Racial Profiling Violates Civil Rights

Re “Reaction Reopens Wounds of WWII for Japanese Americans,” Sept. 26: As an American Muslim I have faith in the human spirit. I have received immense support in light of the hate crimes committed in the name of the recent terrorist attacks. I believe that if I were to be rounded up with other Muslims and sent to an internment camp, similarly to what was done to the Japanese, my students and colleagues in the public school where I teach would come to my defense. As a citizen of the United States, I have contributed to my country in the best way I know how: I became a teacher.

Semeen R. Issa

Arcadia

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Jeff Zimmer (letter, Sept. 26) comments that it’s acceptable that “people of a Middle Eastern background are being scrutinized.” This argument is specious and hopefully most recognize it as such. I find it interesting that white men defend the racial profiling of minorities without an inkling of irony. Could they really defend it if used on them; i.e., automatic questioning of people driving pickup trucks in the Midwest in view of terrorist acts by various white-supremacist groups, or investigations of Jews who support Zionism in view of the violence and deaths in Palestine? Racial profiling violates our civil rights.

Amy Baker

Sherman Oaks