The university is a place for the exchange of ideas. Unfortunately, in this regard, Nonie Darwish's event was certainly unproductive. While some students came to the event to thoughtfully listen to the speaker and form their own opinions, many came intent only on being hostile and disruptive—not only to the speaker and other audience members, but to the very ideals of open debate and civil discourse.
Nonie represents a particular viewpoint, and what she intended to do was to shed light on the Israeli/Arab conflict through her personal experience growing up in the Middle East; she was trying to relay the anti-Jewish incitement that is prevalent in the Middle East, as well. There are important lessons to glean from the unique window she provided into that time and place.
Unfortunately, that insight was occasionally marred by overly-broad statements about Islam. Let me say clearly that I disagree with those generalizations. Ultimately, though, it was disappointing that the lack of civility and maturity from a majority of the audience led to the effective censorship of the speaker. There were not only protestors before she spoke, but hostile, ad hominem comments made throughout the event. Some students even stood in front of the stage and yelled to the audience while Darwish spoke. The speaker could not finish half a sentence without multiple interruptions, not only from students, but also faculty members. As one objective person said, "Those who don't allow a discussion show only disregard for the intelligence of everyone who is trying to separate the truth from fiction by hearing a variety of viewpoints. That was the key lesson that was reaffirmed for me from this."
The spirit of censorship extended beyond the reaction during her presentation. Literature and magazines on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which were provided by the organization that sponsored Darwish but had nothing to do with her presentation or views, were tossed into the recycling bin.
An academic setting is not meant to be dominated by those who can scream the loudest. It is supposed to be a ground for reflection, openness to new ideas and critical thought. We need to acknowledge that there were a handful of people who found some truth from Nonie's speech. As one student explained afterward, "I agree with 75 percent of her facts." Others apologized for the disruptive behavior of others audience in general.
I do believe the Middle East conflict needs to be discussed more on campus, and in the future, I hope this can happen in a much more productive atmosphere.
Gracie Cohen
English/Creative Writing Major
3 comments
What is your religion?
This is AFTERALL a debate about religion. We might as well know why you are involved & your personal interest. I plan to ask this in front of your Jesuit School.
Every Muslim woman except the "weaklings" of us wear the Head Civer (Hijab) boldly (the weaklings get into endless troubles while we do not..by grace of God)..
You can easily IDENTIFY us but you? Who are you & waht are your VALUES?
Need to know about the writer & solicitor of CAMERA. Are you happy with self after creating SUCH a riot for Muslims? Why?
Be good. Stop making "innocent" looking wars. We know.
may God guide you- whicever religion you are.
Prophet Muhammad SAW- Preached in Mecca to people exactly like you guys 1400 years ago- - very proud, self-righteous, lies all the time, cheating a lot, gambling, drinking, adultery, fornication (God says in Quraan- I sent you Muhammad to the WORST people on earth - so you can show them God's mercy- MERCY & desire to forgive). We forgive you COHEN. You are a child.
So, 1400 years ago - this old woman used to "religiously" throw her days "dirty water" on Prophet Muhammad when he walked by her house. many friends pulled out their sword (for the weapon then was not Texan Gun but swords - you do not know.) & said we can kill her. He always said- "No..just leave her..she is old & set on her ways"
One day she did not throw garbage on him & he got worried..why what happened to her? and he went to her apartment to look. She was very sick and fever and all. he got water & food and helped her. She was surprised.
Then she understood.. it was her who was BAD all this time..he did nothing wrong..See what AN IDEA in the head can create havoc in your life? Learn the truth. Do not be blind to truth. Be a JUST & FAIR person.
Do not be jealous. Be KIND, be good, be fair....Leave us alone. WE ASKED nothing from you. It was your government that bought ONE PAGE ads in our countries major News Papers & said "COME TO AMERICA & APPLY FOR THE AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP LOTTO".
Also, your armies in our countries UNINVITED & friends with the bad islamist thugs (we want the thuggy islamist & you out - so can go back home).
So, they got what they wanted.. a MENIAL worker (me) while their daughters (ms. Cohen) are WRITERS with a "cushy" job. I was a writer.. but not in english...