izonfire wrote:Because they tolerate lactose???
Oh, and maybe something I heard earlier?
I'm not saying you're wrong for feeling the way you feel. As do you, I believe in accepting those who are different as long as they are peaceful and tolerant. However, we know that the ideal does not convert easily to reality. Look at the problems occurring in Europe. And as American idealists welcome others into the country from all areas of the world, and as diverse numbers grow, the numbers and intensities of radical behavior will grow. You worried about white nationalists???
You ain't seen nuthin' yet...
my post:
I really dislike the ruling regime in Iran, but the common citizens have seemed pro-west for several decades. They have been coming here for years contributing to childhood cancer research and other big brain stuff...but no longer is that possible. Truly a shame. These are people from a brilliant and ancient culture, not to be confused with the easy to pity (or easy to despise) rag-tag Arabs we see on the news. Islam, yes. Arab, no. ..........
not sure what thread but I do know that I often see Iranians called Arab, which they are not. Islam, yes (that is their major religion) Arab, no (cuz they aren't).
I also may have been moaning about the loss of many pro-west Iranians due to immigration stuff now , the highly trained medical and science professionals that have added a great deal to our lives as they melded seamlessly into our way of life...
I suppose the words that caught your attention were "not to be confused with the easy to pity (or easy to despise) rag-tag Arabs we see on the news..."
I am familiar with this post, but I am not in that mode now, but in my life I have referenced the Arabs we are shown in the news, often Palestinians in an uprising, or under attack from Israel, or (more often than people know) in staged events depicting injury. They always look "rag-tag" and that is intentional, but not how I see most of them. It's how the producers want us to see them.
This makes it easy for them to draw pity and world sympathy from many viewers, but also may be met with derision by others...hence despise. Seems to be an either/or reaction to the pics and videos.
And depending on who is displaying the pics, they are likely looking to arouse either pity or derision.
But I can tell you that under whatever circumstances I wrote that, I personally do not despise Arabs, nor do I pity them...and I'm also reasonably sure in my mind I was picturing Palestinians when I wrote those rag tag words, not all Arabs, and I don't hate them either.
And just as I feel about the ruling regime in Iran, I do truly dislike nearly all of the leaders/rulers of the Palestinians (Hamas et al).