9/11 and Arab Spring: A Moment of Reconsideration

9/11 and Arab Spring – a curious relationship? Or is it, possibly, a sign that something fundamental has to change in the nature of our perception of the ‘other,' young Arabs and Muslims?

Among other incidents and conversations I had with some acquaintances and even friends here, one incident stands out. In one of my English classes I taught here at IUP, a student of mine approached and naively asked me: "do you know any Taliban [referring to an Islamist militia/terrorist group in Afghanistan]?" I answered, "no, but why do you ask?" He said, "because you're from the Middle East."

This is just one aspect of post-9/11 – associating all young Arabs not only with violence and aggression, but also with terrorist groups who know no religion or no nationality when it comes to killing. It is sad how some people come to this conclusion but I sometimes understand (but I don't justify) how some people here come to this reduced image as they are constantly bombarded with so many distorted images about Muslims, Islam and young Arab people.

However, I think this distorted image, hopefully, is diminishing at the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Why? Arab Spring.

Arab Spring, Arab youth revolutions erupting in the Arab world, has been the most transforming revolution in history. It has been a factor in the Arab region since December 18, 2010, when the brave Tunisians rebelled against and toppled their dictator, peacefully. This wave of demonstrations, protests and revolutions, sweeping the Middle East and North Africa, not only has impressed and even inspired the world, but also unmasked so many stereotypical images about young Arabs and Muslims, promoted and depicted in the mainstream media and politics.

Thousands of protestors have brutally been arrested, tortured, murdered and mutilated by their brutal and oppressive regimes which, ironically, were part of global ‘war on terror.' Yes, these young Arabs, once accused of being violent, aggressive and terrorists, are peacefully demonstrating against their oppressive regimes, facing tear gas, riot police electric batons and bullets and live ammunition with bare chests and olive branches.

Moreover, the revolutions reveal another history, buried in the mainstream discourse, that most young Arabs experience every day. It is a history of humiliation and marginalization. This kind of humiliation and marginalization is exacerbated as a consequence of dictatorship, human rights violations, corruption, unemployment, extreme poverty, uneven geographical development, failed development projects, social and economic injustice, unequal economic globalization and deep class divisions. All of these systemic and daily practices are officially sponsored and, sadly, are known to the international 
community, which keeps pumping Arab dictators with funds and aid, which go to the coffers of such dictators and the ultra rich.

Finally, yes, 9/11 was horrible at all levels as horrendous atrocities committed against innocent humans who had nothing to do with global politics, but let's have a moment to think over our perceptions – manufactured by the mainstream media and politics – of other people who have nothing to do with such brutal acts and who prove violence is neither inherent in their culture nor part of their identity.

Let's look for another history that is being written nowadays by real young Arab people who peacefully fight to lead a decent and economically and socially healthy life once their dictators are toppled.