The term-break is here! Like finally! *do the banana dance*
But seriously dude, the first term has been a rough one. Quite a number of tests were done before the term break. And to make it worst, the weightage for each module is pretty high. Not to mention, I flunked both my Java tests. T_T
But anyways, this post is not meant to be on school or tests or whatever. I wanna talk on a bigger issue. Which is about my religion: ISLAM. Lately, I've been reflecting and thinking about my religion. I've been wondering why people hate Islam so much. And why are some of them becoming so Islamophobic?
Okay that's the world context. Now let's zoom a bit to somewhere much more locatable i.e my life.
I've been facing an annoying problem in school lately. Some of my mates just love to give me insensitive remarks about Islam. They use the term 'terrorism' freely... which makes me uncomfortable 'cos to me, its a BIG WORD. People shouldn't use that word casually, if you get what I mean. And they somehow label the hijabis, giving insulting comments about the way we dress. I don't really care if you insult me, but NEVER EVER INSULT MY RELIGION. It saddens me big time. Well, some comments that they gave are not really about hijab/islam but they somehow lie on the same line lah.
Examples:
1) Pointing out to the hijabis who pass by me, saying that those are my clans.
2) Saying things which are related to Osama, Al-Qaeda, terrorism, bombings.
3) Hijabis look like makcik-makcik.
4) Hijabis should not feel cold in the air-con room 'cos we use so many layers of cloth already.
5) Getting shocked when hijabis (especially madrasah students) have guy friends.
6) ...and many more.
Everytime they say those kind of things, I feel like saying:
"Hey can I just laugh at your narrow minded-ness? Eventhough I came from a Madrasah (a private religious school), I'm just the same as you guys. The guys are mischievous too just like you guys. The only difference is that we studied religious subjects which makes us attain the best of both worlds...
...and you, please stop talking about Osama, Al-Qaeda etc cos those are considered as sensitive issues. If I were to lodge a complain to the staff, I bet you'll be punished for giving such remarks!...
...are you sure we look like makcik-makcik? Well, I think the hijabis look way prettier and younger. At least we dress modestly and respect our body. :')"
Maybe you should watch the video above to feel what I really feel and get a better idea of what I'm talking about, also to get a hint on what's happening out there. This is one of the best videos I've watched btw. Came across the video just now in the evening after I came back from a wedding and I straight away share it on facebook with a loooong status (screenshot below). Just feel the need to share it, also with a small hope that 'those few people' on my friends list will see it, and ponder. heheh.
Well, some people may say...
"Why are you taking things seriously? It's just a joke. C'mon lah, take it easy!"
But excuse me, these kinda things are not meant to be joked about okay. Find other better things to joke about lah! What will you feel if you were in my position? It's kinda humiliating and disturbing to receive such jokes and you have to stand for yourself with no one backing you up. I need to counter attack them myself. Even my other Muslim friends join them and laugh at those 'insensitive' jokes. That's even sadder. :(
Above all, I will still cherish the moments in school no matter what 'cos I have to admit that my classmates are a bunch of fun people. Even though they crack those kind of jokes, they are fine boys and girls. I'll just forgive them and try to forget. 'Cos I know they're trying to entertain us and be friendly, that's all. I gotta agree that sometimes, jokes can make the bond stronger. Well, guess I just need to bear with them for the remaining 1.5 years and just close my ears. Shall enjoy my poly life and treat all these as experience, not drawbacks. At least, I'll have something interesting and unique to tell my kids in the future right? Haha :P
Till then.