I completely understand your frustration and sentiment, and I can only imagine how much harder it is as a student rather than just a citizen. I’ve seen firsthand how students often have to work twice as hard for half as much, and it genuinely hurts to witness.
However, just like in my own experience, I can’t *prove* I was discriminated against—because discrimination rarely presents itself in black and white terms. And those on the other side know this. They can’t say outright it’s because of how you dress, how you speak, or because you don’t look like them or fit their image of what a staff member should be. Instead, they use more subtle tools. I was once told it would take six months to train me for a job I had already done before, something I had to reiterate multiple times. Or they’d become so hostile and eager to end the interview that I simply got the message and walked away.
I felt that same anger. I wanted to cost them business, to confront them and demand an explanation. But then I asked myself: do I really want to work with people who clearly don’t want me there?
As you said, this doesn't even begin to scratch the surface—but maybe that’s because, deep down, I already knew what the rest of the rejections would look like. When it comes to a specific niche or interest I have, I often find myself keeping it to myself rather than reaching out to a group of entirely white people. Not because they aren’t kind—they are—but it’s the kind of kindness you give a stranger, not a friend. I’d always be seen as the outsider.
I truly wish the best for you and hope you’re able to navigate your struggles without having to endure this kind of disgusting discrimination. As one friend said to me after I shared a similar story about a job interview:
“And of course, it had to be iblees on the other side of the door.”
That was incredibly profound and reminds me of a similar Arabic proverb: "Whoever fears the Jinn, it will appear to him" [اللي بيخاف من عفريت يطلعله]. It means that one should show no fear, remain optimistic, and stay headstrong, otherwise, one’s Jinn (or inner demon) will overpower them. It’s remarkable how, in both cases, a quote or proverb always seems to come to mind that reminds us to stay resilient and persevere. I will now be using both quotes when times get tough, thank you.
I completely understand your frustration and sentiment, and I can only imagine how much harder it is as a student rather than just a citizen. I’ve seen firsthand how students often have to work twice as hard for half as much, and it genuinely hurts to witness.
However, just like in my own experience, I can’t *prove* I was discriminated against—because discrimination rarely presents itself in black and white terms. And those on the other side know this. They can’t say outright it’s because of how you dress, how you speak, or because you don’t look like them or fit their image of what a staff member should be. Instead, they use more subtle tools. I was once told it would take six months to train me for a job I had already done before, something I had to reiterate multiple times. Or they’d become so hostile and eager to end the interview that I simply got the message and walked away.
I felt that same anger. I wanted to cost them business, to confront them and demand an explanation. But then I asked myself: do I really want to work with people who clearly don’t want me there?
As you said, this doesn't even begin to scratch the surface—but maybe that’s because, deep down, I already knew what the rest of the rejections would look like. When it comes to a specific niche or interest I have, I often find myself keeping it to myself rather than reaching out to a group of entirely white people. Not because they aren’t kind—they are—but it’s the kind of kindness you give a stranger, not a friend. I’d always be seen as the outsider.
I truly wish the best for you and hope you’re able to navigate your struggles without having to endure this kind of disgusting discrimination. As one friend said to me after I shared a similar story about a job interview:
“And of course, it had to be iblees on the other side of the door.”
That was incredibly profound and reminds me of a similar Arabic proverb: "Whoever fears the Jinn, it will appear to him" [اللي بيخاف من عفريت يطلعله]. It means that one should show no fear, remain optimistic, and stay headstrong, otherwise, one’s Jinn (or inner demon) will overpower them. It’s remarkable how, in both cases, a quote or proverb always seems to come to mind that reminds us to stay resilient and persevere. I will now be using both quotes when times get tough, thank you.