I am scared to go outside because I am black.
It is two thousand and fifteen, and I am scared to go outside because I wear a hijab.
I live in a country where equality is preached, but I-a young African American male am scared to walk with a crook in my step, leap out of my boundaries, or make eye contact with a police man because
I am scared.
I-a young Muslim girl-I am scared.
I fear being taunted by white men who believe the scarf I wear is the reason their brothers died.
I am scared because society thinks that the color of my skin is the reason their brothers died.
My mom tells me to be careful, America doesn't like thugs
My mom tells me to be careful, America does not like terrorists.
Why should I be careful.
I am not a thug.
I am not a terrorist.
Why should I be scared?
I am not scared.
I am crippled.
Crippled with the knowledge that history always finds a way to repeat itself.
The same painting.
Different faces.