Don't Use The Tragedy Of Mollie Tibbetts As A Platform For Your Hate Speech | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Identities

Don't Use The Tragedy Of Mollie Tibbetts As A Platform For Your Hate Speech

My condolences to the Tibbetts family. I refuse to let them change her memory into a political move.

131
Don't Use The Tragedy Of Mollie Tibbetts As A Platform For Your Hate Speech
Asif Aman

The body of Mollie Tibbetts, a beloved University of Iowa student, was found Tuesday, August 21st.

The nation was rattled to its core and observed the press with awe while trying to process the heart-shattering news. Then the media spoke again. An undocumented immigrant is charged with her murder.

The media outlets changed their message, becoming a source of hate and action rather than stalling to remember a life that was taken far too soon. Suddenly the attention is no longer on Mollie Tibbetts, but rather the political opinions and actions on the topic of immigration.

I ask that in this time, the people of America realize that, in the words of Mollie Tibbetts' Aunt, Billie Jo Calderwood, "Evil comes in EVERY color." This act could have been committed by anybody and the fact that the man who committed it was an illegal immigrant did not force Mollie's murder. It was a singular man who committed this crime. Not a whole genre of people.

If we are to progress forward as a nation, we must stop marginalizing, and oppressing people based on the actions of few.

History is threatening to repeat itself and I urge every politician or strongly opinionated person who couldn't dream of being wrong to open a textbook and see the suffering Americans have caused to fellow Americans because they immigrated from a certain country. I shudder at the thought of shouting and committing acts of violence German Americans in WWII or harassing people who appeared to follow Muslim religion or religions resembling it during the attack on 9/11.

I fear for my fellow students in Iowa City who appear to be Hispanic. I fear they may be harassed, whether they are legal immigrants or illegal immigrants. My message to my University of Iowa Students and to Americans, in general, is that race does not define a person.

Neither does religion or immigrant status.

A person defines themselves. I ask that you define yourself as an ally to those in need and prevent hate speech in your community. Let this political move blow over so we may remember the girl who was loved and stolen from us.

And a note to the Tibbetts family. The words are dry and painfully unexpressive on the page as I express my condolences. I never had the opportunity to meet Mollie, but the loss of a family member is a greater than a devastating event and I can speak confidently that the entire Hawkeye community, myself included, grieves for the loss of a fellow student and phenomenal person.

May you and your family find comfort wherever it may lie, and may Mollie, a bright girl taken unjustly and far too quickly, rest in peace.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

4354
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

2219
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1668
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1559
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments