School Board Member Research

September 11th Aftermath

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible explores how discrimination caused hysteria during the Salem witch trials in September of 1692. The result of such discrimination was that hundreds of people were accused of witchcraft and imprisoned for months. An additional nineteen people were convicted and executed for the same accusation. Arab-Americans confronted similar hysteria following the events of September 11th, 2001; many suffered and still continue to endure discrimination and even acts of violence because Americans unjustly accused them of association with terrorist organizations.

Your task is do research with the links listed below in order to advise the principal on a course of action for the scenario in the introduction. Your topic of research is the discrimination against Arab-Americans during the aftermath of September 11th. During your research:

• Document any important information that you encounter during your research.
• Analyze the reasons for hysteria against Arab-Americans and how the United States government responded to it.
• Answer the questions listed below to help you explain this hysteria to your group members.
• Prepare to meet with your group members in order to propose an appropriate course of actions for the principal.

Questions to consider:

Why were Arab-Americans discriminated against following the terrorist attacks of September 11?

What evidence do you see of hysteria based upon discrimination?

What was the United States government’s response to hysteria against Arab-Americans? 

Was the response to hysteria against Arab-Americans appropriate?

What other occurrences of hysteria in American history is this compared to?

Student Questions Handout (PDF)

Research Links:

A History of Backlash Attacks Against Arabs and Muslims in America

http://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/usahate/usa1102-03.htm

Read about examples of backlash against Arab-Americans prior to September 11.  Note the specific historical occurrences that provoked active discrimination and how American society and the government have responded. Proceed to the next link after documenting any important information.

Testimony of Karen K. Narasaki Before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

http://www.thememoryhole.org/usccr/usccr_boundaries_justice_summ.htm

Read the section entitled “Post September 11 – Direct Consequences,” which provides examples of acts of discrimination and violence against Arab-Americans.  Consider the different ways Arab-Americans have been discriminated against in American society. Proceed to the next link after documenting any important information.

‘Raging Against the Other:’ Discrimination Against Arabs

http://www.tolerance.org/news/article_hate.jsp?id=365

Read about personal accounts of discrimination against Arab-Americans. Again, note how pervasive these acts are in various aspects of life. Proceed to the next link after documenting any important information.

Poll Finds Many Want Restrictions on Arab-Americans

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/39371_arabpoll19.shtml

Read about a national poll taken regarding the prescribed solution to combat terrorism at home.  Think about how this is indicative of the general American attitude towards other races, particularly Arab-Americans, and the implications this attitude has on policy making. Proceed to the next link after documenting any important information.

American Leaders Speak Out Against Backlash In Wake of September 11 Tragedy

http://www.aaiusa.org/PDF/Quotes.pdf

Read the responses of several American political leaders, including President George W. Bush, to the discrimination against Arab-Americans.  Relate these responses to the public response and hysteria and how appropriate they were in effecting change.