I am in disbelief.

[lightningandsnow]

I cannot believe how ignorant people can be.

I was at my parents' friends' house today, and another family friend was there.

She went on this tirade about how much she hates arabs/muslims.

But that isn't all.

She then said, "I'd kick them out of the country if I could."

I didn't know whether to burst out crying, or throw things at her. I did neither, of course... I should have done something, though.

One of my childhood best friends was muslim... another one of my good friends from camp is also muslim, and she lives in Kuwait. She's one of the sweetest people I know, and I miss her a lot.

Stuff like this doesn't occur to me when I interact with people. To me, people are just people and should be taken at face value.

Today, I realized that not everyone thinks that way...

[Fire Walk With Me]

1. I've met a few Iranian folks throughout my life

and they've all be really nice people, belonging to very diverse groups of folks. Far from what the MSM have wanted us to believe for decades.

Most folks just want to be left alone to live their lives. Only a few want to control everyone else, and they give a bad name to their peers. Only the small-minded believe such (absolute) stereotypes.

[Arugula Latte]

3. One reason I'm a liberal is a friend from jr. high (we're still friends)

She is Iranian, and from a very nice, intelligent family. We were 13 during the hostage crisis. I had no background on the Shah, Savak, etc. I just assumed they hated Americans for no reason. Well, Lily filled me in. I realized at an early age that 1) there was a reason for animosity towards the CIA and the U.S. and 2) the media wasn't telling the whole story. Then that a-hole Reagan was elected, and that confirmed my status as a liberal.

[CGowen]

2. MSM brainwashing works, imagine being in Germany in the 30's without internet n/t

[alarimer]

4. One of my best friends in middle school was Iranian

Well he mother was Iranian (someone of the Bahai faith too, which I guess is a minority there). He dad was British and worked for Pepsi. They were rich- for my friend's birthday party she choose two friends (I was one) to stay at some swanky hotel in San Juan, PR (where we lived at the time) and spend a couple of days. They paid for everything. They were very nice people. This was probably 1979 or 1980.

[undeterred]

5. Someday she will be put in a situation

where she will realize that she is wrong, at least I hope so.

[lightningandsnow]

6. She's, like, 60 years old.

I don't see it happening anytime soon.

[PassingFair]

8. You can't let people slide on those kinds of statements.

You should have told her that it was EXACTLY that kind
of mentality that allowed the German people to allow
and to participate in the horror of the Holocaust.

The dehumanization of an entire group of people is
simply NOT allowed to be expressed around me.

Except for Republicans who vote for Bushes.

:evilgrin:

[rurallib]

14. hope she doesn't have an arabic doctor in a crisis.

[driver8]

7. I used to work in Westwood (Los Angeles) which is called "Little Tehran".

I met many Iranians (or Persians, which is what they prefer to be called). They are very nice and very hard working people just trying to make it in this country like everyone else.

Also, Persian food is some of my favorite!!

I'm sorry your friend upset you. There are a lot of people who share her feelings, unfortunately.

[ChoralScholar]

9. Wouldn't even dignify it....

I'd say, in a calm, even tone... "Well, that's about the stupidest damn thing I've ever heard anyone say." And then walk away and go about your business....

When you don't let it affect you, the effect of their idiotic words are minimized.

[madeline_con]

10. I try not to let stuff like that slide.

There are appropriate places, though. I don't get too involved in setting people straight at work, except to say my son is Muslim, went to Arabic-speaking Muslim schools and is a great guy.

Maybe if you'd said, "The Muslims I know are really nice people," it would gently make the lady realize she's being hateful for no good reason, without offending the host/hostess by having an argument in their home. :shrug:

[Xipe Totec]

11. Let me share something with you

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4022469&mesg_id=4022562

[HEyHEY]

12. MAKE FUN OF THEM

I've found the best way to deal with it, is to make jokes at their expense. You know, nothing aggresive they can get upset about. But, just kinda goad them on and make them look foolish while doing it in a playful way.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

13. Ask her if she'd kick Casey Kasem out of America.

Or Muhammad Ali, Tony Shalhoub or any other of the famous Arabs and/or Muslims in this country.

[HEyHEY]

15. How about just Casey Kassem?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

16. Heh.

[Ellen Forradalom]

17. Here's a fellow

who is a certified interpreter with the US Department of State and the US Courts. We desperately need competent, faithful people like him. Should he be kicked out?

http://home.att.net/~aismail/index.htm

[Cabcere]

18. Sometimes, people are just fricking stupid.

:crazy: :grr: :banghead:

:hug: to you for having to deal w/this shit...I live in a highly conservative area so I've been in similar situations, and it's not fun. x( Peace.

[UndertheOcean]

19. sorry you had to deal with such a bigot

those people make my blood boil and raise my blood pressure

[Midlodemocrat]

20. Discontinue use of happy fun ball if

blah, blah, blah.

[Deep13]

21. Were you talking to my Mom?

:shrug: