The Teach-In session, “When Terrorism Comes Home”, was held in the East Ballroom of the Ohio Union last night to discuss issues and concerns associated with the last week’s attack and its aftermath.
The general discussion included many viewpoints, political perspectives and various religious perspectives on how to mitigate the conflict on a daily basis.
“We try to provide different bases on which to think about,” said Margaret Mills, chair of the OSU Near East Languages and Cultures Department.
Professor Mills moderated the general discussion with welcoming remarks made by OSU Provost Ed Ray. Panelists included Professor Donald Sylvan from the political science Department at OSU, Dr. Ahmad al-Akhras, president of the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Professor Linda Mercadante from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Dr. Rabbi Howard Apothaker of Temple Beth Shalom, and Nancy Rogers, Dean of Moritz College of Law at OSU.
In his speech, Sylvan said hatred toward the United States in some communities arose from the fear that the United States might have too strong an influence on their own countries and cultures. The United States is seen as a leader of the world and some countries are very unhappy to follow the United States, he said. The attack has brought many political concerns to the public, but it is desirable that people do not make one simple judgment in this complex situation where there are so many emotions, he said.
“I ask you to learn more and not make one simple answer,” Sylvan said when closing his speech.
Problems might arise with so much emotions in the United States, al-Akhras said.
“Some people may use their emotions to bring a backlash to some ethnics,” said al-Akhras. “Specifically, Muslims and Arabics.”
The stereotyped portrayal of these groups might bring some misunderstanding to the public, al-Akhras said. People should be aware to not stereotype these groups.
Mercadante addressed the same concern from a Christian perspective warning against the justification of violence and discussed several Christian principles. Scapegoating is a human temptation but Christianity offers peace making and non-violence, she said.
A general discussion followed concerning Muslim perspectives and the concepts of Islam.
“I personally think the solidarity of American people is wonderful, but the problem is not only for America.” Mills said. “It is a problem for the world.”
