What I learned from Theo

Submitted by Nadia (United States), Jul 6, 2005 at 23:08

I had never understood the hatred and the racism that people feel for others just because of the origin of their parents or the way they choose to believe in God or whatever higher being one might believe in. Even after 9/11 when people who I had seen with my very eyes walk pass my parents' store and wave or nod their heads were now throwing eggs and calling with death threats, I didn't understand. I thought, wow, those people are very confused, ignorant, maybe even mistaken. I didn't understand them, but I didn't hate them either.

After watching Theo Van Gogh's short film, which was a horribly poor portrayal of the Islamic faith, I honestly learned how it felt to hate someone for something they believe. I am very saddened to say that he had it coming. This film was not an artistic view of Islam. It was a biased, extremely racist, load of propaganda. It's main purpose not to artistically express anything close to factual about a faith that many believe in. It's main purpose was to give Theo Van Gough publicity and to fuel the hatred against innocent Muslims living throughout the world.

To be honest with you, killing is not the answer to problems like Theo Van Gogh, but I can't say that a big part of me doesn't feel he deserved it. Just like those at Guantanamo Bay that flushed the Koran... why would anyone do that. I would never in a million years even have the thought of flushing anyone elses holy book, not the bible, not the torah, not the koran. I still wouldn't.

The only way that people can coexist in this world without this much hatred is to live and let live. People need to learn how to respect each other and their beliefs. We all know that unfortunetly, the world doesn't look like its going to change for the better.... all I can say is God bless us all.

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