Americans exerted such horrific pressures on captivated Africans
Capturing and enslaving Africans is one of the most tragic historical events, which American imperialist and other such regimes do not like to review. They do not like the issue of enslaving the people of Africa to be reflected upon. They used to set sail on ships from the Atlantic Ocean, anchoring them on the coast of West African countries-- such as Gambia and other countries on this continent. Then, they would capture hundreds of thousands of men and women, old and young, with guns and other weapons which were not available to the victims of that time. Enduring difficult conditions, they were taken to America on slave ships. They captivated people who were once free, living in their own dwellings and villages. Presently, African Americans, who live throughout the Americas, are the descendants of those slaves. For several centuries, the Americans exerted such extreme pressure on slaves, and there are many books in this regards such "Roots" written by Alexander Haley. This book is very valuable for revealing fragments of these crimes. How can today's modern human forget such events? Despite all these crimes, many white people continue to discriminate against blacks in America.
They did not abolish slavery because of altruistic feelings
Unfortunately, today you can witness that these events are common in a world that is indifferent to spiritual values. Now, the amusing part is that in USA--whose president is African American--many crimes are committed against blacks. They have a commemoration for the abolishment of slavery, which a certain president is recognized for, but they continue to tyrannize the African American population in a very cruel manner. However, there are certain criticisms regarding slavery abolishment. They say that Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery, but this is not honest according to careful historical research that has been carried out. The concern was not the question of abolishing slavery; rather it was the conflict between the north and the south. The conflict stemmed from extensive and deep-rooted wars between the Northern and Southern parts of the USA. It was a struggle over land, agriculture, and industry; this was the main source of contention. They did not abolish slavery because of altruistic feelings. In any case, despite this celebration, blacks are ignored and humiliated; moreover their lives are in constant danger.
United States and Europe embarrassed by their histories of slavery
The historians of the United States and Europe are ashamed of their slave trade, embarrassed by the colonial period and chagrined with the oppression of non-whites and non-Christians. Furthermore, Western researchers and historians are deeply ashamed of the bloodshed wrought in the name of religion--between the Catholics and Protestants, or in the name of nationality and ethnicity--during the First and Second World Wars. This approach [of delving into one's own historical mistakes] is admirable.
By mentioning a fraction of this long list, I don’t want to reproach history; rather, I would like you to ask your intellectuals as to why the western public conscience awakens, coming to its senses, after a delay of several decades or centuries. Why should the revision of collective conscience apply to the distant past and not to the current situations? Why is it that attempts are made to prevent public awareness regarding important issues such as the treatment of Islamic culture and thought?
You know well that humiliation and spreading hatred and illusionary fear of the “others” has been the common base of all those oppressive profiteers. Now, I would like you to ask yourself why the old policy of spreading “phobia” and hatred has targeted Islam and Muslims with an unprecedented intensity. Why does the power structure in the world want Islamic thought to be marginalized and remain latent? What concepts and values in Islam disturb the programs of the super powers, and what interests are safeguarded in the shadow of distorting the image of Islam? Hence, my first request is: Study and research the incentives behind this widespread tarnishing of Islam's image.
Ayatollah Khamenei's letter to the youth in Europe and North America; 21st Jan. 2015.
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