...from Texas
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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"Throughout the film, I found myself holding back the tears that wanted to come out. This film was powerful and extremely emotional and I think this is something everyone should see and understand.
When the government was making a big deal trying to find out if anyone knew any terrorists, the FBI called my family's home as well as other relatives, and asked if we were related to any Iraqis, etc. Though we are a white, Catholic family, because my last name is similar to the stereotype of a "terrorist," we were questioned and that was a very offensive incident. I couldn't even imagine the discrimination Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, etc receive and I truly appreciate you and others that speak out and try to make a difference."
Courtney Malek
19-year-old female, white, Catholic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"The film is relatable to my life. I feel like the term 'American"' is who I am, but yet I've been taught (in school, media) that I'm not. I can relate to the part when you said that you were too Sikh at school, but then not Sikh enough in other places. I truly felt connected to the film, as if my story (as an African American) was told."
19-year-old female, African American, Catholic/Christian, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"My best friend in high school, Kulsoom, is a Pakistani Muslim. I know, from her, that she's experienced discrimination because of the Patriot Act, wires tapped, five-hour security detainments in airports, and it upset me because I know who she is, and that’s a beautiful person. Three of the people killed were Pakistani Muslims, and I couldn't help but think oh, my God, those are all my best friend. Its important to show people who aren't as lucky as me, who don't have Kulsoom, this film. People sometimes don't see 'them' as people, and this movie does that beautifully."
Geneveve Cato
19-year-old female, Caucasian, Christian (Methodist), American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"My uncle owns a convenience store and a couple of years ago my uncle was attacked by four black men. They hit him with the bottom of the pistol on top of his head and he had to get about 90 stitches. They asked the men why they did it and they said, 'cause we don't need any more terrorists in this country.'
Also, this past summer I was on my way to Chicago for a debate tournament. It was my first time in a lane since I was 7 years old. We got our tickets and we were on our way to the security check. I look forward and I see people taking off their shoes and belts and flip flops and so on. I was really confused because what are you really going to hide in flip flops? So I asked my coach why is it so extreme at the security thing and one of the mothers of my friend heard me and she said, 'It's all your people's fault.' Just hearing her say that really hurt my feelings and it made me realize how ignorant people still were."
Laura Annab
18-year-old female, Middle Eastern, Christian Orthodox, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This film truly opened my heart to those affected so tramatically from the stereotypes after 9/11. I know I judged others after 9/11 when I saw people with turbans or who simply looked like someone who may be Muslim. I am ashamed of myself that I ever had such thoughts and judgements of people who are Americans that love this country and support our nation just like myself. My heart goes out to all who are and were ever affected. I will never hold such ignorant judgements against people again. Because of this film, I feel like I can be a better person. Thank you for coming to Austin, Texas!"
Kayla Knox
20-year-old female, white, Christian-Catholic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This story speaks for so many cultures and for so many that are discriminated against."
Amanda Peet
22-year-old female, Mexican American, Cathoic, American citizen (born in Mexico)
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Keep telling stories -- that is what I took from this film. Every story opens the mind and heart to a new perspective and that is what we so desperately need to ward off the ignorance and hate. I didn't leave my house for days after 9/11... I didn't want to confront the fear -- mine or theirs. It felt good once I did. I walked tall, spoke loud, and listened carefully -- it made all the difference to the way others perceived my 'racial profile.' Thank you for making such a difference with these stories and dialogue."
Ishrat Kundawala
35-year-old female, South Asian - Gujarati, Bohra by birth, unaffiliated by choice, American, world citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"After 9-11 I cannot say that I was a victim of a hate crime, for obvious reasons. However, I remember that not a month or two afterwards I talked with a very dear and close friend of mine who is a Muslim. She had just gotten home after a pep rally at her school where she was bullied (to put it nicely) simply because she is a Muslim woman and wore such clothing as Muslim women wear. I wasn't there, but all the same I felt ashamed that a fellow American would treat her that way. She didn't do anything to deserve it, and is one of the sweetest and nicest women in my life, and yet she was treated in such an atrocious manner. I told her that I was sorry, but it didn't seem at all enough.
The film was incredibly moving and enlightening, and I'm so incredibly thankful that I watched the film. I'm one of I'm sure hundreds if not millions that didn't know anything about the Sikh religion. Valerie, I believe that what you've done is such an extraordinary thing, and I do hope that the more that see your film the better things will be. Thank you so incredibly much. Your film has opened my eyes and allowed me to become more knowledgable about a big problem in our country.
Thank you, and may God forever bless you, Valerie. "
21-year-old female, white, Christian, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I liked so many things about this film. What I liked most is that in addition to the affective appeal of the movie (which I personally think may need to be used less and less) you had logical, credible, and workable solutions. I especially liked the part encouraging dialogue, even if it came from an ignorant place.
I also like that you recognized the 'natural' or at least initially permissible human reaction to judge. I think that a wave of guilt to sweep the nation would only be a pendulum swing in the wrong direction. It is not about robotic, absolute control but about knowing oneself and behaving accordingly. Thank you so much for being an intelligent speaker."
