"Once an Enemy, Always an Enemy"

The reading Hanaan's House from Women's Lives presented a real world, current example of racial inequality and bias in the United States. The story that the author tells is one that has most likely played out in many households and neighborhoods. The rift that still exists in our country not only on an ethnic and racial background, but also religious background is the plague of our generation. Finger pointing and irrational behavior have caused tremendous difficulties within our society. The constant stream of hate and superiority that exists makes it impossible for change to happen. Within the story, the author brings up many instances of racial oppression that she has run into, and the most heart wrenching and difficult are within her personal relationships; such as a little girl letting her know that they would always be enemies because of their backgrounds. People scream for equality and justice for all, while within our homes and our neighbor's homes, barbaric statements are made, with the most recent victims being those of Middle Eastern descent. New racist jargon has been thrown into our vocabulary, replacing the old with new (with towel head being a colorful example). People point their finger at all Muslim, or even Middle-Eastern looking, people; when in reality terrorism cannot be blamed on one race or religion; it is a problem that stems from centuries of feuding and hatred. Now, a world is created where a little girl knows that you will always be enemies because of were you both come from. Racism and militarism seem to be walking down the road hand in hand; we interfered with Iraq because of the link that Saddam Hussein had with the attacks of 9/11; or that he had WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. In reality, neither of these existed. Iraqis fit the stereotypical "description" of what a terrorist is; and while it is not the only reason, racism towards those of Middle Eastern descent is a definite factor. Personally, I am pretty pacifistic, I find this war completely useless and mainly a tool to spread old-world like imperialism in a new world, only this time with bigger guns.