By Dr Sohail Masood
CA
You, as always, have done an excellent job presenting the
current situation of Pakistanis in America in your editorial ‘Presidential
Debates and Their Message’ (October 15, 2004). You and I have chatted, on
several occasions, about the poor state of Pakistani-Americans. We have
reasons to be proud of, and sometimes, reasons to be disappointed by the
Pakistani community. There are several of us who have been quietly working
towards making our community better. We don’t need any acknowledgement.
However, just as Dr. Mahjabeen Islam said in her comments on the
editorial, sometimes it is depressing to see the carelessness of our
community.
I have come to the conclusion many years ago. There is a
large majority of Pakistani-Americans who will spend money to improve
their own standard of living, but will not help the community to get some
of these rewards. These Pakistanis have lost the concept of Zakat and
other charity deeds so dear to our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. We
cannot change them. They live lavishly; their children go to better
schools; if they do any charity work, they do it with strings attached for
their own promotion.
One reason and one reason alone for our self-indulgence
is the fact that the first generation of Pakistani Americans worked very
hard to improve their lot. Most of the Pakistanis came to American when
they were already middle-aged. In Pakistan, the community at large is not
driven by philanthropy. Recent activities of Edhi Foundation, Imran Khan
and some others are still rarities. Since they were not used to give
charities in Pakistan, and they were not used to supporting political and
cultural activities, such as newspapers, they kept this tradition going
after migrating to America. The other group, such as my generation, who
came to America in their teens and attended local colleges, saw how
philanthropy can change the face of any minority in America. Look at the
Jewish people. You will hardly see a teaching institution, or hospitals,
or cultural centers where on the donor lists you will not see a Jewish
name. I am still looking for a Muslim name on one of these
plaques.
Another problem with the Pakistani Americans is the fact
that even if they want to give money, they send it overseas to Pakistan. I
am not entirely against this practice. However, just like you said in your
editorial, we are in dire need of money here to support the political
activities, newspapers, teaching institutions, etc. For the time being,
let the rich people in Pakistan learn how to be generous and
philanthropic. A weaker Muslim community in American will not amount to
anything here. In the long run, it will hurt the Muslims all over the
world, if Muslims here in America are weak and cannot change America’s
foreign policy.
The current situation with 2004 elections and issues
raised by Muslim Americans shows clearly that the Muslim vote is not
counted. Our religious, political and social organizations have failed in
the last forty years to show the American politicians that we have a
strong voice. Our inability to join the political system is due to the
fact that the first generation immigrants were more interested in making
money, improving the standard of living of their off-springs and not
guiding the next generation in the right direction.
Let’s get involved. Invest our hard earned money here in America to improve the situation of Muslims. Support our local organizations and media outlets. Support our local politicians. Support our national politicians. Let’s become a part of the American fabric. Teach our kids about charity. Help the needy Muslims here in America. Be local. Act local. We have enough time later on to become global.