Ruby Ann
21-year-old female, Filipino-American, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"After seeing your film, I commend you for doing this. I was a freshman in high school when 9/11 happened. The next day, some kids posted up a banner saying, 'Bomb the towlhead!' (it was spelled like that) and I have to give credit for anyone Desi-American who still came to school the next day. I am glad you made this film and I wish you all the best with this beautiful film."
Daniel Chincarini
20-year-old male, Hispanic/Caucasian, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"One half of one percent of America is still 'us.' Thank you for speaking out and starting the dialogue. I pray the ignorance and hate will dissipate as people begin to join the dialogue."
19-year-old female, Cajun, Catholic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Last year at my high school we had a day of spirit week themed cowboy and Indian where people were encouraged to dress up. Since it said Indian and not Native American, I decided to show up in a turban I made from a bedsheet and some old clothes I had that looked remotely Indian. Throughout the day I had people asking me if I was dressed as a Muslim or what I was trying to represent and I found myself informing people about Sikhism and that not every turban made you a Muslim. I really enjoyed the documentary; it was a great representation of a side few hear about."
Robert Null
18-year-old male, white, BudeoChristian, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This film was extremely touching and hit close to home. After 9/11 I remember my mother picking me up from middle school and telling me not to admit I have Middle Eastern blood within me. I also remember my father, who was an Iranian immigrant in the 1960s, coming home every night fearing he was soon going to lose his job and not be able to support his family. Although no hate crimes were committed against my family, I can definitely relate with Sikhs and Muslims all over the country. This documentary was absolutely beautiful, and brought back old memories! I commend you on evoking such emotions in almost every single person in this audience."
18-year-old female, 1/2 Caucasian and 1/2 Persian, non-denominational, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Very good film. I was educated about the Sikh religion, which I'd never even heard of before. I think that ignorance feeds hate and this film spreads love. As part of the black community, when a black person messes up in the media it reflects poorly on all of us, so I can relate."
18-year-old female, Black American, Christian
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"No one has ever beat me or called me names (at least not to my face) because of how I look. But, I do know and I can tell that many people have certain prejudices against me just because I am Mexican. Sometimes people have made derogatory comments at me but I just ignore them. My mother always said (as did Jesus), 'turn the other cheek.' He also said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'"
19-year-old female, Hispanic, Roman Catholic, Mexican-American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I'm sorry for all of the ignorance in our country, for all of the unjustified violence, for all of the senseless loss and suffering. Your film is truly enlightening, inspiring, heart-wrenching, and touching. Prejudice, racism, hate, violence, and discrimination are all big subjects that are obvious yet not discussed, much like an elephant in the room we pretend isn't there. Thank you for naming this elephant and for not being afraid to talk about it."
Kadie Rackley
19-year-old female, white, Christian-Catholic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This film was so powerful. It made me realize my own reactions towards people during 9-11. And knowing that the hate isn't gone."
Trina Cain
21-year-old female, African American, Christian, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Beautiful film. I actually at times feel embarrassed to be a white American. I know that not all of any 'type' (for lack of a better term) of person are classifyable, but I am rambling. Beautiful film is the best I can say. Thank you."
Megan Stanley
21-year-old female, Caucasian, student of world religions, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I flew to New York City the day the Iraq war began. I witnessed a lot of discrimination in the airport that day. I myself was a little nervous that day. The movie was great and very emotional."
18-year-old female, Hispanic, Roman Catholic
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This film is amazing. It really opened my eyes to all the horrible things that were done to people, especially Sikhs who aren't even Muslim. It's disgusting that Americans do this to each other. It makes me angry and I feel embarrassed sometimes to be white, to be American, and I want people to know not all Americans are hateful and ignorant."
20-year-old female, Caucasian, Catholic, Lithuanian citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I believe everyone above a certain age knows exactly where they were when the events of 9/11 took place, but what sticks out to me is the second thing I thought. First, obviously, was to the disbelief of the event, the second was that a whole group of innocent, unrelated people would become targets. We, as a people, need to address this tendency to view the world in terms of "who is coming to get us" and to look towards understanding a world that we have lack of understanding for."
Dan Lyles
22-year-old male, black, Unitarian Universalist, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This was a really amazing story. I feel that it showed the discrimination that many cultures go through. It also shed light on how history repeats itself and I personally hope for the day when we as a country learn from our mistakes."
Angelica Mañez
23-year-old female, Hispanic, Catholic, American and Spanish citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Thank you for sharing your amazing documentary with us. Your work will serve as an inspiration for other students committed to social justice. I think making the point that it is wrong to discriminate against individuals, regardless of guilt by association, whether Muslim or not, is essential."
32-year-old female, white/European American, Unitarian Universalist, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This was an amazing film! It is great holo (?) by making this film you have opened many eyes and have made such a large difference to others. I had no idea about the hate crimes after 9/11. There were a few times when I heard about some discrimination acts, but nothing like the acts shown in the film. Thank you for exposing this film to me and from now on I will always hold in my mind the effects of hate crimes and I will be one of those people who stand up on the bus."
