Composition 1
There are some things in life that we are ignorant about when kids. We make friends in play school irrespective of their social status or skin color. But with time the purity is overtaken by mean choices .My name is Andy and I was in eight standard in the year 2014 when I faced the harsh reality of life. My father had taken up a new job as a software analyst in New York. I was apprehensive about my new school and colleges just like any other normal kid. Well my first day at school was fun as I did well in the sports class. After the 11 Sep 2001 attacks US was facing the racism giant. I was a dark complexioned boy with American upbringing as my mother is an Indian and my father an American. I loved the amalgamation of two cultures in myself.
We were playing a friendly inter class soccer match, when a secured a goal. Wow, I loved the adrenaline rush that soccer gave me. I could hear Amy from my class cheering for me, “Andy, Andy.”The competing team was discussing strategies to overtake me. I loved the chilly wind on my red face, the blood rush was immense. We had a penalty strike to make; I was chosen to take it. The cheering sounds “Andy, Andy” made me feel as I was Rolando. I missed my shot and was disgusted with myself for letting my team down. Suddenly I heard a harsh voice saying, throw these “Pakis, Blacks” out of our country. It was the captain of the competing team Peter. I was stunned and embarrassed at this allegation and insult. I am an American, has always been one. It was just a game but the game taught me the most important lesson of my life. I could see my classmates ignoring me and making fun of me by sticking chits on my locker, asking me to leave “their country.”
Amy and Joey were my only friends in the school. They stood by me amidst all the hatred. My family was my support system and my lifeline. Mom and Dad both explained the entire scenario of racism after the terrorist attacks in USA. Mom said “there will be people in your life who will try to pull you down by hurting you mentally and physically, you just need to keep going with the calm attitude of yours.” I started to take professional coaching classes for soccer and diverted my attention. I was good at academics and stood first in the class in the quarterly tests. I represented my school in soccer at the state level; I earned a gold medal for being all rounder at the school award ceremony. My principal asked me to express my views on soccer in the school assembly. It was an opportunity I had been looking for; I started by saying “friends I am as American as apple pie.” I could hear laughter and giggles from all corners. I could see Peter’s face grow red with anger. I carried on; “my dark skin does not by any way lessen my love for my country. We are toadys generation; we need to be understanding and empathetic towards others. Hatred can only get enemies; love and compassion can win millions of hearts irrespective of their cast, color or creed”. I gave the example of President Obama, who won the elections because of his hard work and overcame all hurdles of racism.
My chocked voice made my emotional state clear, the anger on Peters face was overtaken by remorse. I had silenced my critics and sent my message across with clarity. The hall echoed with enthusiastic claps. Post lunch break Peter came and apologized for his behavior and hugged me. That day I made friend for life. It is normal for us to differentiate each other because of our physical differences but they should not be used to disrespect each other. It is fun and empowering to enjoy our differences as respect is all about attitude and behavior; it has nothing to do with skin color.
