Many of you cool kids who come hang with me are in North America. Have you heard these two lovely news tidbits from your neck of the woods?
Feeling hungry? How about a little Anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim sentiment from one of the largest food chains in the United States? I have no food to showcase here kids, as this has me reeling and feeling a bit nauseated. I’m so angry and bitter about this it’s probably best I don’t go on too much, but I would encourage you, if you feel concerned by large-scale racism and discrimination, to read more here about this ridiculousness, and sign the boycott Dunkin’ Dounuts petition if you should feel inclined.
When I was completing my Master’s Degree in the U.S. I applied for a Fulbright Scholarship to do field work for my Doctorate in North Africa. I wanted to study the voice of feminism in the oral tradition of the Maghreb, specifically in Morocco and Algeria. Those Fulbright folks thought my idea was a little to risquée at the time because, you know, the U.S. was invading Iraq and all that…but hey, I had other options, and found myself in Paris. Boo hoo for me.
But I’m one incredibly lucky Fish- I had a back-up plan. This is not the case for many, and it is most definitely not the case for scholars in Palestine who endure things I could not even pretend to describe here. For many of them, Fulbright is the opportunity they need to to their research, field work, etc. Well, sorry about your luck kids, but since Israel won’t let you leave, we’re pulling your funds! Ha! This brief afticle in the International Hearld Tribune (It’s the Global Edition of the New York Times) explains it well. Seems a bit like punishing a whole lot of people for things they haven’t done. Maybe it’s just me
Musings From The Fishbowl 
Wow, the world is becoming ridiculous.
Your comment on my last post made me laugh… but it was creepily accurate– you really DID sound just like my mom, asking about my whereabouts ;o).
Oh, and I am pretty much always the DD… ah, I’m such a good friend :o).
Thank you for linking these two news items. It’s too bad that some people, governments and corporations rely on fear when making decisions. It never leads to a better world.
I caught a bit of this on the news this morning and did a doubletake. I just don’t know anymore… all I can do sometimes is throw my hands up in the air in bafflement, because I just don’t see how stuff like this even happens. I really liked learning more about your interests & background from this post, SmartyFish!
I just don’t think I will ever be able to comprehend the stupidity.
So glad I stumbled onto your blog. I love finding new vegan blogs. I’m adding you to my blogroll now so I can come back!
Yes, it is racism, but on behalf of the government, but as you saw in the article, there is some outrage. It’s the same in the US, it wasn’t the majority of the population that wanted the Iraqi invasion, but the government is it’s own majority. 😦
I cannot believe the Dunkin Donuts! Seriously, actions like these are beyond ridiculous!
This is Isreali racism at its very worst.
the world has gone insane. not that it’s any new news, but still.
I know! I mean, I don’t know much about her, but what little I found on-line didn’t seem terribly dangerous to the US. She wasn’t the problem, though, it’s that her scarf might somehow be mistaken for some sort of twisted endorsement for terror? Talk about being paranoid, but I guess that’s pretty common when you are a racist… 😦
I thought it was INSANE that they would pull her ad because of that. Who on earth associates Rachael Ray with terrorism!?
And regarding the U.S. canceling scholarships to Palestinians, I’m not in the least surprised, considering their political intentions in the region.