As the country recovers from the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Arabs and Muslims at Dartmouth are adjusting to their role in a wounded and vengeful nation.
While most Arab and Muslim students do not seem to feel hesitant or uncomfortable with discussing the terrorist attacks, some did say that they feel more cautious when speaking with non-Muslims than when speaking with Muslims.
As Yousef Haque '02 said, "Non-Muslims may not have as broad a perspective in this matter, partially because of media stereotypes. American media chooses not to give as broad and deep an analysis as, for instance, European media. I definitely welcome the opportunity to communicate with non-Muslims to diffuse such stereotypes."
Many members of the Arab and Muslim communities at the College have found themselves to be the target of prejudice elsewhere. Mohamad Bydon '02 was on his way back to the United States from his native country of Lebanon when the pilot of his airplane refused to fly him home.
Bydon has also come to accept the fact that his luggage will always be subjected to "random" checks at airports, even when other luggage is not.
Aly Rahim '02, who is the Vice-President of Academic Affairs for Student Assembly, said that "although the attack hasn't shattered my sense of identity, it has led to others challenging my identity. People find it contradictory that I can be a North American as well as Muslim."
Rahim also related an incident that occurred when he was crossing the Canada-United States border to return to Dartmouth. An official checked his car, and upon finding a traditional South Asian item, asked Rahim what religion he practiced. Rahim truthfully answered the question, but said the encounter made him nervous and frightened.
Another student complained that he was being targeted for racial profiling when he was in New York City following the attacks. People on the street often approached him and asked him if he was an Arab.
Most Arab and Muslim students have not become dissatisfied with the United States, although many are frustrated by American preoccupation with military retaliation. Many feel that the country must first understand why this attack occurred before it can effectively deal with the aftermath.
Bydon feels that one thing that the United States must do to prevent future terrorist attacks is to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. "Palestinians need a state of their own, and Jerusalem is a unifying issue for Muslims," says Bydon.
One issue on which many Arab and Muslim students agree is the College's handling of the crisis. Most are pleased with the administration's efforts to encourage discussion and to offer support to those who need it.
"The College has begun to become more aware. Dean Larimore was at the Milan meeting and he did a good job of lending support and addressing the concerns of the South Asian community" said Imran Sharih '04.
Some students feel, however, that the highest ranks of the College administration have been slow to show support. Rahim was disappointed that President Wright did not explicitly reach out to students who may be affected by the backlash of this tragedy.
Other students are encouraged that cultural and religious organizations, such as Al-Nur and Milan, are helping their members by holding discussions and meetings that focus on the tragedy.
Overall, the Dartmouth community receives high ratings from Arab and Muslim students. There is an apparent consensus that students are too enlightened to think that the actions of a few represent the entire Arab and Muslim communities.