There's been a lot of fear and distrust from a lot of people concerning the Syrian refugees coming to the country. People are panicking at the idea that terrorists could be sneaking through our borders with the refugees. Their solution is to close our borders and refuse to help any of them.
To me, though, the need to help these people far outweighs the risks. If you look at it realistically, yes, there's probably a percentage of the refugees who are dangerous people. But it's probably a similar percentage to the number of dangerous people we have here in the US already. We don't spend all our time freaking out that our neighbors might be serial killers or rapists. We know it's unlikely, so we assume they're probably decent people. Why can't we extend that same courtesy to the refugees coming into our neighborhoods?
Because that's what the recent (local) panic is all about. The people in my neighborhood found out that we're one of the places slated to house refugees. And now there's talk of pulling kids out of the schools and homeschooling them. People are considering scoping out the local Walgreens so they can track the refugees and keep an eye on them. My neighbors are assuming the worst, and defending it with comments like, "It would be foolish to assume they're innocent people without having further information."
But couldn't the same thing be said of anyone? The odds are basically the same. You could have that attitude about all of your neighbors! It would be cynical, and probably exhausting, but you could do it.
People typically don't, though. They only assume the worst about these refugees because of where they come from, because of their heritage, and because of the color of their skin. Could there be terrorists mixed in with the refugees? Of course. There could be murderers, and rapists, and thieves, too. Is it an absolute certainty, or even a high risk? No. Chances are, the vast majority are people in a desperate situation, in genuine need of real help. Chances are, there are just as many decent, innocent people among the refugees as there are already living in our neighborhood.
Honestly, there's as much risk that someone in our community will be a danger to them, as there is the other way around. More, probably, since they'd only be a minuscule percentage of the population here, and tensions are running high among the "natives." But I doubt they're spreading as much distrust and fear of us as we are of them.
So it bothers me that so many people are assuming the worst. These refugees have lived through things most of us can't even imagine. Their road has been incredibly difficult, and the last thing they need is to be surrounded by fear and hatred when they haven't done anything wrong.
Should people be vigilant, and keep an eye out for sketchy or suspicious behavior? Sure. But they should be looking at everyone in the neighborhood, not just those who've recently come here from the Middle East. Any time you see something that doesn't seem right, you should pay attention. You never know when you might save a life. But there's no reason to be distrustful and suspicious when no one has done anything to warrant it.
Empathy is a much healthier emotion to cling to than hate.
I wish I had the courage to say these things on the community page. But people are enjoying their fear-mongering and panic. If I said anything, it would fall on deaf ears. Those who would listen are the ones who already agree with me. And the others would dog pile on me with snide comments and petty insults. I hate contention. Am I a coward? Probably. I certainly know how to pick my battles. It just doesn't seem worth it, especially when there are already a few other people eloquently arguing what I feel.
But I do appreciate the few who are defending the refugees. I'm grateful for the ones who are showing empathy, and refusing to jump to baseless conclusions. They have my support in the ongoing debate, even if it's from behind the scenes.
And to any refugees who are placed here in my neighborhood, I hope you feel safe and welcomed.
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