Communism

Share an experience through which you have gained respect for intellectual, social, or cultural differences. Comment on how your personal experiences and achievements would contribute to the diversity of the University of Michigan.

Since the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., I have become to realize just how different I am. It is funny but up to that point, I thought of myself as any regular citizen living in this country. The attacks have shown me how people can stereotype others without really knowing them or understanding their background.

I remember before the attacks, when I used to say that I was from Iraq, no one really had ever heard of the country. It is surprising how famous someone or something gets when tragedy occurs. I always ended up mentioning the Middle East because Iraq seemed so unknown.

Regrettably, nowadays mentioning I am from Iraq not only gets recognition, it often gets me sneered feedbacks that I could definitely do without. Sometimes the question is not even necessary, I have found that people can typically stereotype just by your outward appearance.

Ironically, as this has made me appreciate my culture more; it has, at the same time, had a negative effect on some of my friends of the same background. I have recently found where some may deny or even slander where they come from just to fit in or just to ensure acceptance. This distresses me, because I truly believe once you deny your heritage, anything else you do in life would seem false and unmeaningful.

I believe I can contribute in a positive way to University of Michigan, not only in academic achievement but also in cultural diversity. Although it seems unfortunate, some people seem to easily judge others by their culture or religious background. At the same time it has made me appreciate my heritage more so, and has taught me not to judge others merely by appearances or cultural differences. Environment

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