The Politics of Pain: How the Far Right is Exploiting America’s Darkest Day

The memory of September 11, 2001, is a uniquely American experience that transcends politics and unites us in collective grief. However, the aftermath has been marked by division, fear-mongering, and exploitation – particularly against Muslim Americans.

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate candidate, faced a mixture of respect and hostility at a 9/11 memorial in Lansing, Michigan. I watched him stand alongside Republican Congressman Tom Barrett and others, thinking about the vastly different experiences we’ve had as Americans since that fateful day. For many, the memory of 9/11 is still fresh, evoking images of unity and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.

For Muslim Americans like myself, however, it’s a reminder of the dark underbelly of American society – protests, hostility, surveillance, raids: these are the lesser-known stories that don’t fit neatly into the narrative of national unity. El-Sayed’s own experience speaks to this dual reality. He has spoken about the pain and sadness he felt that day, but also about the need for Americans to come together beyond their differences.

The far right is exploiting El-Sayed’s faith and association with a former campaign partner who made inflammatory comments, trying to create a narrative of guilt by association. This tactic relies on xenophobic and Islamophobic tropes used against Muslim Americans for decades. The fact that this is happening in 2023 – nearly two decades after 9/11 – is particularly galling.

One would think we’ve made progress since then, moving beyond the politics of fear and division. But the recent attacks on El-Sayed’s character are a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go. Muslim Americans like El-Sayed must be more vocal about their experiences as advocates for change. It also underscores the importance of holding politicians accountable for using 9/11 as a tool for division and fear-mongering.

As we mark another anniversary of that fateful day, it’s worth remembering that the politics of pain are always on the rise. By confronting these divisions head-on and recognizing the complexity of American experience, we can start to build a more inclusive, compassionate society – one where everyone feels welcome regardless of their faith or background.

But making progress won’t be easy. The forces of division will continue to push back against any attempt at unity, exploiting every opportunity to create fear and anxiety among Americans – particularly Muslim Americans. It’s up to us to stay vigilant, speak out against these tactics whenever we see them, and demand more from our politicians.

I watched El-Sayed shake hands with a veteran who told me that his presence “elevated” their experience. I felt a sense of hope – not just for the future of American politics but also for the possibility of redemption. We can do better than this, America. Let’s start by recognizing the pain and sadness of 9/11 – and then work towards creating a society that truly lives up to its ideals of unity and compassion.

The far right may try to use our collective grief against us, but we must not let them succeed. By standing together – regardless of our differences – we can build a more just, more equitable America for all. The question is: will we seize this moment?