Day 9-I am DIFFERENT and it's okay

A lack of understanding and empathy for others are among some of the causes related to bullying. Children are at risk of being bullied if they are perceived as being different from others.

As a child our family religion was Muslim and because of this we did not celebrate Christmas and other holidays. I dreaded going back to school after the winter break because the first written assignment was always " What did you get for Christmas?" I always felt singled out because when I reported that I did not get anything my classmates laughed and almost immediately assumed that we were too poor to celebrate the holiday. As a result of that I was teased and verbally bullied. I cried on many occasions and began to isolate myself from others.

Whether we are African American, Caucasian, Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Heterosexual, Bi-Sexual, Transgender or other, I believe that each of us as human beings have the right to be different. We must learn to be tolerant of each others differences. It's what makes us all so UNIQUE. If we open our hearts and minds we may just learn something new. I believe that we can always find something to learn from each other and the experiences we have in our lives.

Just for today find someone who is not the same as you and make a new friend.

I AM DIFFERENT AND ITS OKAY.