When I heard about the Fort Hood shooting yesterday, I was deeply saddened for the victims and their families. When I heard that the shooter has a “Muslim-sounding” name, I was fearful for the safety of Muslim and Arab communities who are already experiencing backlash from bigots who associate this horrible situation with stereotypes of “Muslim extremist violence.”
I’ve been searching all day for the words to express my feelings about this, but Seth Wessler of Race Wire says it best:
As we respond, we must categorically resist voices of suspicion and reaction so that this tragedy does not bring more tragedy. That the shooter’s name sounds Muslim will offer those who thrive on fear an opportunity to pounce. We reject the impulse to assume that the shooter’s name means anything about his motivations, that being Muslim or being perceived as such makes someone dangerous. A hideous crime was committed. Let’s make the attacks end there.
