Teams’ Nicknames Aren’t the Real Problem

Re “Drop the Names -- and the Outrage,” Dec. 12:

Dana Parson’s column about the Irvine football tournament was right on point. We need to stop trying to create drama where there is none and get on with our lives and, more important, let these kids and their families get on with their lives. I understand that we live in very sensitive times, but give me a break.

This has been blown way out of proportion, and it’s nauseating to see people try and label these kids as violent or dangerous because of a name that most people don’t even understand!

If people have nothing better to do than to worry about whether or not there is some underlying meaning behind a local team nickname, then send them to my house; I can use some help with my yardwork. I’m sure these kids all learned a very valuable lesson about being more sensitive to the community, so let’s chalk it up as a learning experience and get over it.

Tarek Shawky

Lake Forest

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Re “American Muslims Are Free to Fumble,” letter, Dec. 11:

In his letter, John Julis blamed me, saying that I “picked the controversial names for my football teams” and that I am asking others to “respect our sensitivities.” Both charges are wrong. I have no football team, and I did not pick or recommend those names. My statement as published in The Times (Dec. 7) basically had three points: 1) Words like “intifada” and “mujahideen” do not have bad meanings. 2) But they are now being associated with movements that are problematic. 3) I think that our youth should be more sensitive and respect the sensitivities of others.

I am surprised at Julis’ misunderstanding and total distortion of my position. Further, let me add: Good words or good symbols are sometimes used by wrong people. That does not mean that good people should abandon good words and symbols, but they should use them more carefully, keeping the sensitivities of others in mind. The word “intifada” means “uprising,” and “mujahideen” stands for “those who struggle” (not holy warriors). There is nothing bad about these words, but I would not recommend them for football teams, especially keeping the sensitivities of people in mind at this time.

Muzammil H. Siddiqi

Director, Islamic Society

of Orange County

Garden Grove