Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
I have battled with myself for some time about writing on the Qatari student killed in a racist attack in the UK over the summer.
I read the story while I was on my way back from my vacation in Egypt and was in utter shock over what had happened to Mohammed Al Majed. Many of my friends were in the UK at the time of Mohammed's attack either for vacation or summer school.
I was hesitant in writing as I was afraid I would generalise the circumstances of the incident and make it seem as if most people in the UK would attack Arabs.
What happened to Mohammed was sad and shocking, not only to his family but to most students I have talked to since the beginning of the academic year. It is rather a scary thought that we could venture out into the world next year not knowing what to expect and that lack of knowledge is a factor which makes many think twice about colleges they are willing to attend and places they may be prepared to live for the next four or maybe six years.
Racism is a rather touchy topic for all of us. For me, I was born and raised in a bi-cultural household where I learnt to respect both the Filipino and Arabian cultures. Unlike others, I do not really fully know what it is to come from a single culture and face a world that may think of you as a 'terrorist' or someone that lives in tents and rides camels.
It was also sad to read that some authorities, before the incident happened, were warned by Mohammed and his friends to keep an eye out for the suspicious looking boys who were making snide remarks about how 'Araby' Mohammed looked.
There is no need to open past wounds and add insult to injury, but my advice to all those students thinking of studying abroad next year is to keep a cool head if you are faced with racists or attackers there. We are now all adults who are capable of keeping an eye out for trouble.
Long gone are the days where we could rely on parents and teachers to protect us from bullies in the playground or during classes. We are about to venture out into the real world where justice is not always served and the only way to live safely is to keep safe.
I hope that in addressing this topic that I do not offend anyone who may think I am creating a generalisation for that is in no way my intention.
All I care about is the safety of those who dream to live and work outside our tiny little island, where most of us are used to the safety and protections of home sweet home.
