(no subject)

[threeplusfire]

No access for days and it probably doesn't make me any more able to function.

Went to the UT Memorial Service Friday, and for the first time since this happened I cried. I cried so hard I could not get up off my knees by the flagpole. A photographer and some students demonstrating for peace helped me up and away, and for that kindness I will always be grateful.

Even though I have finally started letting myself feel, even though I know my loved ones and my friends are safe, the world feels wrong. I'm cutting class right now, to sit and stare at this screen. I can't concentrate on school or work. The numbness segues into depression each day.

Suzanne's birthday was yesterday and I forgot to call, and I'm sure I'm missing things everywhere. I'm sorry.

Someone tried to burn down a grocery store owned by someone thought to be Middle Eastern. A mosque was shot up in Dallas. Reports of violence, even murder across the country. It makes me sick. I want to walk up to every Muslim student I see and tell them I don't hate them, that I want peace for all. I know it would probably look a little strange, this white girl in a camoflauge jacket wandering around trying to be reassuring.

Writing in a paper notebook.

Comments

[dragonflychey.livejournal.com]

Hi.
I identify with your feelings and I thought I'd share that the majority of people in the country feel the same. I can't seem to concentrate on anything and I am behind enough in my classwork that it's becoming a problem. Please try and be strong - we have to try and get back on track, or they win.
I've heard that Arabs are getting help from neighbors, offers to help if they encounter any problems, offers to let them stay at peoples' homes in case anything happens. Out of all the people I've discussed this with, only two were overwhelmingly racist and ridiculous in their ideas about people of the Muslim faith after this tragedy. Most of the people I know are committed to calling everyone in America their brother or sister, no matter who they are. I just thought I'd share that.
here's to peace.
Hugs from miles away,
Chey

Re:

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

You know, I got your postcard, and I forgot to write about that here since this nightmare began. Thank you so much, Gogol buddy. :)

I made it to my classes yesterday, and I will tomorrow, and perhaps it will just slip into routine for me.

To peace,
Amanda

[llafontaine80.livejournal.com]

Everytime I hear a report on the news about a Muslim being harassed or a Mosque being attacked, I also want to run out and find anyone who even looks Middle Eastern and tell them that I don't hate them. But where I live most of us are black or white, I don't know if I have ever seen a Muslim on my campus.

Re:

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

I know exactly how you feel. Perhaps you can write letters to the Arab Embassy or something, if you don't see anyone in your town.

By the way I think your email account at home has a virus. I've gotten two mails from you with a suspicious file attachment. Hope you aren't having computer trouble!

Mulsims aren't Black or White?

[ansat.livejournal.com]

I've worked with two African Americans, maybe three, who are Muslim. (Not "Black Muslims," though one was for a while.) I have worked with a kid who is White and Muslim. And I have given a copy of al-Qu'ran to an Hispanic kid who was considering converting.

There are about six or seven million Muslims in this country, and many or most are not Arabs. Perhaps you could find a mosque in the phone book to call to support?