I obtained a job at GAP and enjoy the staff that i work with. There is a bit of everything in that store, theres the gay, fun loving guys, the straight well dressed guys, the hippies, the conceited girls, the sweet girls and the ones' you never want to cross. Luckily the ones that work with me in the baby/children department are really nice. I'm glad that i don't work in the Adult department, there is too much competition down there to look a certain way, I'd rather work with moms/dads whom are interested in getting in and out in a timely fashion.
I have also started to volunteer in my church Immanuel Presbyterian in a program called WORKUP which helps at risk youth obtain Financial training, Educational and Vocational assistance as well as assist the youth in a social entrepreneur endeavor in their own community. Its a great program and i am loving the relationship that I am building with the youth. Since i am living with Prabha she has also volunteering in the program which makes me happy because we are doing it together.
I have also started wearing my Dupatta's (head scarves) when i walk in my neighborhood. I am tired of being blown kisses, told "mamacita" and "Hey what's your name?" by young and older men whom are clearly not looking at me as a human being but a piece of meat, therefore, i have found a guy repellent. When i don't wear my Dupatta over my head and i walk in my neighborhood i hear the whistles and the like (not that it has anything to do with my facial appearance) But when i do i hear nothing. The men that would usually whistle at me and tell me derogatory terms are silent, and not only silent, they won't even greet me with a hello, or look at me. It didn't take me long to realize why...they are uncomfortable with me because they think i am Muslim. It is a universal truth that people fear the unfamiliar and will avoid it because many people cannot step out of themselves to engage someone different from their norm. If people can't understand, or feel comfortable around a different culture group they will stay away. So i am using this to my advantage. I am walking down the streets of Koreatown and Downtown Los Angeles with my head up and with no whistles and cat calls. There are those who still cat call at me but the percentage has decreased exponentially. I have demanded their respect and have obtained it with their silence. It might not seems like respect to you, but it is to me. I feel respected by their silence and the lack of cat calls. I feel invisible and not another fish that men want to catch for their pleasure. I was blessed with a face which allows me to blend in with the South Asian and Arab populations that are Muslim, so i am not questioned. If i were white trying to wear the Dupatta everywhere, i know i will draw attention, but Thank God i look the way i do. By saying this i am not advocating that I am trying to be something I am not and that i follow the teachings of the Koran by wearing the Dupatta. If asked I will gladly tell people that i am Christ follower, if they are confused, that is not my problem. I am just repelling men.So that is the highlight of my summer thus far I will keep you posted on the rest.
SHALOM
