How to Stand With Those Targeted By Hate

By Martin Rafanan
September 19, 2001, Updated

Anti-bias work post 9-11, especially addressing bias, prejudice and discrimination experienced by South Asian, Muslim and Arab communities due to the September 11th attacks.

1.  Start with yourself.  Look within.  Become aware of your own anger, frustration, and bias.  Channel your emotions into constructive action to fight bigotry and promote peace, inclusion, and justice. 

As we deal with our own feelings around acts of hatred and responding to those who have suffered, we must embrace the anger in us with understanding and restraint.  If we are to act out of justice rather than revenge, we must take the time to learn who the perpetrators are, why they committed this horrific act, what our role may be in the expression of the violence, and how we can respond in a way that does not promote an ongoing spiral of hatred and violence.  Let us find ways of acting out of our commitment to peace rather than acting out of the temptation for revenge and violence.  It is more important now than ever that we look carefully at our own bias, bigotry and racism.

2.  Commit to learning more about targeted groups. 

In St. Louis, the leading organizations to consult in this process of learning are The International Institute (314.773.9090) and The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (636.394.7878).  These organizations can provide information about the history, culture, religious commitments, and challenges of targeted groups in the St. Louis Region.

3.  Identify and report hate crimes that are directed toward targeted individuals/groups or those who are perceived to come from targeted groups. 

A hate crime is any crime that is committed against an individual or group because of the individual's race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, disability, gender or sexual orientation.  Hate crimes are like terrorism.  Not only are individual victims attacked, but the victim's entire group is meant to feel intimidated and unsafe (learn about hate crimes: www.stopthehate.org or www.adl.org). Citizens should identify and report such acts of hate to the Police.  If there is actual physical violence or a crime taking place, call 911.  If one wishes to make a report of an incident that is not an emergency but requires investigation, call the non-emergency number for the police in your area (e.g., St. Louis City number is 231-1212).  Other agencies to contact include the FBI and the Justice Department. Also, check in with ADL (314.432.6868).  In St. Louis, the Muslim community has received some threatening telephone calls.  Also, The International Institute reports that Afghani refugees who are new to this community, have experienced some harassment and are feeling very vulnerable.

4.  Reach out to groups that are targeted.  Personal expressions of support and concern give comfort and confidence to groups threatened with violence.

 Contacting these groups/communities and indicating your willingness to be supportive (leaving your contact information) builds solidarity and relationship that is the basis for collaborative efforts to support these communities.  Call The International Institute (314.773.9090) or The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (636.394.7878) to voice your concern and support.

5.  Make a long-term commitment to stand with targeted groups.

Just as there must be a long-term commitment to those who have suffered personal and other kinds of loss because of this attack, our commitment to support and protect targeted communities should be intentional and long-term.

6.  Worship with targeted groups/communities in St. Louis. 

One way of expressing ally-ship is to participate in the worship services of those who feel threatened.  People from the targeted communities represent many different faiths; however, the Muslim community represents a large number of these people.  Worship within the Muslim community is open to all people.  Check with the congregations in advance to be sensitive to specific observances: The Islamic Foundation (636.394.7878) or the Masjid Al-Mu-Minun (314.531.5414).

7.  Contact public institutions and officials to encourage their continuing support for targeted groups.

The support of political and religious leaders is critical to confront inappropriate expressions of hatred and anger. We must not allow hysteria and stereotyping to pull us down into the cycle of hate perpetuated by those responsible.

8.  Speak out against bigotry and publicly stand with targeted groups. 

Express your position through letters to the editor and to other media.  Email friends, family and neighbors to encourage their participation in solidarity actions and events.  Organize meetings that inform people about the current need and provide an opportunity for identifying specific strategies in your community to protect those who are threatened.  We must summon the courage to find ways to express both our patriotism and our support and concern for people who are innocent and now face the brunt of our nation's anger and rage.  We acknowledge that the rage may be directed at us if we stand with targeted communities, especially in the face of the heightened emotionalism and the understandable desire for revenge. As allies, we need to discover ways of supporting one another as we stand with the groups who are being targeted.

9.  Make a personal connection with a person/family from a targeted group. 

Seek to provide personal support and help.  Escorting targeted people in public places or checking in with the person/family over time can help in addressing everyday physical needs as well as providing emotional support.

10.  Join organizations that are working to build inclusive community in St. Louis.

The National Conference for Community and Justice (314.241.5103), The Anti-Defamation League (314.432.6868), The International Institute (314.773.9090), The Urban League (314.615-3663), FOCUS (314.622.1250) and other organizations have been leaders in this work for many decades in this community.  In addition, new collaborations include The U.S. Attorney's Hate Crimes Task Force and The Diversity Awareness Partnership.  These organizations will play a strong role in building peace through constructive community action rather than succumbing to hatred and violence.