I just got this in my e-mail...

[Archae]

I went to the mall, and a little girl called me a terrorist.

My name is Ela. I am seventeen years old. I am not Muslim, but my
friend told me about her friend being discriminated against for wearing a
hijab. So I decided to see the discrimination firsthand to get a better
understanding of what Muslim women go through.

My friend and I pinned scarves around our heads, and then we went to the
mall. Normally, vendors try to get us to buy things and ask us to sample a
snack. Clerks usually ask us if we need help, tell us about sales, and
smile at us. Not today.
People, including vendors, clerks, and other shoppers, wouldn’t look at
us. They didn’t talk to us. They acted like we didn’t exist. They didn’t
want to be caught staring at us, so they didn’t look at all.

And then, in one store, a girl (who looked about four years old) asked
her mom if my friend and I were terrorists. She wasn’t trying to be mean
or anything. I don’t even think she could have grasped the idea of
prejudice. However, her mother’s response is one I can never forgive or
forget. The mother hushed her child, glared at me, and then took her
daughter by the hand and led her out of the store.

All that because I put a scarf on my head. Just like that, a mother
taught her little girl that being Muslim was evil. It didn’t matter that I
was a nice person. All that mattered was that I looked different. That
little girl may grow up and teach her
children the same thing.

This experiment gave me a huge wakeup call. It lasted for only a few
hours, so I can’t even begin to imagine how much prejudice Muslim girls go
through every day. It reminded me of something that many people know but
rarely remember: the women in hijabs are people, just like all those women
out there who aren’t Muslim.

People of Tumblr, please help me spread this message. Treat Muslims,
Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, Taoists, etc., exactly the way
you want to be treated,
regardless of what they’re wearing or not wearing, no exceptions. Reblog
this. Tell your friends. I don’t know that the world will ever totally
wipe out prejudice, but we
can try, one blog at a time.

*We would all do well to remember Martin Niemöller's famous
statement:


First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.

[Skittles]

1. I made a gal in a burka crack up uncontrollably at the supermarket

she was behind me in the checkout line and had a little boy in her cart. The little boy was very active and, catching my eye his stood up, thrust his hand at me with fingers wide and proudly proclaimed, "I'm FIVE!!!" So I looked at him in a suspicious manner, then thrust BOTH my hands and him and said, "Well I'm FIFTY-five!!!" The boy looked startled - I winked at his mom and she burst out laughing and could not stop. This made the little boy laugh too. A true Pez dispenser moment! They were still laughing when I left.

I am myself around EVERYONE; yes INDEED!

[tavalon]

5. Skittles, I'm gonna remember this one

I'm always so grateful to see such a genuine moment.

[GetTheRightVote]

2. very sad...

[lunasun]

3. yes and it is not only Muslims who get treated that way at the mall..........

But it doesnt matter to others until later...............
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Well not she, but ask a friend of hers

who happens to be black...

Sadly I not only believe the story, but we did the experiment with a friend who happened to be AA at a local store... he got security all over, even when dressed in a suit and tie, we were shlepping, not a peep.

I at times wonder if this is cultural or tribalism is more than just that.

Thanks for sharing.