Sometimes I’m embarrassed to be an American, especially when Bush slurs though his speeches and when we perpetuate the image that we are somehow superior to everyone else.
Today I wasn’t only embarrassed, but ashamed and horrified to be American.
It started out like any other day, except for a class being canceled, but I’m not complaining. I did some reading and laundry, then headed to campus to run some errands. The bus ride was pretty mundane as usual, but I was listening to new songs on my iPod to make it more exciting.
As we pulled to a stop on East 14th Avenue and Kincaid Street, a man (or rather extremely racist boy) shouted to a young woman, “Go back to Iran, bitch,” spit on her face and walked briskly away toward the bookstore. Other passengers looked bewildered and a few immediately went to comfort the poor girl. I was left in a daze. Did that really just happen? After regaining consciousness of the situation, I attempted to go after the crude passenger, but he was already well on his way. This all took place in a matter of seconds.
I felt like I was walking aimlessly, full of anger, resentment, sadness and shock. I started shaking, with the image playing over and over in my head. My mom called shortly after asking if I’d |ordered my cap and gown yet, but I could barely get any words out. If this is how I felt, imagine how the young woman must have felt.
I’ve heard about horrific occurrences of racism happening, but not like this. Not in my state, not in my school. I’m Jewish, so I am a minority as well, although it may not be as obvious. Had he known, would he have spit on me too?
The beautiful young woman was wearing a scarf over her head, but who’s to say if she was from Iran, Pakistan or wherever? She could be just as much of an American as you or me.
If the young woman is reading this, I would like to apologize on this sad-excuse-for-a-human’s behalf for his unacceptable behavior. I just hope he hasn’t shattered your view of our country, our state and our school forever.

Michelle Cadish University student