The Council on American Islamic Relations said the allegation was that the teacher had remarked, “I do not negotiate with terrorists,” when the Palestinian American student asked for a seat change.
Recent U.S. incidents involving children include the attempted drowning of a 3-year-old Palestinian American girl in Texas and the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy in Illinois.
Other incidents include the stabbing of a Palestinian American man in Texas, the beating of a Muslim man in New York, a violent mob attack on pro-Palestinian protesters in California and the shooting of three Palestinian American students in Vermont.
That’s the point, though: even if it wasn’t MOTIVATED by prejudice towards Palestinians (and let’s be honest, it probably was), not being careful about perpetuating the stereotype is in itself careless victimization at best.
I’m worried you haven’t brainstormed enough hypotheticals where this isn’t offensive. What if the teacher had their Bluetooth in and they were talking to a real terrorist? Or what if the kid’s name is Terrorists? You feel pretty foolish now, don’t you?
Excellent points. I will now wear the hat of shame. 😄