The college student who works as a cashier at the community bakery I walked into this morning looked different than she does on most mornings.  She had a grieving and distressed look on her face.  As she rang up my order I said, “It’s the UNC murders, isn’t it?” 

She nodded her head and she needed to say no more to me.  It is obvious to all of us: A 20-something year old woman in a hijab, like her, is particularly impacted by the incident and especially related to the victims on so many levels.

Her mood is like many others in our community who have expressed sorrow, shock and disbelief at the murders of Deah Barakat, 23, his wife Yusor Barakat, 21, and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, in Chapel Hill. 

In addition to these sentiments, many of the expressions I heard are sheer anger and feelings of being slighted by the lack of media coverage.  Our office received many calls from distressed parents, fearful students, and community leaders asking us to “do something” about why these murders were buried on the fourth page of CNN’s website and completely neglected on other media outlets. The central question that remains is: How is it that these three beautiful, brilliant, and devoted young optimists who were murdered in an American college town were not appropriately featured in the nation’s front news headlines?  

The sad reality is that hatred seems to sell only when those portrayed as hate-filled are Arab and Muslim Americans. When the situation is reversed and Arab Muslims are the ones being targeted— and in this case murdered execution style—the national news presents the story as a dispute over a parking spot.  The news flash we must be keenly aware of is that there being no news flash about these murders is indicative of a bigger structure of racism and anti-Arab and Muslim sentiment that makes our lives worth less than the lives of others. This reality is further implied when not only are the victims unfairly covered, but even the minimal coverage is saturated with commentary by hate-mongering bigots who have taken it upon themselves of paint the killer as a hero.

It is times like these when Arab Americans and Muslim Americans look to the American society to react the same way as they are often demanded to react when an attack is perpetrated by someone identifying as an Arab or a Muslim. Why are Muslims only newsworthy when they are the accused and not when they are attacked, beaten, or murdered? The disconnect between our media and the struggles of our community is truly disappointing. Not only does the unapologetic victimization of one group and endless accusations about the other perpetuate feelings of marginalization in the minds of our aspiring youth, but it widens feeds into the cycle of misunderstanding between them and the society at large. 

Amidst all this tragedy, we can each play our part. I will attend the funeral and personally pay respects to the family and community in Chapel Hill.  Others here in Southeast Michigan have scheduled vigils, prayers and reflection.  The American Muslim Center and the Islamic Center of Detroit have scheduled panels to discuss the efforts to combat hate against us. 

Most importantly, I urge everyone to take expressions of hatred towards you, your family members and your friends very seriously. Take extensive measures to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. As many remain concerned about copycat perpetrators, if you feel threatened in any way contact law enforcement immediately.  

If you are confused, feel unsettled about your treatment or have been the victim of racial bias, please know the ADC Michigan and other community organizations are available to help.

Unfortunately, just as love knows no boundaries, neither does hate. γ

-Fatina Abdrabboh is the director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination (ADC) in Michigan.