Dealing with Post-Attack Prejudice

Dealing with Post-Attack Prejudice

To the editors:

In Ethnic, Religious Groups Take Security Precautions (News, Sept. 18), The Crimson attributed to us the statement that some South Asians, worried that their similar appearance might lead some of them to be mistaken for Muslims, have made a point of saying they are not Muslimshoping that will protect them from retaliation. We want to clarify our position on this issue.

We do not consider attacks on Muslims understandablein fact, that is completely against everything we stand for. Attacks on non-Muslim South Asians are just as despicable and heinous as attacks on Muslims. Our attitude has never been, Do not hurt uswere not Muslim. Go hurt the Muslims instead. There is no justification for hate-driven violence.

Although some may have chosen to attempt it, the comment should not be taken to suggest that non-Muslim South Asians should or can avoid persecution by affirming that they are not Muslim. The perpetrators of the recent hate-crimes are not looking for Muslims, but for anyone that has brown skin. Whether South Asians are Muslims or not, our community is in danger.

Additionally, many South Asians in our community belong to the Islamic faith, as Pakistan and Bangladesh, both part of South Asia, are predominately Muslim. We have great respect for all members of our community and offer our full support to all those feeling threatened. At no point should we ever try to escape retaliation by distancing ourselves from fellow South Asians. Although there are many religions in South Asia, we are one community and will proudly stand beside our Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jewish and Parsi brothers and sisters in this time of concern.

Sandeep C. Kulkarni 04

Shaline D. Rao 03

Sept. 18, 2001

The writers are the presidents of the Harvard South Asian Association.