Your view on teaching Arabic language
Reader comment on article: Teach Arabic or Recruit Extremists?

Submitted by Peberlyn Moreta (United States), Feb 28, 2008 at 08:37

Hello Daniel

In september you wrote an article saying that by teaching arabic language, America is basically making terrrorists. Daniel, the writer from the Globe mistook my meaning when I said that I put my cross inside my shirt, I did not do it because I was scared. I did it because i didn't want to offend anyone and to show respect.

I don't appreciate that you as reporters mistook and use my words to make people became afraid of arabic being taught because I'm an arabic student. I love the language and culture..I do not want people to became ignorant and afraid because when this happens, we hurt those who are innocent.

So please write an article about violence and harrasing against Muslims and those who look like them. Please get all the sides and double check to make sure the information is correct. Please promote understnading because otherwise the US basic laws of freedom will come to became nothing more than words if the stereotyping and racism plus discrimation against those who are from different countries does not stop.

Thank you! I hope this comment finds you well.

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Daniel Pipes replies:

My blog and articles about Arabic language instruction deal with Pan-Arab nationalism and Islamism, not with terrorism. Please don't confuse the two.