Racism

What is Racism?

By the definition it is “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior”. While living in Pakistan I never even thought about the concept of it or faced any discrimination towards me ever. Until I moved to the United States.

While coming here I had this dreamy picture of America that was the result of watching a lot of Hollywood movies. But life is not a film. I remember we were in San Francisco for vacations and while visiting Golden Gate Bridge someone shouted “F*ck Out of Our Country”. I was terrified and sad. Who knew that I had to hear such horrific words in the world’s most developed nation. It made me depressed for some days but then life came back to normal. The glorified concept of America was no longer there. Until I met this wonderful lady.

One day I was grocery shopping in a store and was in a checkout line when this wonderful white lady came to me. The words that came out of her mouth erased that bad memory. She said “Thank you for being in this country. You make this country beautiful.” I moved to tears. It’s amazing how words can impact someone’s life. Her powerful words healed that old scar.

In Pakistan, we Muslims are the majority. It doesn’t even occur to most of us that how inhumane we are towards minorities. We still call the sweepers “Choora”. Some of us doesn’t even eat food with them. Become a minority and you will know how hard it is to live in such place where you have to face such racism. Well, I know there are good people too and those who are insensitive towards minorities are not all bad. People doesn’t realize unless they experience it.

There is enough hatred in the world. We don’t have to be the one who causes pain. Make a difference, be kind and spread smiles. I know you can.

Peace and Love.