19-year-old female, white/Hispanic, Christian/Cathoic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I found this to be an amazing and eye-opening film! I was raised in a highly stereotypical culture that justifies its reasoning by saying 'it was how I was raised.' As a student studying religious studies, I am here to learn more about other people's beliefs and values so I can tell my children that it doesn't matter how you are raised, it's how you educate yourself. As a young woman and fellow 'outsider,' I want to thank you so much for having the courage to continue this project. I look forward to the DVD release so I can share it with my family and friends. Good luck, God bless, and best wishes!"
19-year-old female, white/non-Hispanic, Roman Catholic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I was deeply moved by this documentary. I gained a greater understanding of what the events following 9/11 were. The hate crimes I had heard of but knew so little about. The film spoke to me and reminded of me how easily we mark people and judge people with one quick glance. The stories on this film I believe are profound and captivating and moving. Everyone has a story and these stories are so powerful and compelling I feel that it should be shared with as many people as possible and it is my hope that it will spread like wildfire across this country and impact thousands, I know it impacted me and my beliefs."
22-year-old female, white, Christian, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Thank you for spreading awareness, love, and light! I believe that loving everyone equally and being aware that the world is full of all types of people is something that more people in the U.S. need to realize, and ths film does an awesome job at doing just that! We are all brothers and sisters and I know one day we will all realize that we are all one OM SHANTI!"
21-year-old female, white, Taoist, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"This was a good contrast to what mainstream media is giving us which is racist propaganda."
Carl Webb
41-year-old male, Black Latino, atheist, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"One of the moments in your film that resonated with me was your conversation with Sonny about what his turban means to him. He says that it's not fair, and he's right. But you challenge him to articulate his reason, and you were also right. That moment really captured the extra, unfair burden minorities carry: to justify themselves and articulate their reasons, their histories, their beliefs, etc. Very poignant moment. Thank you."
Soham Mehta
29-year-old male, Indian, Hindu, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Being a Sikh American, even I did not know how severe the backlash of 9/11 on the Sikh community was and this film opened my eyes to such painful stories and really made me realize how real racial hatred was post-9/11.."
19-year-old female, Indian, Sikh, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Next film/sequel idea: What can I do? (What are people doing to make a difference?)"
22-year-old female, human, Sikhism, Indian citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Thank you. Your humility, honesty, are what make this mission so great. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity."
Joseph Luedecke
18-year-old male, Caucasian, Christian, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I remember that there was no visible backlash at my school after 9/11 -- my school sent representatives of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam to tell children to respect differences. The school (as of 2007) has populations of all racial groups, including large numbers of South and East Asian students."
20-year-old male, white, Roman Catholic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Watching the documentary awakened many questions in me. What is America? Who is American? The film effectively allowed a glimpse into the roots of racism - those that we don't always hear. We have all seen discrimination and most of us have experienced it first-hand. This has also allowed me to think about and question why in times of crisis do we look only with our eyes? Why do we forget what America was based on? I am not Anglo-Saxon and my friends are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, brown, black, Asian, African, etc... and we all take the same clases, live together and breathe the same air. Friendship and unity comes from understanding and the film is a great step to help people achieve it."
Christina Arce
19-year-old female, Hispanic/Spanish, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"It just seems that once an evil thing happens a whole race/person different from the majority gets blamed and suffer more. Even though there was physical harm there was also psychological abuse that will live on forever. But showing this reality is what will eventually make changes. This film can plant a small seed in one's mind that can be passed on to others."
Barbara Siller
20-year-old female, Mexican, Catholic, Mexican citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"Beautiful, powerful, thank you."
19-year-old white/Native Ameican, Presbyterian
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"It is sad to see how people can reduce a religion and race to some stereotype. This is the first time I have seen what happened to America after 9/11. Life is full of stereotypes, but they are never all true. Thank you for your film."
21-year-old female, Hispanic, Catholic, American and Argentinian citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I believe all sexes, races, and religions are equal. I find it funny that I have never heard of Sikhism, but everything I believe coincides with many major beliefs and practices of Sikhs."
24-year-old male, white, I also don't cut my hair as a sign of spiritual pride and individualism. I believe in one God not the Christian God. I believe in the philosophical view of existentialism and through distruction is creation but through cycles of new births, in order to create true beliefs.
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"During my viewing of this film I was informed of many differences between possible terrorists. I found that the perspectives of the Sikh followers were one of fear just as mine was but it was a different kind of fear, it was one of personal hostility, and because of that I cannot help but feel embarrassment because of the ignorance and violence towards people who vaguely represent the image we have begun to associate with terrorism."
21-year-old male, white Caucasian Catholic American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I thought the movie was very heartbreaking yet educational and I'm very glad I came. It was very interesting to me to look at how the government handled hate crimes after 9/1. I also really loved how you addressed the different views taken from officials all over the country."
18-year-old female, white, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"I thought the film was very thought-provoking and well laid-out, and appreciate your traveling and taking on this trip to show the film to us."
20-year-old male, Caucasian, agnostic, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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"The film opened my eyes to the backlash after 9/11. It hurts to know there can be so much hate in our hearts."
19-year-old female, Caucasian, Lutheran, American citizen
St. Edward's University
Austin
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