Re: A great sorrow

From: Rhonda McDonnell (rhonda_mcdonnell@HOTMAIL.COM)
Date: Wed Sep 12 2001 - 00:57:04 EDT


I certainly see your points, Tim, but to think that other countries might
not be watching our reaction is simply wrong. Whether they take us seriously
is less the question than whether our rhetoric defines who we are as a
country. Friends and acquaintances from other countries have let me know
that they do evaluate us by the media we send out, from Baywatch to CNN. As
far as racism, I suppose we've become so used to equating Middle Easterner
and Muslim to terrorist that the frequent blending of terms and even, by
some interviewees, synonymous use of the terms escapes the notice of many.
I realize it's difficult ground to tread, but we must remember the power
language has a weild it judiciously.

You're right about Bin Laden's track record. I'm not disputing that. Nor am
I disputing that he's the number one suspect. But if we're wrong, as we were
in OK City, then we've intensified animosity on the part of not just fringe
Muslim groups, but the moderates as well, by our thinly disguised
accusations. Face it--we want it to be Bin Laden so that we know who the
enemy is. But he isn't the only one who sees us as the enemy. I wonder what
the effect might be if all broadcasts ceased for a while while the
journalists did the job of real journalism--gathering facts and reporting on
them rather than packaging sensationalized footage in order to gain views.

In any case, I certainly don't have any answers. Maybe my frustration is
nothing more than blaming the messenger. Maybe I wish there were something
more I could do, and when there isn't, when I can't move rubble or comfort
victims, my look for a problem I can solve.

Oh, and a side note to Jim Piat--Your words gave me comfort, so, on my part,
thanks again. So often you are a voice of compassion here.

Rhonda

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