The Barbarians Within
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 1:50 pm

Anti-American Sentiment and Support for Hamas on Display at Detroit Conference
Detroit, Michigan – A recent conference in Detroit, billed as the Peoples Conference for Palestine, has drawn scrutiny for its expressions of solidarity with Hamas and anti-American rhetoric. Speakers at the event voiced strong criticism of the United States and celebrated the actions of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
One speaker argued that the average American struggles to understand the Palestinian experience due to the perceived similarities between the United States and Israel. The speaker advocated for dismantling the "idea of America" to foster empathy for those outside of what they described as American exceptionalism and imperialism.
The conference also featured remarks from Representative Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who expressed strong criticism of the West. The author of the text notes that Tlaib's comments, while containing inaccuracies, highlight a growing sentiment of animosity towards Western values. The author argues that this sentiment is fueled by a belief that Western civilization is inherently exploitative and that violence is the only means of liberation from this perceived oppression.
The author suggests that this anti-Western sentiment is indicative of a broader trend, labeling those who hold such views as "Barbarians" who seek to destroy the existing order. The author attributes this trend to a misguided sense of guilt and the acceptance of the narrative that success is inherently exploitative. The author points to a recent Harvard-Harris poll indicating that a significant percentage of young Americans favor Hamas over Israel, suggesting that this sentiment is gaining traction among younger generations. The author expresses concern that social media and a lack of leadership are contributing to the spread of these views.
BNN's Perspective:
While it is concerning to see expressions of support for terrorism and anti-American sentiment, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective. Open dialogue and critical thinking are essential to understanding complex issues. It is crucial to condemn violence and promote peaceful resolutions while also acknowledging the need for empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Keywords: Detroit, Peoples Conference for Palestine, Hamas, anti-American, Rashida Tlaib, Western civilization, Harvard-Harris poll, young Americans, Israel, conflict, terrorism, political discourse