Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Hamas, Islamic jihad, al- Qaida and Sept. 11.

These names have become all too familiar to our ears.

I agree that they are not the most pleasant words to hear.

However, the reality is that we hear them repeatedly throughout the week, thanks to the media.

The most obvious attribute of the aforementioned terms is that they are all Arabs or Muslims or are in some way associated with Arabs or Muslims.

Unfortunately, they are thought to represent all Arabs.

As a Palestinian Muslim, I am now faced with a struggle.

The United States has redefined what it means to be an Arab and what it means to be Muslim: 1) an extremist or terrorist; 2) one who commits malicious acts in the name of Allah.

For Arabs, there is nowhere to run, and there is nowhere to hide.

Can the stereotypes get any worse? Will anything be done to stop the hate? Are justice, peace and equality viable options?

I am still in search of answers.

Yes, I am an Arab. Yes, I am Muslim and praise Allah. Yes, I am a senior at Loyola and possibly in one of your classes.

Should you therefore be afraid? No, you should not.

Am I a terrorist? Definitely not. I am just as American as you are. Those who know me are aware that I am a compassionate individual and yearn to extend my assistance to anyone regardless of race, nationality or creed.

“Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you” is an important quote that I abide by every day.

One should not be ignorant as to adopt another’s views of an individual as their own.

The media have done an excellent job of portraying Arabs as sub-human, barbaric individuals.

This is not what the red, white and blue flag of America represents. It signifies liberty and justice for all.

Let’s shake hands and reaffirm our respect and love for each other. I would like to hear the input of others at Loyola regarding this subject matter.

Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] with any comments.

Amjed Subhi Jabbar is a biology senior.