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While working the night shift a guest calmly asked me, “Are you dangerous?”. Not knowing where this question was coming from I jokingly replied, “Only slightly”. The guest went on to explain that his friend had told him to ask all long bearded men whether they were dangerous. He seemed rather ecstatic explaining this to me. All the while his company informed me he was from Germany as if this was an explanation to the racist remark I had just heard. He went on to say, “I don’t think you’re dangerous”. Well, thanks?

I was awestruck by this. I didn’t know what to say. Later that night I experienced another guest mocking my name.

All I know is that racism has not been eradicated despite popular belief. No matter what naysayers may say; it’s healthy and live. It might be in a different form but it is there nonetheless. This may be a mild case of racism but if you want to see further evidence of racist thinking visit any Muslim related articles’ comment section on major press’ websites and you will see the sound of logic dummified.

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Comments

anon
04/18/2010 9:35am

oh man ....
did this happen recently?

i guess it's a good idea to explain to them how good we are. as for my experience, my non muslim friends tell me that most of their best friends are muslims ...

you see, we muslims need to hang out with non muslims too. otherwise, they won't understand us. UNFORTUNATELY, there are muslims out there who just can't socialize ... kinda like, stuck in their 'islamic' shell. thus, some non muslims think we're ignorant or smth and can't be friends with.

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anas
04/18/2010 12:03pm

Yeah it did. Another remark was made yesterday too from a very drunk lady. sigh.

It's hard to change someone's attitudes with the limited time exposure you have at work with the guests.

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anonymous
04/18/2010 9:30pm

I'm awfully sorry about what happened. It really sucks when people are like that. I've personally never experienced anything of the sort, but I've had people look at me like I was dangerous. I usually just smile or wave at them. They're only hurting themselves by being this way!

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anonymous
04/19/2010 10:22pm

These kinds of things happen all the time.
I live in Vancouver and I wear an abayah and a scarf to school. People often stare at me as I walk down the street.
A couple of weeks ago, I was on the subway and some old lady told me to take off my scarf and abayah as it is unethical and I am separating myself from the norm.
and I just looked at her and asked her what is the norm? someone who is half naked? someone who is flaunting what they have to the world, as they are suppose to save it for the bedroom? and then she stormed off calling me a terrorist and a bitch.
some people are just self centered and close minded. There's no one who can help them but Allah, himself.
May Allah show these people, and everyone, the right path. Ameen.
Just have patience, one day everyone will live in peace, like brothers and sisters. Inshallah

Btw, I love KIH. All my muslim friends in Vancouver read it. Keep up the good work. Subhanallah.

-One love. Peace.

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anas
04/19/2010 10:28pm

I just realized today it's not just people who have no clue about Islam that say these things but Muslims too. I'll be it most of the time it maybe a joke (sometimes it's not), but doing it in an open setting around those who may not get that it is a joke doesn't help.

For the first time in a while I feel sensitive about who I am. Doesn't mean I'll change who I am. But, I am aware what others see when they look at me.

All I can do is keep on smiling and let my actions speak.

And Asalamulikum/Hello VANCOUVER! :D

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