Social Awareness Project

Interview

1. What were your initial thoughts when you first joined the war?
My thoughts were that I joined the armed forces for one reason. It was to stop the corrupt Muslims from terrorizing rest of the world. It was to show a good image, of not only me, but the others. I remember when I used to go to the supermarkets to get you food, everyone gave me these looks, like don't hurt, or some nasty glare. My thoughts was to prove them wrong, that we are not monsters, the people in Iraq are.

2. Were there some issues in your platoon? Any racial discrimination?
Of course, since I was one the only Muslims, many looked at me in a way. There were some mean things here and there, but they gradually began to mix in. After about a month, they finally accepted on what I am.

3. Any harsh experiences during your service?
There were many, but this one really matches with social awareness. It was my 3rd day in combat, we were doing some drills. It was time for break, where we all just sit and relax. I go to my squad member s since they were the only friends I really had, when this big bulky African-American guy comes up to me. He asked how many Marines have I killed. I tell him, "Why? I'm in the Marines". he just looks at me and snickers, "Well you sure as hell don't look like it, I swear, if I see you doing anything fishy, I'm going to put a bullet right between your eyes." And that he walked off.

4. What were your emotions?
Sadness, Hatred, and surprisingly excitement. The combat made our adredaline rush, which for some reason felt right. I felt sad to see all these people die around me, how they're family must've feel when they got the news. Hatred was obviously there, the Iraqis looked like miniature monsters. I felt hurting them all, to let them know how they're causing all this damage.

5. What did you think as you were leaving the army?
I felt like a huge weight just lifted off my shoulders. A relief went through me, and when I saw you about 6 months old in your mothers arms, I cried, cried as of I will never see you again. I looked at the Training Center, and wished all the Marines who still were in there good luck. Overall, I felt happy, and proud.

 Observe your surroundings

As I examined my surroundings, I've noticed many things. One, words such as ,"fag" or gay was used a lot. I see that it was used for really no reason. I've also noticed that people shove others because on what they say. If it seems irrelevant on what they are thinking, then they show their aggresition by shoving or even insulting.
Another thing I noticed is harassment when playing sports. I too can relate to this. Say if someone passes you the ball and you go for a shot, and you miss. The opposing team and even your own teammates will laugh at you, calling you a "fag" or klutz. Even though that was the only time I missed, they still do. Other than me, I've seen other people, too. If a person is not so good in that particular sport, people don't choose them. If they do they keep getting harassed by other players.

Story

Oh no! I'm late to school again. Now they'll be able to see my cheap shoes from K-mart. I used to have a pair of Adidas, but they wore out. Now I'll have to wear these, "no namers" as they call it. I walk into my Math class and see Tyrone look right at my shoes. He snickered so hard that it broke into a laugh.
"Tyrone, whats going on?" Mr. Smith says. Tyrone couldn't stop himself from laughing, he just pointed at my white sneakers. All eyes, including Mr. Smith followed his hand. Then I heard an eruption of laughter, and hollering. The teacher couldn't calm them down, his voice lost in the uproar. Mt cheeks burned to bright red, my knees shaking. My palms started to sweat and tremble. I wanted to say something but, when I looked at everyone, I didn't wand to anymore.
I turn around and see the doorway. I run, run as if there was some great evil behind me. "Shah! Where you going! Schools not over, get back here!" the security guard yelled. I pushed past her and ran down the sidewalk. My cheeks filled with tears, I see my crummy house. I go through the wooden fence and open my front door. I go to my bedroom which was located in the basement, along with many of our maintenance supplies. I unpack , and dress to my home clothes, which were a tattered white T-shirt and very old Champion sweatpants, which were about three sizes too big. I jump on my bed, I have to lie to my parents that I went to school, again.