So a terrorist in America is now a person who has a darker complexion than the majority of the people in political power (meaning he’s not white). Moreover any person with a turban and a beard automatically looks like a terrorist because that is stereotypical terrorist wear.

What if Bin Laden wore Abercrombie and Nike and his followers listened to Linkin Park? Would all Linkin Park and Nike fans be associated with terrorism? And maybe people might assume that Nike was associated with Bin Laden, and what affect would that have on corporate America?

Any person who is not a citizen is now being treated like a terrorist by rules that require them to inform the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) about address changes. The consequences of not informing INS within 10 days results in deportation, to a country that you don’t call home but the INS thinks that’s where you belong. Imagine being deported to a country where toilet paper is still to be discovered.

For example, I was at the Pizza Hut on Briggs Chaney picking up some pizza with my friends. Minding my own business a man comes in and mummers something like “Damn Sheiks, I hate you guys.” (He said something I am not allowed to print but hey you get the point) I heard the man clearly and turned around and said “ You talking to me sir?” That’s when the man thought it was time to display his “All American Pride” and put down some people he had no clue were. He mentioned Sheiks and I don’t know how it related to me being a Sikh. From what I know is a Sheik is like a rich Arab king, and I certainly am not that.

This man got louder and arrogant and even more ignorant, when I asked him if he was talking to me. This argument went on a little longer than my previous turban-ater encounters. The man decided to threaten us by saying “Let me get something from my car and I’ll show you Bin Laden.” Was he really going to get a gun and shoot me? I didn’t think he had a gun but you never know; nowadays anyone can own a gun. To boost up his confidence an audience showed up, two of who happen to be Paint Branch students who at the top of their voices were cheering for the man, who thought he was doing his “duty” as an American Citizen. Was the man drunk? Maybe. Were the people cheering for him and spitting racial slurs drunk? I don’t think so.

It’s been a year since the horrific terrorist attacks on Sept 11th happened, a month or two ago it still felt like yesterday, for those who lost their family, friends, and other loved ones. It felt like yesterday for those who have been working day in and day out trying to protect the rights of innocent people who have been a target of hate and ignorance. And just because some religious fanatics decide to fly a plane and kill random people, I am now facing the consequences. Me, my people and those who “look like terrorists” are now the target of hate in contemporary America.

Chilling on a Friday night with a turban on, is it still safe? Can I compare this with driving while black, flying while Muslim? Slavery was abolished years ago but racism didn’t end with it. President Bush is fighting a personal war against Saddam and terrorism, but he fails to see the terrorism and racism that still exists in America. Bottom line is the freedom that we cherish today might just be a dream tomorrow.