Confronting prejudice: Orthy’s wide world of profiling

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My friend Orthy came to me with a quandary. He was completely bewildered by a headline he found online in the World Tribune: “Al Qaida recruited from social networks, not mosques“.

Clearly flustered, he was convinced it must have been a typo as it went against everything he was led to believe. He then boldly blurted, “While every mosque is certainly not a recruiting ground for would-be terrorists, it is a bit more likely to cultivate one than say, I don’t know, the American Legion? If the profile fits, then profile, profile, profile.”

I recall an article in the Wall Street Journal (“Making Muslims Part of the Solution” by George Melloan, March 29, 2005), which stated:

“…the danger inherent in an accusatory approach to anyone of any race, creed or color is that the victim will conclude that the society he is a part of is treating him unfairly. That stirs resentment, alienation and, possibly, antisocial conduct, a polite term that encompasses lawbreaking. When an entire ethnic or religious group becomes alienated, trouble ensues.”

But I take a different approach. “Profile away,” I dared Orthy. “But first, tell me where and how do you want to start your profile � based on looks, religion, country of origin, occupation, family name?”

I told him, let’s assume a terrorist looks like a typical Hollywood terrorist – beard, robe, turban, dark hair and eyes – the works. The 9/11 guys were clean-shaven and wore business casual. Turbans? Those are mostly worn by Sikhs, who are both non-Arab and non-Muslim. Dark hair and eyes? Muslims from Bosnia, Sweden, and (gasp) even America, have blonde hair and blue eyes.

Let’s assume a terrorist is a Muslim. Well, 40% of American Muslims are black. You gonna tell Al Sharpton we’re targeting blacks as potential terrorists? Good luck, pal.

Let’s assume a terrorist is from Pakistan or Afghanistan. Well, Mr. I-can-spot-a-terrorist-a-mile-away, pardon my stereotypes, but can you tell me the difference in looks between someone from Pakistan and someone from India? Or, for that matter, Mexico? Are you going to stake out every 7-11 or taxi cab or doctor’s office?

Let’s assume a terrorist is an Arab. Last time I checked, most Arabs in this country are Christian. Just ask Danny Thomas, Doug Flutie, Ralph Nader, Spencer Abraham, Paul Anka, John Sununu, etc.

Let’s assume a terrorist has a Muslim-sounding name. Muhammad Ali? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Hakim Olajuwan? Barack Obama? Paula Abdul? Golly, that would explain a lot to Simon Cowell.

Let’s assume a terrorist goes to the mosque. Now, I’ve gone to mosques and have been active in the American Muslim community for more than 30 years. No, I don’t speak Arabic fluently and I don’t usually hang with those FOB, but I’ve never met anyone who wanted to kill Americans or blow themselves up or have instant access to 72 virgins.

The Muslims I’ve met who go to the mosque in America are mostly mainstream: moderate, educated, kind, funny, generous, have jobs, families and kids in little league. Sure, some might have an accent or dress differently or wear a bit too much cologne, but so do a lot of people in Little Italy or on the subway or at the mall. Most mosque-going Muslims in America follow the Prophet’s (PBUH) positive examples of activism, tolerance, philanthropy and bridge building, striving to make the world a better place.

People who have extreme thoughts of rage or revenge – regardless of religion or ethnicity – live on the fringes of society. Just ask the families of Cho Seung-Hui or Dylan Klebold. Not exactly subscribers to PBS or holders of a 401(k) plan.

So, while Orthy’s mouth was still catching flies, I tell him what I think we should do. Ask anyone in law enforcement – the best way to catch criminals is to profile criminal behavior, not cast a net over an entire group. (Does Manzanar ring a bell?) Oh, and, by the way – most home-grown terrorists that were caught, both in the US and the UK, were turned in by someone in their own community.

Now, as for which organization might cultivate the next terrorist. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I wouldn’t assume a mosque is the place. According to Jennifer McVeigh, her brother Tim wrote a letter to the American Legion saying that ATF agents “are a bunch of fascist tyrants” before killing 168 people in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the worst terrorist attack on US soil before 9/11.

Profiling? Jumping to conclusions? Hmm – maybe Orthy is on to something. Quick! Get the FBI over to the nearest American Legion right away.

Tarik Trad is a Muslim community activist based in Los Angeles, California.