24/05/2024
A university student in Bangladesh (Hiding her name for privacy), sat with her friends in the campus cafeteria. She enjoyed their company, but one day, the conversation took a hurtful turn.
“So, what do you eat at home?” one of her friends asked, smirking. “Dog meat? Or maybe something weird like that?”
Her heart sank. “No, we don’t eat that,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
“And do you drink alcohol?” another friend chimed in. “Isn’t that common in your culture?”
She shook her head. “No, we don’t. My family doesn’t drink.”
One friend laughed. “Your language sounds so strange, like Chinese or something. Can’t you speak properly?”
The laughter stung. She forced a smile, hiding her pain. She felt isolated and misunderstood, even among friends. Their ignorance and insensitivity toward her culture hurt deeply.
That evening, back in her dorm,She reflected on the day’s events. She resolved to stay proud of her heritage, despite the prejudice. She would educate those around her, hoping for a future where understanding replaced ignorance.