An open letter from a Muslim American on 4th of July
Let this serve as an open letter from a Muslim human rights activist to the Chicago Police officer that racially profiled me at Starbucks, to the lady that stuck out her middle finger at me on the road, and to the man that yelled “Hey fucking Muslim go back to your country” in front of Walgreens. And, let me not forget to mention the TSA agent that recently did an extensive 20 minutes body pat-down in the airport because I refused to take off my hijab in front of everyone.
Dear officer and fellow Islamophobes,
I know that you are a very small percentage in our society. And I learned long ago not to blame you for the negative picture you have gained through media about Muslims. But please allow me to tell you who I am and what it means to be an American Muslim in 2016.
I am a Muslim and I accept and love everyone, please next time you see me don’t fear my existence, don’t yell at me, because after all we all are humans and we deserve to live equally in this free democratic nation.
I am a Muslim and my best friend is a Greek Orthodox Christian, who I called today and cried on the phone with her after you harassed me and gave me condescending looks in front of everyone.
I am a Muslim and I advocate for human rights worldwide. I love my headscarf dearly, and I respect women who decide to protest topless. Simply, because Islam taught me not to judge others.
I am a Muslim and I love to barbecue kosher hotdogs with my Jewish friends every 4th of July.