I was born into a family of mixed cultures and religions. My father was Christian and my mother was of Islamic origin. I have always been respectful towards any religion, regardless of its beliefs, because it is a symbol of devotion and peace. As I grew up, I was fascinated to see how quickly Islam began to spread to the Western parts of the world. My fascination was also followed by disbelief at how ignorant and cruel anti-Islam activists were, blaming every single act of terror and violence on a religious group. I could believe it on a global scale, but I never knew it was something that could be waiting for anyone wearing a hijab, just around the corner. In my first semester at Hawaii Pacific University, I decided to wear the hijab to school, just for one day. To my shock, all the guards who were near my class building, decided to do an identity check on me, even though my face was not covered, only my hair. I was shocked by the way the threat is perceived in today's society. Returning home, I wondered about religious freedom and tolerance, acceptance and respect - and to my disappointment I had to accept the fact that Western society is still very racist and discriminatory, not only against race, but also against religions. Religious freedom should not be emphasized, nor ignored, it should be applied equally to all citizens and residents of diplomatic and liberal countries. When the country welcomes a new citizen into its community, the first noun they affiliate him with is “free.” While receiving my American passport, I was declared a free person and given the right to express myself freely through speech, religious actions and beliefs. However, religious freedom of expression through c...... middle of paper ......ems/index.htmHeadscarf Hysteria. American Catholic. March 2004. 10Mariano, student at J. Hawaii Pacific University, interviewed on April 17, 2012Pollitt, K. Muslim Women's Rights, continued. The Nation, 13 July 2009. 10.Power, C. The politics of women's headdresses. World of Time magazine. July 13, 2009. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1908306,00Rashid, A. Hawaii Pacific University Visitor During Intercultural Day, Representing Saudi Arabia Club in HPU. 21 April 2012Souhelia, A. (2006) A veil does not mean oppressed. USA Today June 2006. 13 (a). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.hpu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=J0E143260833306&site=ehost-liveTaylor, P. Hijab Battles Around the World. Islamic Horizons Magazine, November-December 1994. Retrieved from http://www.themodernreligion.com/women/hijab-world.htm