Amir and I were best friends, like brothers even. We did everything together; we always got into mischief, played games, ran in the streets together. We were inseparable. He and his father treated me and Dad like family. They bought me a birthday present every single year! I was so lucky to have such amazing employers. Amir and I even have a special spot that we would always go to, it was our climbing tree. We would always go there and Amir would often read to me. One day while we were walking there, Assef, the town bully, approached us. They were so mean and rude! They always ragged on Amir because he played with me. Apparently, he’s not supposed to play with a Hazara or the ‘help’. “Flat-Nose” is what he constantly referred to me as and always, always, always made fun of my father. What a bully. He thinks he knows everything, but he doesn’t! He makes me feel so bad, he makes me want to just go home and cry all night. I hate him. He is so rude and disgraceful. He worships Hitler! Of all the people to worship, Hitler? No wonder he treats people the way he does. How can someone treat others so horribly, just because of their race? Skin colour? It’s so unfair! Racism; it’s such a cruel thing. Being abused by people who think they are better than you, can you imagine this? It is such disrespect. I hate bullies, I hate them.
Here are some help links:
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/Home.aspx
http://www.bullying.org/
http://www.eraseracism.com/help-erase-racism.html
http://www.stophate.us/racism/racismhelp.html
http://www.childline.org.uk/explore/Pages/Explore.aspx
You weren’t like family Hassan, you were family. I loved you as you were my son, you are my son. Never forget that. I love you, and will always love you. No one can ever replace you. Amir and I never forgot about you, not even when we lived in the United States. I cannot believe people treated you differently, as a subordinate! Amir didn’t stick up for you, when they were making fun of you? I thought I raised this boy better than that. I am sure he still loved you though, he was always such a weakling – he could never even stand up for himself. You know, we would always think of you, wherever we were. When people treat you like this, you must stand up for yourself and always know, you could come to me for help or advice. Never let anyone treat you like this; you are better than it. Assef is nothing but a bully who has nothing better to do than to bully younger children. You should stand up for yourself, or even tell someone, anyone! You should have told me that you were getting bullied by him; I would have done something to help you. Don’t let anyone treat you like this again, you are a strong man who can and must stand up for yourself. Unfortunately there are many people like Assef but there are also others like you, who are getting bullied. You are not alone Hassan. Stand up for yourself, don’t be pushed around.
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