Editorials Regarding the Backlash, Scapegoating: Immediate Responses (Sept 13-16)

September 15, 2001

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On September 15, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle ran the editorial "Scapegoating our own." This editorial noted, "America's reaction to this week's terrorist attacks was wrapped in grief, anger and determination. One aspect it must not include is any scapegoating of loyal Arab Americans and Muslims living in this country. Already the country has felt this ignorant rage on the rise. Shattered windows of Middle Eastern businesses, hate messages on the Internet and vandalism of mosques are examples across the nation. There are reports of beatings and death threats from campuses to convenience stores... Finding and punishing those responsible for the attacks will be hard enough. But a witch hunt aimed at Middle Easterners undercuts the cause. Americans are anguished by Tuesday's attack, but such feelings can't be an excuse to forget this country's core beliefs in equality, fairness and demonstrated loyalty."