I Am Not a Terrorist.

• Author: ZAWAHRI, MALAK
• Position: A Jordanian-American describes the hostility and suspicion she often encounters - Brief Article

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

"American Ship Bombed in Yemen." The headline blazed across the morning newspapers of October 13. When I saw it, I immediately knew they would be looking for the Arab responsible. Although there was no direct evidence yet, the newscasters were already assuming it was the work of Islamic terrorist groups. Of course I felt terrible for the loss of American lives and, like most people, detest the violence that caused it. But I knew that once again I would have to defend my heritage and the Arab name.

All too often when there is some kind of terrorist attack, Americans automatically assume it is an Arab. When the Oklahoma federal building was bombed in 1995, the authorities interrogated a Jordanian-American for nine hours before finding out that an American was responsible.

As a Jordanian-American, I have often felt the effects of these stereotypes. Most teenagers I know, when asked about Arabs, say: "Arabs? Oh, you mean like that Saddam Hussein guy? Don't they all bomb planes and buildings? Don't all the women have to be covered from head to toe?"

Not only do I still hear this in my senior year of high school--you'd think by this age, people would be better educated --but I even heard a teacher say, "All Arabic culture is is just riding camels." Not only is this hurtful, but it's untrue. Arab culture has given the world algebra, science, and astronomy. Without all the "camel riding" we do, people like my teacher would not have math or science to teach.

Also, not all Arabs are Muslims. Being Arab is an ethnic thing, not religious. In...