Went shopping in Cameron Village before going to the theatre tonight. It was raining and I had straightened my hair, so I pulled part of my infinity scarf over my head (I'm vain). Walking by one of the bars, I passed a man who scoffed loudly and called after me, "Fuc*in' Muslims." I whipped around to confront him, but I saw the smug look on his face. He wanted a fight.
I didn't want to argue his claim that I might be Muslim (though I am not), because I didn't want to confirm his argument that being Muslim is somehow wrong. I also didn't want the scene to escalate by engaging in a verbal (or, heaven forbid, physical) fight with him.
I smiled politely and said, "Merry Christmas," then continued walking to my car, because I opted to fight willful ignorance with kindness. My heart goes out to the Muslim men and women who experience this kind of hatred and bigotry on a daily basis. #muslimsarenotterrorists