LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to editor@themanitoban.com or drop them off at 105 University Centre.

We are not all terrorists

I am a third-generation Muslim Canadian of Middle Eastern decent, finishing my bachelor of nursing degree. During my training, I’ve encountered a co-worker and a patient implying that I am somehow affiliated with “those terrorists,” based entirely on my appearance. Stereotyping of Muslims worldwide has heightened. I believe it’s human nature to utter these racist comments, especially when the media is bombarding the headlines with the “t” word connected to Islam. So, what is terrorism, and who are terrorists? Is the Oklahoma bombing not an act of terrorism? How about the recent killing of the innocent Amish girls? I believe the media need to revisit these definitions and provide the public with an accurate description not based solely on race and religion.

Historically speaking, there is an element of extremism that represents a small percentage of people, so why treat me with less respect based on my appearance and religion? Respect, not tolerance, of all people and beliefs needs to be promoted. My experience has made me aware of society’s need to respect an individual and all of humanity without preconceived judgments. Respect me for who I am and I’ll respect you.

Nadia Abas is a fourth-year nursing student at the University of Manitoba.

Support the troops who refuse to fight?

I’m writing this in response to the article written by Matthew Nightingale (18/10/2006). There are several problems with his article that I feel need to be addressed. The first problem is the title itself. The title would have you believe that the article is about Canadian troops who are refusing to be deployed to Afghanistan. However, Nightingale does not mention any such troops until his last lines where he states, “We must support the troops… who refuse to fight.” What troops? Who’s refusing to fight? This article is really about the constitution of Afghanistan.

Nightingale claims that the Afghan government and constitution oppress women, forbids religious freedom, and does not allow for freedom of the press. Nightingale then states that “Considering the conditions they [The Canadian Forces] impose on the Afghan people, it is no wonder they are under attack.” That’s funny; because whenever I hear of an attack on Canadian or other coalition troops in Afghanistan, the Taliban always seem to take credit. I have yet to turn on the CBC and hear that the Afghan Women’s Movement, or the Afghan free press, fired mortars and RPGs at a convey today in Kandahar. Although I agree that the Afghan government and constitution are not ideal, saying that they are the same as the previous Taliban government is a bit of a stretch.

The Afghan government was democratically elected, and its constitution was adopted with help from the UN. Nightingale says that although he doesn’t want Canadians to die in Afghanistan, he sides with “the people of Afghanistan and their right to defend themselves from such imposition.” Remember that they imposed this on themselves – they elected it.

Andrei Roberge
Third- year political science student

Progressive community cannot be polarized

I am writing in reply to Andrew Dawson’s (Oct 18) letter to the editor, he wonders what I intend to achieve. I intended my comment article “Orientation week revelers boo radical cheerleaders” to expose the homophobic attitudes of people at the University of Manitoba. Homophobia is a serious problem that demands systemic change. It is not unique to the students; it is shared by the administration.

With this letter, I only intend to clarify that I call on the people within the administration to take action to provide mandatory queer-positive, feminist and anti-racist classes on inclusion and equality in all undergraduate programs. I hope all U of M students will realize that this call is conscientious. Furthermore, I have no fear of “polarizing the progressive community” as we are diverse in any case.

Timothy Schwinghamer
Second-year, M.Sc. student, department of plant science





Volume 94 Issue 10	The Official University of Manitoba Students' Newspaper Website	October 25, 2006

Home About Us Advertise Contact Staff Current Issue PDF Employment Letters to the Editor Meet the Staff Online Archives Personals Volunteer	Font Size Respond Email Print-Friendly LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to editor@themanitoban.com or drop them off at 105 University Centre. We are not all terrorists I am a third-generation Muslim Canadian of Middle Eastern decent, finishing my bachelor of nursing degree. During my training, I’ve encountered a co-worker and a patient implying that I am somehow affiliated with “those terrorists,” based entirely on my appearance. Stereotyping of Muslims worldwide has heightened. I believe it’s human nature to utter these racist comments, especially when the media is bombarding the headlines with the “t” word connected to Islam. So, what is terrorism, and who are terrorists? Is the Oklahoma bombing not an act of terrorism? How about the recent killing of the innocent Amish girls? I believe the media need to revisit these definitions and provide the public with an accurate description not based solely on race and religion. Historically speaking, there is an element of extremism that represents a small percentage of people, so why treat me with less respect based on my appearance and religion? Respect, not tolerance, of all people and beliefs needs to be promoted. My experience has made me aware of society’s need to respect an individual and all of humanity without preconceived judgments. Respect me for who I am and I’ll respect you. Nadia Abas is a fourth-year nursing student at the University of Manitoba. Support the troops who refuse to fight? I’m writing this in response to the article written by Matthew Nightingale (18/10/2006). There are several problems with his article that I feel need to be addressed. The first problem is the title itself. The title would have you believe that the article is about Canadian troops who are refusing to be deployed to Afghanistan. However, Nightingale does not mention any such troops until his last lines where he states, “We must support the troops… who refuse to fight.” What troops? Who’s refusing to fight? This article is really about the constitution of Afghanistan. Nightingale claims that the Afghan government and constitution oppress women, forbids religious freedom, and does not allow for freedom of the press. Nightingale then states that “Considering the conditions they [The Canadian Forces] impose on the Afghan people, it is no wonder they are under attack.” That’s funny; because whenever I hear of an attack on Canadian or other coalition troops in Afghanistan, the Taliban always seem to take credit. I have yet to turn on the CBC and hear that the Afghan Women’s Movement, or the Afghan free press, fired mortars and RPGs at a convey today in Kandahar. Although I agree that the Afghan government and constitution are not ideal, saying that they are the same as the previous Taliban government is a bit of a stretch. The Afghan government was democratically elected, and its constitution was adopted with help from the UN. Nightingale says that although he doesn’t want Canadians to die in Afghanistan, he sides with “the people of Afghanistan and their right to defend themselves from such imposition.” Remember that they imposed this on themselves – they elected it. Andrei Roberge Third- year political science student Progressive community cannot be polarized I am writing in reply to Andrew Dawson’s (Oct 18) letter to the editor, he wonders what I intend to achieve. I intended my comment article “Orientation week revelers boo radical cheerleaders” to expose the homophobic attitudes of people at the University of Manitoba. Homophobia is a serious problem that demands systemic change. It is not unique to the students; it is shared by the administration. With this letter, I only intend to clarify that I call on the people within the administration to take action to provide mandatory queer-positive, feminist and anti-racist classes on inclusion and equality in all undergraduate programs. I hope all U of M students will realize that this call is conscientious. Furthermore, I have no fear of “polarizing the progressive community” as we are diverse in any case. Timothy Schwinghamer Second-year, M.Sc. student, department of plant science


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