...from Massachusetts
Currently viewing: Wellesley
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Note: Viewers defined their own race and religious affiliation in open-ended demographic questions - this information is intended to show the diversity of our audiences.
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"I am Sikh and I too worry about my brother, dad and family every day. I am from California and hate crimes like this occur every day there. I can't wait for the day when I will feel safe and comfortable with my brothers, father and family walking on the streets; I can't wait till my want for my family to cut their hair diminishes; I can't wait to be comfortable being Sikh in the world.
Thank you so much... this movie really made me think and definitely brought tears to my eyes.
May Babaji give you the strength to surpass all obstacles and the support to prosper. Good luck!!"
Jessica Anand
19-year-old female, Indian, Sikh, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I cried through most of the film. The level of hate and racial prejudice devastated me -- as did my own ignorance after 9/11. I was worried about my Sikh and Muslim neighbors -- I am Jewish and knew the story of the Danish king wearing the yellow star -- but it never occurred to me to wear a turban in the days after 9/11! I plan to go home and put a bumper sticker on my car that says, "Balbir Singh Sodhi lives!" When people ask me what it means, I will have a chance to tell his story. Thank you so much!!"
51-year-old female, Jewish/Buddhist, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I love/hate the scene with those who really ignorant Christian guys because even though I'm a Christian, those people make me so bitter. I was born and raised Catholic, but it was so hard for me to accept that when I was younger because I felt like I was surrounded by crazy hypocrites. But I know that those people are in all religions and it makes me happy to know that there are people like you too. If I had Facebook I would totally make a group called, "We need people like Valarie -- I heart diversity" but I don't have Facebook for now because I gave it up for Lent. Anyway, you are really awesome."
19-year-old female, Korean, Christian, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"As a Muslim who resides in New York, your cause and story personally touched me. Following the days after 9/11 I was living with similar discrimination. My mother also encouraged me not to wear traditional clothing when I headed to mosque. While I was not personally targeted, someone else I knew was. Your documentary really helped me see the stories of others who, like myself, were wrongfully judged. Sometimes I myself feel ignorant about what has gone one. I hope that your story can clear up extreme feelings to those who were isolated and those who did the targeting alike."
20-year-old female, Indian, Muslim, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"It makes me really ashamed as a Christian to hear people like Daniel Pierce judge others by their looks and their stereotypies. The man from Mesa, Arizona who was the head of the interfaith coalition made me feel prouder though. I feel that it is really important for us to hear these stories and listen to other people of other races and ethnicities. We need to stop the prejudices."
19-year-old female, Romanian, Christian, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I am an American Sikh since around 1972 or 73. I wore a turban for about 10 years ALWAYS. I stopped wearing it as a matter of not feeling true to the faith. I continued to live in a Sikh community in Millis, following some of the Sikh prayers and practices.
When 9/11 happened a part of me considered to start wearing the turban again. Partly to just share with my Sikh brothers in faith and partly to just make a show of perseverance. I did not, but only for the original reasons why I stopped in the first place. There was no fear of the public exposure but only the inner struggle of faith and practice."
55-year-old male, white bald Sikh, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I think this film was perfect for our Asian Awareness Month at Wellesley. It really shed a lot of light on the experiences that were not widely mentioned and publicized, and it really is an extremely important message.
The two sides of America after 9/11 are jarringly different and yet the sense of hope and 'moving on' that the film is able to end on is amazing. I'm very grateful for that."
20-year-old female, Asian, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"Loved the film! I am so glad to see someone address this issue, especially since the media and government are not. The stories were so touching, very real, and relatable. Thank you so much for including Japanese internment camps and drawing parallels. You are documenting history that will probably go unnoticed. Thanks for spreading your passion, culture and knowledge. I wish you and your team the best of luck!!!"
19-year-old, female, Chinese Japanese American, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"After the events of 9/11, I have been increasingly aware of ignorant hate towards Muslims and those who appear Muslim or Arab. I started studying Arabic, joined my school's Muslim Student Association, and studied abroad in Istanbul so that I can gain awareness of Islam and be an ally to my brothers and sisters. I don't follow any particular religion, but I now feel I am part of so many religions. In my understanding all religions preach peace and compassion. This is what we should focus on. We need to educate ourselves to celebrate our diversity and embrace our common goal of love and humanity."
22-year-old female, Japanese/European, Christian/Muslim, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I remember that on 9/11 my parents were contemplating if my sister and I should go to school that day, especially since I wear the hijab (head covering), I could possibly become an easy target. I clearly remember feeling threatened and scared to go out since I live in a predominantly white conservative neighborhood.
Your film had a clear and concise message. I especially enjoyed the So-Cal clips. "
20-year-old female, Pakistani, Muslim, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"If we begin looking at ourselves and how we react with fear it is important to have this sensitive and compassionate capacity. This is possible for me when I meditate and contemplate in gratitude for life and those around me in God's Name (the one that runs through us all and binds us together). In our Sikh community we have experienced great brotherhood and also some deep fear and alienation in on out of our community since 9/11."
56-year-old female, white/Italian American, Sikh, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I loved this film as it opened my eyes to what the extent of hatred can be. I was at home, in Pakistan and didn't realize the problems faced by the people. I especially felt for the widow of Mr. Balbir Singh as it felt like I was hearing my grandmother talk."
20-year-old female, South Asian, Muslim, Pakistani citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I think you traveling across the country with only your guy cousin to film these stories was incredibly brave. I think your passion to spread awareness is so great and so important. I want to wish you all the best in your journey."
22-year-old female, Chinese American, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"Very moving! Thought provoking consciousness raising. All hopes, wishes and prayers for success in sharing this film as an educational tool and important experience of our generation and this time in America.
Sat Nam."
51-year-old female, white, Sikh, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"This was my second time through and the impact hasn't softened at all. I can't wait to see it again and be part of another discussion."
29-year-old male, white, agnostic/congregational, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"I teach in Peace and Justice Studies at Tufts University course, "Inner Peace and Outer Action." It would be wonderful if you would consider sharing the film and discussion at Tufts U. I am also directing a program at Harvard School of Public Health, Spirituality and Public Health. Your story is a testimony to the spiritual and the wounding and need for healing that we all can only benefit from. Thank you."
60-year-old female, some say I am white, others don't accept me as white, Jewish & Buddhist, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"Amazing! I like what you're doing and I hope you go further to transform our society into a better place."
23-year-old male, white, Christian, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"If America is not necessarily a place but a vision, I don't think we're reached that vision of a society where American is not synonymous with whiteness and Christianity."
20-year-old female, Asian, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"It's interesting to know that you were able to complete or even begin this project at such a young age. Your ability to have insight and inspire change is great. Keep it up! I learned a lot."
20-year-old female, Chinese
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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"Thank you... just.... thank you."
20-year-old female, Chinese/Taiwanese/Hawaiian, American citizen
Wellesley College
Wellesley
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