Muslim Men: Do you feel more discrimination post 9/11?

Question

My question is for muslim men (that look arab looking) from iran,iraq, eqypt, india, pakistan, etc, etc. & in appearance you sort of look like the muslim terrorists they show on TV.

Since 9/11 do you feel like people look at you in a concerned discriminatory fashion? I don't mean outright unlawful discrimination. I mean social discrimination. i.e., american women are less apt to date you, you have more difficulty making american friends, seem to have non-muslims be wary of you? Perhaps less potential in getting a job, being treated less worthy or suspicious by non-muslims in other places, from airports to doctor's office, etc. etc.

Do you feel the difference now after 9/11? Did u feel before? Now? Not before or after?

If you do, can you give some examples.

Also, have you ever considered changing your religion or facial features (plastic surgery for arab nose, making skin lighter) due to these affects? Are you ashamed to tell people you are muslim?

Answer 1

I for one don't want to be racist or discriminatory, but I don't see how you can blame a lot of Americans for feeling the way they do. Every time I have come across a Muslim person on the web, etc., i start hearing about how bad the US govt. is, George Bush is the devil, etc. but you know what? I can't control what my government does! And i think Bush is a devil myself! But all you see on TV is how we are considered infidels, how hated Americans are. And then you have people in America saying, well you should get to know a Muslim and not feel racist toward them. Easier said than done! Just watch the movie "Flight 93" and see how you feel. I know it's not right to generalize or blame all Muslims for what a few did, but I remember hearing a lot more about how America deserved what it got for supporting Israel, etc., than hearing about how sorry the Muslim communityn was for what happened. I mean they show Arab women and kids dancing for joy on TV! And i'm not supposed to think that's how all Muslims feel. If you ask me it's not Americans in general that need to change, it's the Muslim people, by showing people whom they consider "infidels" that they can live in peace with the rest of the world and that the building i happen to be in won't get blown up, or our country be nuked just because our beliefs are not the same. I'm all for peace, but i just don't see how else we were supposed to have responded.

Answer 2

Well I have relatives over here in US who've been living here for 20 years and they say right after 9/11 Muslims were attacked by outrageous activities. Some Muslims were scared and prefered to stay at home and hiding their identification. Again, some Muslims just didn't care such activities and went to everywhere if necessary, with general Islamic outfit.

Yes the scenario pretty changed after 9/11, both negatively and positively. Lots of discriminatory activities were done towards general Muslims. I noticed someday, I was going to mosque wearing my Islamic cap, and people were staring at me with different eyes. Also lots of people studied about Islam after 9/11, most of them never knew about Islam before. Converting to Islam
happened.

No I never considered changing my religion, and I won't ever. I hope no Muslims did so. And it's ridiculous to change my facial and physical outlook. No I never considered that. And I am not ashamed to assert that I am a Muslim, if asked.

Answer 3

Pre 9/11, Post 9/11, its all the same. People who want to hate will hate. Events like 9/11 just give them momentum.

Yes, they look at me in a discriminatory fashion.
I've been called 'terrorist' to my face so forget about what they say behind my back.
Yes, people are generally wary of me.
Yes, I got discriminated against when I was looking for a job.

And you know what? Those are some of the best thing that've happened to me.

Now I only know brave people, those brave enough to cross the divide to talk to me. It keeps all the shallow girls away, who judge men according to their appearance and I'm the manager of a company.

Never considered changing my religion.

Never considered changing my facial features just because some prejudiced coward of an idiot.

Never ashamed to tell people who I am. A Muslim.

now you tell me, are you really this shallow Genie_Angel?

Answer 4

I find it sad that people express discrimination and prejudice toward Muslim men (and women) and anyone who looks "Middle Eastern".

Would it be acceptable for a white man to be treated unkindly in American Muslim neighborhoods?

If only Americans would spend any time at all getting to know a fellow American (who happens to Muslim), we could begin to get past this ignorance and hate and learn to respect each other more.

We should be fighting against terrorism and injustice, not creating more of it because of false stereotypes.

peace

Answer 5

Thats obvious. We screamed against racial discrimination and aparthied for decades and now they are experts in it. Anyone with a beard and a cap is seem with suspicion and we cant blames muslims for it. If we do that - then whats the difference between us and the terrorists who ae suspicious of all americans!

Answer 6

lol, I have felt the discrimination in immigration issues more. one patient once refused to see me but my supervising physicians told her to go be seen at another clinic, otherwise i feel no different, i can not date, my religion does not allow and i am married (happily!) I would never consider converting my faith or appearance, peace to you all

Answer 7

If they do feel discrimination, they need to realize it is the fault of their own people, thats why.
All Muslims need to speak out against the terrorists. Until then, like many people, I feel they are on the side of the Muslim fanatics.

Answer 8

i don't think arab men are coward and stupid enough to do that

Answer 9

i'm not a muslim man but they should feel very discriminated against because they represent death to all americans.