So called racism in the US Army

Submitted by Shishir (United Arab Emirates), Aug 1, 2011 at 07:33

I dont doubt that Abdo was mocked for being a Muslim in the military but he has to put it into context. I never served but had many friends and know a lot of people in the U.S Armed Forces.

One thing you should realize that racial,ethnic and religious slurs are commonplace. Such insults are not personal but part of a tradition to break down your individuality and enhance camaraderie.

White soldiers are referred to as "peckerwood, honkies and rednecks," blacks are called "niggers, Mugabe and Idi Amin." Hispanics (mostly Mexican and Puerto Rican) as "wetbacks, spics, Pancho Villas." Arabs/Muslim (they don't differentiate) as "raghead, sandniggers, camel jockeys," and Jews are called "kikes, yids and Hebes," etc,etc.

As for Muslims, it may be harsher but well that's the Army way. I knew one Special Forces Arab American Muslim guy who everyone referred to as "Osama" though that wasn't his name. He took it all in stride as he understood the context - something that Abdo failed to do so, probably due to over sensitivity (typical of extremist Muslim and of those with a damaged family background). Or perhaps he calculated that his victimhood would translate well for the media.

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