Sticks and stones will break your bones…

Sticks and stones will break your bones…
Amy Owen
Sticks and stones will break your bones, but appearances can take away your rights. This statement proves to be true not only in American, but also in Palestine. In Palestine Steve Centanni was captured by Holy Jihad Brigades. Steve’s wife understands that the people holding him have endured great suffering, but she feels that because her husband is American they think he has created the injustices that they face (Fairfax New Zealand Limited). Another instance (not as extreme) happened here in America. Mr. Walia was walking down the road wearing a turban, when a car full of guys pulled in front of him and began yelling out slurs at him. His fear forced him to call the police. Once the men realized what he was doing they fled, but Mr. Walia felt that the police did not handle the situation fairly either. They only told him to leave the area, while not asking for any details of the previous situation. Mr. Walia feels that this is not a secluded situation, but something that faces other Sikhs in the community (Harold).
Even thought the second case was not as extreme as the first we can still recognize the fact that both of the men’s right to not feel threatened was taken based on physical appearance and the assumption people have about those appearances. I know here in America fear of another attack is fresh in our minds, but as global citizens we need to remember that human rights are not American rights. When we see people like Steve threatened we want to stand up and say no that unfair. Hate America’s politics but don’t hate us. But we are quick to say that a man wearing a turban is a terrorist. Mr. Walia is not a terrorist and he isn’t violent. He wears a turban because he feels his hair is sacred (Harold). It is not worn out of hate, but love of his faith.
"Fairfax New Zealand Limited." McNaught presses for husband's release 25/Aug/2006 1-2. 25/Aug/2006 <http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/print/0,1478,3775843a10,00.html>.
Harold, John. "Auckland:Local News-Story." Sikhs face race hate 23/Aug/2006 25/Aug/2006 <http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/0,2106,3773967a6497,00.html>.