Before 15 I had long hair
That cascaded down my back
With waves and curls
That I always end up putting in a ponytail
Insisting that it got in my face
And I needed to concentrate
When I went to high school my hair was hidden
Never to get in the way again
But this didn't just change the way people looked at me
It changed everything
When people look at me
The first thing they think is
Oh
A Muslim
But they forget
I am human.
I wear a scarf around my head
To cover my hair
That used to cascade along my back
Like chocolate waves
Now it is hidden so no one can see
Some people say
OPRESSED
I say
NO
Don't people see
I am just like you
The only difference is my
Religion
If you take the time
To talk to me
I will most likely talk back
I will be considerate of the fact
That you may or may not believe in God
I am not going to try
And convert you
I want to be your friend
I am just like you.
I like to read just like you
I like to write just like you
I watch movies and play video games
Just Like You
But you're too busy seeing a mask over my face and labeling me
As someone I am not
Muslims of this generation
Are constantly shown as the product of
Terrorism
I can assure you
Killing is wrong
No matter what
Terrorists are terrorists are terrorists
Muslims are Muslims are Muslims
I am just like you
I am an unathletic
Procrastinating
Teenage fangirl
Just like you
The only difference is my skin color
And didn't we learn there is so much more than that?
Or are we still stuck in a mindset of the past?
Today's generation is stuck with stereotypes and labeling
Apparently I am oppressed
But I can tell you
I am not
I chose to wear a hijab
And I am proud.
Sometimes I wish people would talk to me
Instead of looking at me
And ignoring me
I promise I don't bite
I am just like you
If you ask me about my faith
If you ask me why
I will tell you
You can't offend me that easily
But sometimes I get lonely
And people stare
And my hijab is my friend
Cloaking me from other's bad intentions
I am Just Like You
Some people say I can't be
FEMINIST
But I assure you
I want rights as much as you
I want to be treated like human for once
I'm not some alien hiding my snake hair
I'm Just Like You
The only difference between you and me
It seems is what I decide to wear
And yes, it gets hot
But I'm not stopping you from wearing what you do
If anything, it seems you're trying to stop me
But if there's anything you should know
Is that I'm human too
If you talk to me
I will be kind and caring
I will understand
Because
I'm Just Like You
