They are a reminder of America's long and deeply ambivalent history with Islam, Arabs, and the Middle East. (Makdisi 1). Makdisi believes that fear of Muslims was not always present; stating that Thomas Jefferson read the Koran and was very interested in religion. Protestant missionaries wanted to save and convert people who practiced Islam; the missionaries feared neither Muslims nor Arabs (Makdisi 1). Makdisi goes on to say that the fear of Muslims did not begin until the late 20th century, mainly due to the new wave of immigration in the 1960s. Makdisi states that “rather, the stigmatization of Arabs and Muslims has occurred primarily because of politics in the Middle East and because of the enormously consequential role of the United States in the region” (Makdisi 1). Makdisi blames U.S. involvement and support for Israel and states that the Iranian hostage situation was “similarly a direct response to U.S. support for the Shah of Iran” (Makdisi 1). Makdisi argues that the people of the United States have been hurt by the policies adopted by our country. Both Lyre and Makdisi agree that the September 11, 2001 attacks only strengthened the stigma that existed and made it easier for the world to see all Muslims, Arabs, and all people from all over the world. the Middle East in negative