hello (as you would do any day) to let them know
> that this horrible event will not divide you as people into bigoted hatred.
> As decent people they will be as horrified and saddened by the events of
> this week as you are.

A wonderful suggestion and a practical one that almost everyone, at least
around here [greater Washington, DC] can follow through on. I have a
neighbor across the street and two door down who is Muslim and the minute I
punch "send" on this message I'm going down there and bring her kids some 1
pound candy bars. Fred Sterns

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