Throughout America’s history, we have been known as the land of the free and the home of the brave. However, if you take a deeper look into society and its practices, that has not always been the case. The free people for the majority of our history, have been white males. And the fear of people who are a different color is not brave. Overtime, progression and change has happened, until 10 years ago.

On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by terrorists. They had hijacked airplanes and attempted to crash them into major US government headquarters. As everybody knows, the World Trait Center was hit and destroyed. The culprits of this terrorist act where the radical Islamic group called Al-Qaeda. Because of this, a very negative stigma was put towards Muslim people. From this point forward, Muslim people where treated differently. In airports, public places and even their internet privacy and their livelihoods where in jeopardy. Regardless if they were just normal, non-violent people. 99% of Muslim people are not radical terrorists. It is so important that we come to realize that. These people want to better themselves and their loved ones around them. However, we let the fear of a very small percentage of Muslim people (radical terrorists) block our minds from acknowledging this. This is our path to progress and solution.

The process of negative assumption towards Muslim people began during the Bush administration. His administration and followers where pro- America going to war, and as America had done in previous conflicts, they attack the enemy. Whether if that was literally on the battlefield or socially in society. “Patriotic” Americans began to socially attack the Muslim-Americans and other people of that culture. The Media was constantly broadcasting the War and was pointing fingers at all sorts of people. Because of this, the American people sought out vengeance towards any Muslim or Arabic person.

Evidence of this is everywhere. Whether if you read about it, hear about it, or even witness it in person. Multiple accounts and testimonies from Muslim people show you the true side of this madness. These people feel the burden of their judgment. How they hold up lines at airports and feel embarrassment and shame when they are no different than any other passenger. Or if they are called a derogatory name for wearing a hijab that is a part of their religion and the beliefs. Dalia Mogahed, a Muslim public speaker and activist, said that even her closest friends questioned her when she decided to embrace her religion and culture and start wearing a hijab. We see these head coverings here in America, and see them as something unusual and strange. However, in these Muslim countries it is a very normal and usual thing.

The solution to this is not simple. When someones mind is committed to something, it can be very hard to change. The solution is the future. The upcoming generations must be informed to the truth and the culture and heritage of this so called “enemy”. For starters, teaching Muslim culture and heritage in school systems would be a great start. Learning about the people of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran in grade school would be a huge leap forward in regards to changing the narrative. Being exposed to their music, fashion and food, even from a learning standpoint, would also be huge for progression. There is so much that us Americans do not know about this lifestyle. We learn about Asian, Indian, and Mexican cultures, learning about Middle Eastern and Muslim culture would expand the minds of the future generations.

Children learn habits at a young age. Whether if that is a good habit or a bad habit. This means bigotry, racism and negative thoughts can be implanted into someones brain at a very young age. It is time to change this. This can begin with the parents or guardians. Once we implement Muslim and Middle Eastern culture into school systems, parents will pass this knowledge to their children. With the proper education on a culture, parents will be able to address and reinforce the truth into their children. This domino effect, in my opinion, would really help the negative stigma towards Muslim people. With a positive attitude and the willingness to be better and learn, the sky is the limit. The only thing left to do is to put the words into action. Many Muslim advocates have forwarded this notion and although I am no longer apart of the public school systems, curriculum is changing.

Being open minded and accepting is so important. Understanding and being supportive others is not only good character but also humane. Nothing will change if there is negativity and hate in the world. Learning from others and being there for people no matter who they are is what will make change. Society is progressing in a positive direction, but we need to get everyone on board. It won’t be easy but we can do it. If we tell ourselves and our future generations to learn and be understanding, we will get where we want to be as a nation. The future is ours to control. It is just a matter on if we choose to do it or not to do it.

On Friday November 26th, I spoke , once again, to my friend Josh Burden. Last time we talked, he told me about the difference in lifestyles between the Philippines and America. However, this time we talked about his journey to the United States. This is important because most of us at Longwood were born and raised in the United States. However, in Josh’s case he came here and had to adapt himself to a new way of life. Having a different point of view on transitioning to American lifestyle can be very informative and intriguing. It has expanded my mind and I hope it can expand yours.

Josh’s life in the Philippines was simple and ordinary from what he remembers. His family was not poor, or having any economic struggles. He remembers life just being normal. He said he was happy and was just living like an average Filipino kid. Josh mentioned that he lived in a suburban area, but visited family members who had farms, and some who lived in the city. Josh holds his family to very high regards and misses them dearly.

Josh was 9 years old when he moved to America. Josh’s family moved to America because his mom got a job here. From how Josh remembers, it was very sudden and random. He was excited and nervous for the move. He knew he would be living in America and only returning to occasionally visit. Although he did not have much say in the decision making process, Josh was willing to take on the new life ahead of him.

Josh’s first experiences in America were hard for him. His family moved here in the early summer, so it was difficult for him to meet new friends since school had not started. He said those few months were rough for him, but he remained optimistic. Over that summer, he did learn more English and he said that really helped him when it came time to go to school. Josh loved sports and because of that used sports to make friends. Overtime, Josh found his clique of friends and began to settle in to his new way of life. Josh mentioned that he did struggle with English American subjects in the classroom. Subjects such as US history and English. Even after years of living here it still was hard for him. I believe this is because as Americans we were raised on these subjects where as a foreigner, like Josh, would definitely struggle with this.

Josh strongly felt he had adjusted to US culture. Prior to our two interviews, I had no idea he had not lived in America his whole life. Josh told me about all of his baseball friends from home and told me some of their stories. To me they sounded like a typical group of American guys that like to have fun. Josh has no regret on his life in America and has had so many great experiences. He even joked and said if I never moved to America then I never would have gotten to have Chick-fil-a. Josh got to play baseball for his high school and became a very well liked guy in his area. Currently, Josh feels good about his place at Longwood and in America. He personally doesn’t have any challenges due to his immigrant life, but rather just normal challenges any college kid would have. Although he misses his family back home, Josh has nothing but good things to say about his journey to America. Josh plans to live in America in the future, but will never hesitate to visit the Philippines if he is able to.

Hearing Josh’s stories in our past two interviews has taught me a lot. As I stated earlier, prior to our interviews, I had no idea Josh was not born and raised in America. Although he had his struggles, Josh came out on top. I think anybody can learn from this. We all may fear a new challenge or new path ahead, but if we take it on with optimism and an open mind anything is possible.