Ban will not make us safer
What are we so afraid of?
I am writing in response to the news of the ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations that was implemented by President Trump with so little consideration. We are stronger and better than the prejudiced action of blanket banning people from our country based on blind fear. This ban will not make us safer, but will lead to greater danger as we turn on people who are turning to us for safety.
I am from Washington, and graduated from Trinity High Schoool. I became a teacher and now teach English in Istanbul, Turkey. Let me tell you something about the beautiful and resilient Muslim people I work with on a daily basis.
My students are 10th graders, and like all teens, they have their ups and downs, broken hearts, awkward moments and personal victories. However, unlike my teenage years growing up in Washington, they live with the knowledge that their next trip home from school or to the mall could end in violence. They are Muslims, and they are targets of extremists who wear the mask of religion.
The people of Turkey have more reasons to be afraid than you can imagine, and yet their resilience keeps them going. They continue to accept far greater numbers of refugees than Europe and the United States while having far fewer resources.
Please, do not lump the millions of peaceful Muslims in the world in the same category as terrorists. Muslims are my students, co-workers, friends and neighbors who have shown their kindness and warmth in countless ways.
We may have different religious beliefs, but we share a common humanity. The United States is a nation built by immigrants, and we would benefit greatly from having the same strength as people who walk through fear and keep their humanity.
Victoria Gauna
Istanbul, Turkey