(Note: I can honestly say, writing this piece for the Metro was so important — as it not only includes the discussion of Islamophobia and the terror (aka terrorism) of it, but the removal of the hijab as a result. Of course, as I’ve mentioned Islamophobia is not the only reason I no longer (fully) wear it. But it is a core part of it, and it is a danger and problem we need to face and battle, condemn because there is no benefit from it — only further harm and damage.
I hope there is significant change made to combat Islamophobia (and racism) because it is so so dangerous and vile. In many ways, i was surprised the response I received was so positive — because a small part of me expected to get some kind of hate, because lord knows there are some bigots out there. {And even expecting this to happen speaks volumes of the kind of toxicity that exists in today’s world.})
[this is an excerpt from an article i wrote for the Metro.]
You’d think growing up in a predominantly Asian area in London would mean not having to deal with racism and Islamophobia.
But as a British-Bangladeshi Muslim, I can say racism in this city runs deep.
The mark it leaves behind lasts forever and can even drastically change the way you live your life.
Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/15/i-stopped-wearing-my-hijab-because-i-was-scared-for-my-life-13408337/
SUMAIYA AHMED 