Biology Case

Dear Diary, 11/20/12

This week has not been an ideal one. Starting my first week of a new high school, I was expecting a new adventure. My family and I had moved only two weeks ago from Dearborn Michigan, the second highest population of Muslims outside an actual Muslim country, to San Francisco. I being a young Lebanese Muslim felt very appeased and comfortable at Dearborn. We followed the same rules and guidelines, we all had similar cultures and we all felt safe. Moving to San Francisco my religion and culture had not come to mind. I have only ever lived in Dearborn and so I assumed that all places were the same or somewhat similar.

I entered the school, having spent all morning trying looking to impress my new fellow classmates. I washed my hair, combed my hair and placed on my traditional Muslim attire. I left the house in a hurry. My mother was late at work. She was a neurologist. I was so proud of her. She worked endlessly to support the family. My father was injured on site a few years ago. He now rakes in the benefits. As I entered the school I was prone to the glances of the other students. I was like a child's new toy. I continued towards the main entrance of the school, head down, too afraid to make any contact with those around me. My first scheduled class was Mathematics. As I walked in to the class I was told by the teacher to introduce myself to the class. He was tall, lean, grey cut hair and spoke in the typical American accent. I turned to the class, eyes still looking down. I have always been one to become shy in public. I told them that I was from Dearborn Michigan. They continued to stare in amusement. Then it was time for my name. 'Osama Abdul-Rahman'. The jeers began. At the time I didn't quite understand. Taunts were thrown at me. And the teacher, Mr. Ryan had done nothing about it.

Recess and lunch were not any better. I was not quick to judge. I remember what my mother always told me. 'It's easy to judge a book by its cover'. I was keen to gain their trust and keep my Islamic heritage. I was proud of my heritage. I began to confront different clicks. One group I was particularly keen to confront. I recognized a boy. He was one of the culprits of the morning's drama in mathematics. I walked towards him and the reaction was not what I was expecting. A banana peel was launched towards me and slapped me across my face. It didn't faze me too much. I continued towards him and was confronted by his 'possy'. I asked politely if I could speak with so called 'big-bones'. I was kicked in the stomach, forced on my knees and bacon was pushed towards my face and the taunts continued. I've come home today very upset, but I haven't given up hope. I know that they act this way because they do not fully understand

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