D%20(1) ear Shirley, I'm 16 and new to this country. I wear clothes that reflect my culture and beliefs, but people at school make fun of me. They call me names and say I don't belong. I feel really lonely and isolated. How can I deal with this without changing who I am? It’s exhausting to constantly feel disrespected. ~ Veronica234

Dear Veronica234,

It’s unfair that you’re experiencing such prejudice at such a young age.

People often fear what they don't understand. Try to see their ignorance as a reflection of them, not you. Building a strong support system is crucial. Find friends who appreciate your individuality or join clubs related to your culture.

It’s okay to feel hurt, but don’t let their words define you. Your strength and resilience will see you through.

Always remember, you are not alone in this journey and you have the possibility to be the support system for people encountering similar situations.

Here are a few responses that might help:

Option A: My clothes are part of my culture. I would be happy to tell you about the history of each garment I wear. It's disrespectful to make fun of something that's important to my heritage.

Option B: Racial bias is unacceptable. I expect to be treated with respect; I treat YOU with respect. I would ask that you take up your issue with our teacher.

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