Are you scared to talk about fundamentalists in public for fear of your life?
I got upset with a friend for claiming he is losing his freedom of speech because he's scared to talk about this topic because he thinks he might be killed.
*Side note: Specifically Islamic Fundamentalists.
The reason I got upset was that his speech or views have never actually caused him any problems - all he's had are disapproving looks.
As a person of colour, as a Muslim and as a woman, I have past experiences that legitimate my fear of just literally being me. Going outside, you don't know.
Freedom of speech comes with the freedom to reply back- that's how that works.
People have been killed for their views for centuries.
And with these headlines about people of different races being attack due to hate, it legitimises the fears I have of existing in this country.
I'm British - born in the UK.
My friend had the nerve to say I do well in this country, I've adopted the culture well.
I was born here. It's my culture too.
It took him over a year to finally tell me his fear and I reacted much calmer than I am writing this blog.