A pakistani in America

On Christmas Eve whilst walking in a park, dressed in leggings and a t-shirt minding my own business I’m shouted at by a passerby “GO HOME PAKI”! As he disappeared I'm left feeling dumbstruck, scared and lost. Should I have responded? Reported him to the police to become yet another statistic? Ive even reflected on his actual words, the hatred that they were delivered in for no reason. I am indeed from Pakistan, “go home” well home has always been the UK I was born overseas, brought here at the age of 3. If I did indeed return to Pakistan I'm treated as a foreigner and will never be accepted yet I'm reminded that here too for some I will never be accepted. What really shocked me was I forgot what it was like to be abused for the colour of my skin and how much it hurts! All I am sure of is I am “me”whatever label anyone wishes to attach to me. I work hard, give back to society, love those dear to me and treat others with respect and kindness. It's a timely reminder that we are all responsible for educating those that fear difference and as equally responsible for supporting those that are different, be that in race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation etc. My only wish for 2018 is that we are kinder to each other!