tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3949653926664225332.post1758171433812330035..comments2023-10-22T07:47:58.821-04:00Comments on Archangel: INTIFADA NYC 2007Msgr. Harry J. Byrnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01045288678670088353noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3949653926664225332.post-39258989354834597402008-01-10T11:06:00.000-05:002008-01-10T11:06:00.000-05:00Ms. Almontaser did not "endorse" the t-shirt sloga...Ms. Almontaser did not "endorse" the t-shirt slogan; she was simply attempting to explain the literal meaning of an often misunderstood Arabic word. That her words caused such outrage reaffirms the city's need for a greater understanding of Arabic culture and language. There are publicly funded schools which emphasize Spanish, Russian and German language and culture. So why not Arabic? It is interesting that the school was named for a Lebanese Christian. If anything, this is indicative of the school's rejection of religious indoctrination. The controversy surrounding the opening of this exciting new school has been a grotesque display of racism and xenophobia. As New Yorkers, we should embrace our position at the helm of educational and cultural advancement.Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07451888831202066570noreply@blogger.com