The Dystopian Aftershocks of 9/11

Post 9/11 Anti-Muslim Sentiment

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After the 9/11 terrorists attacks, Muslims across the United States started becoming more and more discriminated against. Thomas Perez, the assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights, said "there has been a 150 percent jump in workplace discrimination against Muslims, often over religious dress and worship schedules, while Muslim youth can often become the victims of school yard bullying.  In each city and town where I have met with Muslim leaders, I have been struck by the fear that pervades their lives"(Morgan). According to an FBI annual report, incidents of hate crimes "targeting people, institutions, and businesses identified with the Islamic faith increased from 28 in 2000 to 481 in 2001-a jump of 1,600 percent.  Events such as the terrorist attacks have really affected many aspects of life for Muslim Americans.  The lives of Muslim-Americans have taken a dystopian turn since the terrorist attacks.  More than ever, they live in a state of fear.  Muslims fear falling victim to prejudice in various ways.  Many fear the idea that they will have a harder chance earning a job just because of their faith. 

Many Americans may think that the anti-Muslim phase of America has died down but this is not the case at all. "In the last several months, anti-Muslim rhetoric has reached a disturbing new level. Prominent religious, military and even political leaders have joined the fray, feeding fear and hysteria." So it is still a problem in this nation. "We have to make sure that we don't start turning on each other," he told a news conference. "And I will do everything that I can as long as I'm president ... to remind the American people that we are one nation, under God. And we may call that God different names, but we remain one nation"(Morgan). Even though, President Obama and former President G.Bush have been good on speaking out frequently against anti-Muslim Sentiment, the stereotype of individuals of the Islamic faith will be difficult to change.