The tragedy of 9/11 has become a movement rather than a memorial day. The attacks galvanized the world opinion in favor of the United States and condemned the perpetrators. However, some Americans wanted to own the tragedy and not let others grieve. This over-reaction alienated a large section of people, specially the minorities and the immigrant population. In 2001, the shock and emotions were understandable and the non-Americans got out of the way and at times bore the brunt of the American anger. It has been seven years since that tragic day but some ‘White Americans’ are not ready to let go. The hyper-emotions now on display are making a lot of people uncomfortable. Americans have taken their revenge on the vast populations of Iraq and Afghanistan. Tens of thousands have been slaughtered but the carnage goes on. The United States has to stop at some point of time and start the reconciliation process. This kind of display of outrage every year is not helpful and institutionalizes hatred. World has lived through greater tragedies! It is time to move on.
More than 90 countries lost citizens in the attacks on the World Trade Center. But their families have not been given space to mourn their dead. Instead, you see a certain group of ‘White Americans’ who have dominated the air-waves (specially middle class white women) since then and wouldn’t let go. There is certain amount of ‘Jingoism’ involved here and the politicians are ready to cash on those sentiments. Even the blacks who lost their loved ones barely get any mention. This whole episode is taking the form of an ‘Islamic Victimhood’ and is not good for a secular society like America. Today, all presidential candidates have to publicly show their patriotism which should be measurable. It’s like the more hot-dogs you eat, greater is your patriotism and of course you have to prominently display your flag-pin. The whole thing is so bizarre, it must be stopped before it gets out of hand. A good sensible American like Senator John McCain has also joined the race and does not miss an opportunity to display his patriotism. Winning an election at the cost of governance is not an appealing prospect. Should Senator McCain win the election, how does he plan to govern with a solid Democratic Majority in Congress?
Barack Obama appears so far removed from all this ‘American Nationalism’ that yesterday when he visited the ‘Ground Zero’ in Manhattan, New York, he looked like a foriegner rather than a participant. Is it really his fault? In such atmosphere, there is no space for any ethnicity forget about a black leadership! For the last 20 years we have watched two Americas living apart in two different neighborhood, unaware of the sensibilities of each other. So much so that it is easier for a Bobby Jindal (Indian descent) to be elected a Governor of a Southern State (Lousiana) rather than a Barack Obama (African descent), aspiring to be a president of the United State of America.
Filed under: American Tagged: | Afghanistan, American Nationalism, Ground Zero, Iraq, Islamic Victimhood, Jingoism, Manhattan New York, Memorial Day, Middle-class White-women, Senator John McCain, The tragedy of 9/11, United States, White Americans, World Trade Center
