“Open Up Your Minds and Hearts”

Paul L. Carr

 

 

In light of the recent events that occurred at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I have had to witness some of the more distressing aspects of American society.  The WTC and Pentagon attacks have seemingly sprung to the forefront of contemporary American society, the hate and ignorance that runs deep in many an American’s blood.

            In the wake of such a horrific event where people of all races and nations were touched on one level or another, it saddens me to watch on the television as countless numbers of innocent citizens are ridiculed, beaten, and even killed all across the nation simply because of the color of their skin. 

It is not as if this type of behavior is anything new to the American public, for it has been going on since the start of this “great” nation.  The United States was founded on the principles of diversity and freedom, but that is not how it has always worked out.  Whether it was the African-Americans who felt the wrath of hatred, and continue to feel its horror today, or many other immigrants alike (Japanese, Irish, Jewish, Italians, etc…), who came here of their own free will, America has not always proven to be the saving grace it makes itself out to be.

Now, for me to make a statement like “it saddens me to watch… innocent citizens are ridiculed…because of the color of their skin,” could be considered quite an ignorant statement in itself, but think of it from the point of view that many Americans do not even grasp the enormity of the events that have occurred over the last week. 

We are all Americans.  I am of Irish decent, but I am an American.  Like many other Americans before me, my ancestors came to this country to find a new beginning, a new start in a land that had so much to offer.  People from all over the globe continue to emigrate today, coming to a nation that offers some glimpse of hope from what they cannot get in their homeland.  And believe it or not, they too consider themselves Americans through and through.  These people are our brothers and sisters.  They make look different, speak a different language, eat different food, but there is one thing that they and all other Americans share in the land of the free and the home of the brave; we are one nation.   

That is entirely why I wanted to write this statement, to speak out to all Americans.  My hope is that many of you out there are like myself, who feel the same way, and will spread this statement, hopefully touching those who are committing these crimes of hatred.  Many of these Americans are lacking the education that would dissolve this ignorance that dominates their psyche.  For many of our fellow citizens, the problem stems from a lack of access, a lack of access to the resources that could show them the beauty of the world around them, the beauty of living in a culturally diverse society like America.  Those of you reading this from the internet are really a part of the elite few in this nation that have access to a computer, those of us who can afford to buy the technology that gives us that access.  Let’s not kid ourselves here, there are tremendous amounts of people who have never even used a computer, and it all comes down to the problem of access.  So, those of you who are reading this and might find it worthwhile for others to be reading, print it out and distribute it.  Give it out to all and any who may benefit from reading it.  Help educate your fellow Americans even if it means going up to them and letting them know the harm they are doing to others is wrong.  It is wrong not only because it hurts others, but because it is harming themselves and the rest of the nation. 

Now is the time when we as a nation need to come together in as a whole and be strong in the face of terror.  The more we strike out against our fellow brethren just because they may come from the same part of the world as the alleged hijackers, the more we add to the self-destruction of our great nation.  The events of September 11, 2001 have left a lasting wound on our country’s body, but

In closing, I want to leave you with a summary of what has happened to me over the last five years.  I recently graduated from a large university on the east coast with a degree in geography.  I grew up in a small town setting, where the cows outnumbered the people and the only glimpse of ethnic diversity came from the occasional passing car or when an athletic event occurred with a school closer to the city.  The small town ideology kind of grasps you and it scares you when you come across a change in your daily life.  You tend not to understand the beauty of the world outside of your small town.  When I went away to college, I was exposed to a new wealth of knowledge and cultures not known previously.  Apprehension was my initial response to the many new and different things in front of me, but once outgrew my shell and began exploring world around me, I came into a whole new light.  During my five years at school, I met people from all walks of life and studied a discipline that allowed me to develop my outlook on the world.  Some people say to me, “what are you going to do with a degree in geography of all things?”  I simply tell them I would not change it for the world, for it is the world that I love learning so much about.  My time spent at school developed my sensitivity and love of the world around me. 

So to those of you out there that find it necessary to pick on and sometimes harm people because they are different from you, remember that just like us, they embrace this nation for everything it stands for.  They come here for the freedom offered by the United States, the freedom that many of us take for granted everyday of our lives.  We are lucky to have grown up in a society that thrives on difference.  Like many have said before, we are the melting pot of the world.  There is a wealth of knowledge all around us, we just need to have the courage to explore it and find out how amazing it can be. Instead of taking out your aggression, extend a helping hand and let those people that are living in fear of their fellow Americans and show them the love and affection that this country can be so proud of.  The more I see these senseless acts of violence being committed, the more my pride in the United States of America slowly begins to fade away. The sadness in my heart runs very deep when I recall the history behind many hurtful aspects of the nation that I now call home.  Our nation needs us now, let us not add to the already scarred past of hatred against others.  Be strong in this time of pain and stop the violence.  Embrace the world, and know that the few that committed these crimes are just that, a few.  Their beliefs are not shared by everyone and it is them and them alone that need to be held accountable for their actions, not the innocent of our nation. 

 

If you have read this over and think it is worthwhile to distribute it to others, please do so.  The more people that can be helped from this the better.  Please forward it to as many people as you can and help spread my message.   If you have any comments, please write: plc121976@yahoo.com