How the Post Treatment of Muslims is a Witch Hunt

Studies show every one in twenty-five defendants who are sentenced to death in the United States are later found innocent (Gross). Many people are wrongfully accused. Throughout history, groups of people are targeted with inaccurate information and are accused of crimes they did not commit. This is called a witch hunt. After 9/11, Muslims lives are a constant witch hunt in the United States. Muslims experience hate crimes, public humiliation, and constant investigation after the 9/11 attacks.

        Muslims have, and still, experience hate crimes from other religions and ethnicities. On September 19, 2008, two non-Muslim Americans were arrested for repeatedly vandalizing and damaging cars parked outside of a Muslims house. They broke windows, windshields, and the metal bodies of the cars (US Newswire). Also, in January 2017, another hate crime was committed. A man was arrested for robbing a mosque, the house of worship for Muslims, and setting it on fire. One of the members of the mosque, Abe Ajrami said, I hope people understand that this is not something we watch on TV or read in the newspaper. This is something we live daily (Suhay). Statistics show, in 2000, before 9/11, there were twelve reported assaults against Muslims in America. In the year 2016, post 9/11, there were 127 (Kishi). Muslims do not deserve all the hate they receive.

        Not only do Muslims experience hate crimes, but they also deal with public humiliation. In a Chicago grocery store in 2009, a white woman pulled down a Muslim woman's hijab (headscarf) and muttered something about the shootings in Texas, assuming her religion had something to do with them. Another incident is a Muslim was harassed by a security guard in a bank in Illinois. Muslims also have special screenings in airports and are checked more closely. Also, during the 2008 presidential elections, Americans were uneasy when they heard Barack Obama could have been Muslim, showing how prejudice Americans are towards them (Williams). Public humiliation shouldn't be a struggle for Muslims in their own country.

        Another way Muslims lives are a witch hunt, is their lives are constantly investigated. The NYPD spied on Muslims in New York, and throughout surrounding schools, colleges, and communities after 9/11. Also, in New Jersey, the NYPD visited mosques, schools, and Muslim owned restaurants and shops, collecting information. The NYPD took pictures and videos of the Muslims everyday lives, making sure they were not doing anything suspicious (CNN Wire). Throughout the United States, Muslims fear their sermons and discussions at mosques are monitored and surveillance (Williams). Overall, Muslims have to live in fear from the constant investigation.

        In conclusion, post 9/11 treatment of Muslims is a witch hunt because of hate crimes, public humiliation, and constant investigation throughout their lives. The Muslims are presumed guilty for things they did not do and could not control. There have been many witch hunts throughout the world over many decades including the Holocaust, the Salem witch hunt, and McCarthyism. Could there be more in the future?

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