Today, I either heard something completely wrong, or I had a disturbing “Crash moment” that could potentially escalate in the future.
I was working at my computer and at the table behind me, the two guys sitting there we talking. One said “I’m gonna put on some music” and so I turned around to see what he meant and I saw him connecting earplugs to his phone (”what a copycat”, I thought to myself) and as he saw me looking at him he continued what he was saying with “…a little bit of Tanin music..”, because I’m usually the one with headphones on listening to music while working…
The other guy replied by uttering “…Taliban music…”. I had just turned back for a quick glance, but now he had caught my full attention. I was thinking “what tha hell..?! Where did that come from?”. As those thoughts churned in my mind, The comments continued and I caught a few more words including “Osama bin Laden” said in a sarcastic tone. I then remembered that the guy that said “…Tanin music” had congratulated me on acquiring nuclear weapons earlier that morning. “Where the hell have I landed!?” was my thought at that point.
I continued with what I was doing (including finishing a sentence to someone else as all of this was going on without flinching a reaction) and continued with my work. …Yet another day at the world’s largest information technology company. Luckily, days such as this one are rare, but suffice to say very memorable.
…
Since when are you islamic or mid-eastern?
Why didn’t you report them to anyone?
Edit: Errr wait, didn’t you say you were born in Iran?
…
There’s a complicated and long reason for why I have yet to report both or either of them. Some people are simply not content with your city of residence as a reply to the question “Where are you from?”. They rather insist on details of ancestral origins. They then take that information, and using it project whatever anxieties and frustrations they may have on you. This is done gradually over time, increasing in intensity at each instance. Once vented, they then expect of you to justify your appearance and heritage, for your appearance and heritage are the soul properties their opinions are based on.
It is somewhat ridiculous that I am expected to engage in a conversation be it political or cultural with every person I meet, simply to set their prejudice minds at ease or to paint out my opinions point by point on various subjects in order to show my alliances and my allegiance.
If I were to do so, what would that say of me or the people around me?
I rather have them in the dark wondering, than explain myself to people the likes of them - and for what? Their acceptance? Not worth my 2 minutes.
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My father is currently having same issues at his work. Where atleast 2 of the co workers wont even speak to him cause he is a muslim.
Gotta love the wonderful sweeds
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For being one of the smartest species we sure are dumb alot…uh, yeah.