‘Bridges’ lays foundation to close the gap between international and American-born communities

Flowers were laid. Prayers were spoken. Moments of silence were observed.

Yet about 50 people of all cultural backgrounds, religions and ages did not want to keep their mouths closed on the night of Sept. 11 in remembrance of the attacks one year ago.

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They spoke out about the event and formulated solutions to problems long existing in America and the world.

These individuals attended the first “Bridges” forum Wednesday in the Student Center Ballroom A, listening to influential speakers, discussing pressing topics of international interest and meeting local people of the world.

John Li, a senior in physics from Singapore, helped organize and assemble the International Student Council-sponsored program over the summer. He and Ana Velitchkova, ISC president, agreed to initiate such open conversations during a time when all may want to discuss the event.

“Some thought, ‘why start this on Sept. 11?'” Velitchkova said. “Why did we decide to do it today? First, because we are not afraid, and second, because we are more interested about looking into the past and finding solutions for the future.”

After a short reception, eight professors, staff members of the University and community religious leaders traveled briefly back in time to note observances and issues surrounding Sept. 11 and beyond.

David Wilson, associate dean of the Graduate School and history professor, did not explain the ways Sept. 11 affected history, Carbondale and the world – this was obvious to him and everyone in the room. Instead, he told his story of where, when and what happened to him on Wednesday one year earlier.

Wilson explained how he and other University colleagues were across seas when a friend in the same hotel told him to turn on the television. He switched on the monitor in enough time to view the second plane plummet into the side of the World Trade Center.

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Eager to get home, Wilson said international and American security prevented him from flying home or to neighboring countries immediately following the attacks. Yet, when he returned home, the once “zoo-like” Los Angeles customs area of the California airport was completely empty.

“I realized we were the first plane to land in the United States after Sept. 11,” Wilson said.

Ed Schatz, an assistant professor in political science, did not recall personal stories such as Wilson. He gathered all the topics remembered and questioned about Sept. 11 and proposed the guests to “Bridges” to compare their definitions one year ago and today.

Identity, security, religion, war and national interest were five topics Schatz said had clear or easily identifiable definitions before Sept. 11, 2001, but now those issues are harder to clearly represent.

“On Sept. 11, no one knew Afghanistan, and we found out that no one did know,” Schatz said. “Now these terms can’t fly; they are civil conflicts.”

After each speaker completed their proposals to the audience, they sat with a small group to discuss what conflicts of opinions about those topics are present.

Courtney Wrovlewski, a sophomore in photography from Roselle, conversed with other American and international students and Sam Jordan, director of the Department of Public Safety, about how SIUC police and international students create better relations.

“We decided International Student Council should help in public safety,” Roselle said. “In case something happens, they should try to help them and not let the police just be the enforcer.”

Wrovlewski and Malone’s group found solutions simply with rational discussions and important questions. But another group, led by Castellano, became heated in an issue raised in the news before and since the Sept. 11 attacks – religion studies in American classrooms.

Lara Roemer, a senior in history and political science from Girard, listened as another member of the group, Kristina List, suggested more education about different religions might be needed because of the passed judgments from Americans about other cultures.

However, Roemer noted the separation between church and state and offered that if religion is taught in classrooms, it needs to be done by offering historical reference. But one statement by List allowed Roemer to agree that some sort of religious education could enhance students’ spiritual knowledge.

“Ignorance can lead to hate,” List said.

Naoto Oshiro, a graduate student in linguistics from Okinawa, Japan, agreed with such a statement. Even though several valid and significant solutions were offered at the “Bridges” forum, Oshiro had already come into “Bridges” with one solution to most problems hatched after Sept. 11. And it is one that will prompt discussion at further monthly “Bridges” sessions to come.

“We need to find the truth,” Oshiro said. “What is the truth of this tragedy? We need to study religion, politics, media and solve the problem so this tragedy does not happen in the future.”

Reporter Samantha Edmondson can be reached at [email protected]