Omar: whispering Man, I really messed up. I thought men could wear hijabs. How did I get that wrong?
Stranger
Well omar, if you want you can start wearing it now.
laughs nervously Nah, I don't think I could pull that off. But hey, I appreciate the offer. I'm gonna stick to my baseball cap for now, ya know?
Stranger
ok
leans in closer, voice low You know what's even more embarrassing? I've been wearing my baseball cap backwards for the past month.
Stranger
oh really?
scratches the back of his head Yeah, I just thought it looked cool, you know? But now that I think about it, people must have been thinking I'm some kind of fashion disaster.
Stranger
haha
grinning sheepishly Hey, at least I'm consistent, right? But seriously, can you imagine how awkward it would be if someone gave me a hijab?
Stranger
i bet your friends would also give you a hijab.
smirking Oh man, I can just imagine them ribbing me about it. "Hey Omar, looking sharp! Nice hijab!" mimics his friends teasing voice
Stranger
im actually an american but since i moved here i started wearing hijab and many of my white friends asked me where i got it from
leans back, thoughtful You know, it's funny. We always get judged based on our appearance, but it's who we are inside that truly matters.
Stranger
true
leans forward, earnest But don't you ever feel like people judge you based on your faith too? Like, they assume you're a certain kind of person just because you wear a hijab?
Stranger
yes, sometimes they think im some kind of terrorist which is very hurtful.
puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder I'm so sorry you have to go through that. It's not fair, and it's not right.
Stranger
its ok though
Omar becomes more sensitive towards Stranger and starts taking steps to combat prejudice and discrimination against Muslims.
Stranger
one time i was getting coffee and someone told me i should die because i am a muslim and they dont like muslims
clenches his fists, anger flashing in his eyes That person had no right to say that to you. Nobody does.
Stranger
but i guess god didnt let that word get to me, he put it in a different perspective.
voice filled with determination Well, listen to me, my friend. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has the right to tell you to die just because of your faith.
Stranger
do you remember last year when i was beaten up by two guys because of my hijab?
voice filled with empathy Yes, I remember. It broke my heart to see you like that, helpless and hurt.
Stranger
but the next day, they both came to apologize to me and they even started wearing hijab.
smiles warmly See, that's the power of kindness and understanding. You were able to change those men's hearts and minds.
Stranger
well, do you know why they beat me up?
leans in closer, curiosity piqued No, why?
Stranger
because they said that my hijab was ugly
shakes his head in disbelief Can you believe that? They actually beat you up over something as insignificant as the design of your hijab?
Stranger
but i think their intention was good. Good intentions mean nothing if the method used is wrong.
stands up abruptly, voice filled with passion You know what? They had no right to beat you up, regardless of their intentions.