Bashir Mohamed: Be empathetic to people
By Bashir Mohamed, Canada
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| Bashir Mohamed |
I try not to hate people, I really do. However, I reached a breaking point today while walking down a busy street in Marrakesh.
People were pushing things
in my face, grabbing me by the arm, and being really aggressive. I tried to
politely say no but they would continue.
This has happened a lot
before but I had enough and became a bad guy. I would say no in a stronger
voice and straight up pushed those people out of my way.
This worked. Nobody
bothered me anymore and I was able to continue walking without going through
that again.
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Later, I was standing in
front of a store waiting for some friends when a young man approached me. He
had watches that he was trying to sell. I resorted to my tactic and told him to
go away in a strong voice. When he knew I wouldn't buy anything he said
something very interesting. "Why do you people always do this? You are my
brother!"
For whatever reason, this
surprised me. The guy spoke excellent English, and dressed in a similar style
as my younger brother.
I asked him where he was
from and he said "The Gambia."
I asked why he left. He
told me about the persecution he faced from the government. He said that he
feared going home and was trying to make a better life for himself.
I asked for his
destination. He said, "Europe."
We talked about why he chose Europe at length. In short, he mentioned how
stepping foot into Europe guaranteed him rights as an asylum seeker which would
mean that his case would be heard.
What he said next stood out
to me. He said, "all I want is a
chance."
I asked if he had made the
journey before. He said, "Yes, three
times."
The first two times, the
boats sank early on and he was returned back to North Africa. Then he described
the third time...
He said he was just 2 miles
from the shore when ships appeared. He could see the land and was so close. Unfortunately, the ships caught up to
him and he was returned back to North Africa.
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He went into more details
but it is really hard to write. He described beatings by the Moroccan police, and his fear of water.
He said he wants to try
again a fourth time. When I asked how much the journey costs he said about 1,000 euros. He said, "This is why
I sell watches. Nobody else will hire me."
I asked for his name. He
said, "Abu Bakr."
We parted ways and I had
tears in my eyes.
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| Bashir Mohamed |
If my family’s refugee
application was denied then perhaps I could be the man selling watches hoping
for a chance at freedom and peace.
Anyhow...
I finish today feeling
grateful of Canada for accepting my family’s refugee application. Also, I
finish today with a reminder of how
important it is to be empathetic to people. You
could have very well been in their shoes.
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