Dude on the street: No, that’s why I need a minute of your time, we don’t give out anything.
Me: Hmm, ok dude, get on with it then…
Dude on the street: So… we are bla bla bla and we do bla bla bla
Me: Uh huh, and what do I need to donate? Is there a website of something?
Dude on the street: Well, yes, but then I don’t get any credit for it if you go on the websites.
Me: Hmm, ok, fine, let’s do it.
Dude on the street: Ok sister, it will only take a minute.
Me: Umm Hmm
Dude on the street: Name, Address, Year of birth, Credit card
Me: You do realize it’s cold right?
Dude on the street: Yes. Where are you from? Like originally?
Me: Trinidad.
Dude on the street: So, ok, we’re all done, and now you’re an “everyday hero”!
Me: Wow! I feel so special now!
Dude on the street: You know, that’s why I love West Indians, they always give me a hard time.
Me: Oookk…
Dude on the street: Alright, Salaam, Eid Mubarak! Are you going back to work now?
Me: Ya dude
Dude on the street: Ok, well, I have to stand out here in the cold all day!
Me: Ok, you have fun with that then!
Like 2 hours later…
Dude on the street: Hey! How’s it going Shazia?
Me: {Oh, dude remembered my name?! Slightly creepy!} Hey, I am doing well.
Dude on the street: On a break?
Me: Just getting coffee, but sorry, none for you.
Dude on the street: Hahaha, ok, see you… [his voice trails off in the distance]
Me: {dude, I am like 20 feet away from you, stop talking now…)
Disclaimers: This is sort of what happened, except that the “dude” actually seemed like a really nice guy, and I apparently cannot say no to anyone who asks me to donate – I may not be able to afford food, but rest assured that if you ask me to donate, somehow I will not be able to say no, it’s a sickness! But, I just thought the incident was funny.
I was on the subway today and a man rushed by me and said “get the f*ck out of here taliban”, and to be honest, it took me a few minutes to actually register what he said and then I pondered it for a few minutes and then forgot about it until now, so I am going to conclude that it didn’t really bother me too much.
The reason that I am sharing this with you is because it reminded me why I love living in this country – you see, the last time that someone directed an ignorant, racist remark at me was about 11 years ago, pre-911 and pre-headscarf, so back then I was just Indian aka “brown”! I feel quite fortunate that I can live in a country as open to culture and diversity as Canada is, and I really want to say that though I tend to take a lot of things about living here for granted, and I really dislike winter, and this spring was totally disappointing, Canada rocks people!
by shaz on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 02:07 PM
read more about:
being muslim.
There is a stereotype about Muslim women out there that does not show them as the thinking, feeling, lively people with loving hearts and independent minds that we know them to be. Partially, this is because there just aren’t enough real-life stories about Muslim women being told by Muslim women themselves. We hope that this anthology will help amplify their voices and perspectives.
This is an opportunity for American Muslim women to write for an upcoming literary anthology. Please contact Baraka right away if you’re interested in participating, the deadline is January 15th.
I would say “when I smile with you, I am not secretly thinking “infidel”, I am actually saying a tiny prayer that your needs are fulfilled and that your heart finds what it’s seeking”...
