Vol. 19, No. 2 - Winter 2003

Sharing personal experience

International diversity in a post-Sept. 11 world

Nadir Budhwani, an Ismaili* Muslim, is from Pakistan. He holds an M.B.A. in marketing, M.Ed. in human resource development, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in human resource development in the college. He was invited to write this essay and invites responses at: budh0004@umn.edu or nadirbudhwani@yahoo.com

I write this to share my personal experience of being an international student at the University of Minnesota. Things have changed globally, especially in the light of the post-September 11 events: war in Afghanistan, a possibility of war with Iraq, and the recent decision of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to register people from certain countries.

When I read the Spring 2001 issue of Link, I was really happy to see a list of students enrolled in the college from almost all over the world; the college really does reach out around the world. However, recent policies of the INS to fingerprint and register males from certain countries have contributed to making the presence of international students at the college feel like more of a threat/risk rather than an opportunity.

Such issues raise questions in my mind and to answer them is nothing but a challenge:

• Why is it that after 9/11 I am looked at differently?
   
• Why do I have to think twice before disclosing my nationality, religion, and visa status to others?
   
• Why do I have to explain to people that although I am a Pakistani and a Muslim, I am totally against violence and terrorism?
   
• Why is it difficult for me to defend myself in front of my Pakistani (Muslim) friends when I say the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan would help both Afghanistan and Pakistan in the long-term?

These are just some of the questions that come to my mind whether I am studying, writing a paper, watching a movie, talking to U.S. Americans, walking in a mall, or talking to my parents in Pakistan, telling them about my well-being. Being an Ismaili Muslim, I find answering such questions an opportunity to show a different perspective on politics, religion, culture, and education to the people of this country.

The college and its alumni can certainly help international students in these uncertain circumstances by showing an even stronger commitment to bringing international and U.S. American communities closer to each other. There exist many, and I mean many, political, religious, and cultural misconceptions about other parts of the world that can be removed or at least explained if the entire college community, both U.S. American and international, comes together to share conversation.

One of my major reasons for coming to Minnesota was the way people respected, appreciated, and valued diversity. In fact, most of my friends are international students (including U.S. Americans) and I feel proud of it.

I ask another question: For how long can I feel that I am making important contributions to the learning of the college community? I believe forever, however, I am not sure if the current political climate would allow me to do so.

I recognize the fact that the college does try to bring the college community members closer to one another. However, I strongly believe that there remains much to be done. I believe it is time that we go one step beyond guest speakers, Pizza & Talk sessions, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas parties. Members of the college community should continue such activities; however, it would be great if the college and its alumni expanded their efforts to bring together people both within and outside of the college. It is high time that we, as torch-bearers of the College of Education and Human Development, educate others about the need to see that the diversity brought by international students is more of a strength than a risk/threat, thereby moving attitudes from ethnocentrism to global awareness.

The world is very different now and continues to change. The outcomes of such changes remain as uncertain as changes themselves. However, one thing is certain that we all have to take the responsibility to bridge the gap that exists between the U.S. American and international communities within the college. I have selected the avenue of delivering presentations and writing articles for the obvious reason of reaching hundreds and thousands at a time. It is well said that the pen of a scholar is mightier than the sword of a martyr.

*Ismailis belong to the Shiite sect of Muslims. For more information, please visit http://www.akdn.org/hh/highness.html