By Ahlam Abdelkader
Age (when it happened): 5
Location (when it happened): Cambridge, Mass.
Memory: I was about five years old, so I’m guessing I was in Kindergarten. I don’t remember much of that day, but the next day when my mom dropped me off to school, a kid in my class rudely asked my mom if she was related to Bin Laden and made sure the whole class heard.
My mom didn’t tell me that because she didn’t want me to be sad, but no one should talk to my mom like that — no matter what age. She faced more hate than I did, which breaks my heart because she is the kindest, most caring person you will ever meet.
This tragedy lives with me today because I grew up seeing nothing but a negative perception on the religion that I am proud to practice and it’s so sad to watch innocent people like me get victimized.
How it lives with you today: Fast forward about 10 years later and I’m writing an English report on Islamophobia and how it needs to simmer down. Five years later and nothing’s changed. This tragedy lives with me today because I grew up seeing nothing but a negative perception on the religion that I am proud to practice and it’s so sad to watch innocent people like me get victimized.
Instead of judging someone’s personality, wearing a hijab, burqa, or having a beard now determines the amount of respect you will get. I thought we would evolve and learn to love one another.