15/11/2023
It's truly embarrassing that for decades, we've had access to the truth while listening to the cries of the oppressed - be it the Rohingya, the Uyghur, or the Palestinians. We grew up admiring those who despise us. They hate our religion, our names, our colours, and our voices.
Yet, we buy their brands that contribute to the exploitation of our parents, ourselves, and the suffering of the Rohingya and Uyghur populations, as well as the genocide of the Palestinians.
We pursued our education in their institutions, studied their curriculums and worked for their companies. Some of us hoped to become like them, while others hoped we could influence change from within their oppressive systems. We became fluent in their languages while our mother tongue disappeared. We readily quoted their books, films, and songs, all the while struggling to mention our own sacred text, the Quran. We embraced their cultures while feeling ashamed of our own.
For many years, and now more than ever, I no longer wish to be associated with what they represent. I refuse to serve as a billboard for their work, allow my mind to be saturated with their falsehoods, or house their products in my home. I have no desire to support those who dehumanise our people or contribute to genocide with my money or my attention.
