I grew up in the south, and moved north for work. Dealing with the winters up here was a major adjustment. When working outside in the winter, caps just wouldn't keep me warm enough. So I would take a scarf and wrap it around my head, tucking the ends inside my coat.
After 9/11, I stopped wearing a scarf that way. I didn't feel safe doing it. Someone who hated Muslims could drive by and, not knowing me or that I'm Christian, would see the scarf and target me or my kids.
What kind of country are we when we can't feel safe from intolerance? When one has to change their appearance to avoid becoming a target for hatred?
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