With media’s poor portrayal, Pakistani Americans must speak up on Times Sq. incident

By Wakeel Ansari, Urdu Times, 13 May 2010. Translated from Urdu byJehangir Khattak.

Words are not enough to describe the emotional and psychological stress the Pakistani-American community is undergoing after Faisal Shahzad's failed attempt to bomb Times Square. It's the topic of discussion everywhere, from living room gatherings to community social events. Everyone is searching for words to condemn Shahzad's action and everyone seems to be looking for reasons that lead an educated person to commit such a despicable act. There are as many reasons coming to the forefront as there are mouths. The mainstream American media, on its part, is making every effort, through its "experts", to prove the existence of the Taliban within the Pakistani-American community. Americans are being advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Usually such actions, as was seen immediately after 9/11, lead to the targeting of the Pakistani-American community.

Faisal Shahzad's true story, or the one presented by the government, will soon be out. But for now, every American of Pakistani origin is embarrassed and ashamed. The term "guilt by association" seems more appropriate to describe this situation. Muslim- and Pakistani-American community organizations have vehemently condemned this cowardly act. However, the mainstream media is not framing the Muslin and Pakistani community's condemnation properly. Little wonder anti-Muslim politicians are stating publicly that Muslims do not condemn Faisal Shahzad's action just like they did not condemn the 9/11 terrorist attacks—and the mainstream media ends up reporting these provocative statements.

The media molds both public and government opinion on issues and sets the stage for policymaking and societal attitudes. I can gather from the current trend that efforts to formulate special policies to scrutinize Muslims, particularly Pakistanis, are not far behind. One can only say, in the face of such possibility, that the majority of Americans, who are supporters of justice, will raise their voice against the targeting of an entire community for the sins of an individual.

Personally, I am also of the opinion that the Pakistani-American community must unite and join mainstream politics. We should tell the world the truth: Pakistan is the epicenter of international intrigues. Afghan extremist groups and the drug mafia are using Pakistan's soil for their objectives; areas such as North Waziristan, historically "no-go areas" for Pakistani governments, remain impossible to govern; powers that want to see a weak Pakistan also support the terrorists, with the drug mafia and India topping the list. The terrorists, who are slowly coming to urban centers of Pakistan, have no religion but justify their nefarious acts in the name of religion. It's a shame that some officers of Pakistan's intelligence agencies are also emerging as supporters of terrorists. But the Pakistani government is after these black sheep, just like the U.S. government went after Soviet agents who infiltrated the CIA.

No one can deny that Pakistani Americans are straight-talking and honest. If we speak with our local political leaders, they will understand that Pakistani and Muslim Americans share the same dreams as other Americans – such communication will promote broader understanding and greater social harmony. We must not shy away from an honest self-explanation to our neighbors and leaders in America.