Somehow, no matter how much we try there always are a few people who would not let go of any chance to make certain communities believe they do not belong among us. In an incident that has shocked social media, a woman is seen attacking another hijab-clad Muslim woman in New Zealand. While she hurls abuses and racist comments to her heart’s content, we are left wondering what on Earth the victim did to receive such treatment.
28-year old Mehpara Khan was on her way back from a road trip in Auckland when they decided to rest for a while in Huntly. That is where this incident took place and initially she and her friend did not realize they were being yelled at. It was only when the woman screamed racist and community-specific abuses that it struck Khan and her friends they were at the receiving end.
The attacking woman soon proceeds to flung a beer bottle at Khan while she is trying to defend herself saying that she too was born here and has every right to be around. Mehpara took to Twitter to share her ordeal and told everyone how she was still shaking from the sudden violence.
Who said islamophobia doesn’t exist. This just happened in Huntley. I’m shaking. pic.twitter.com/yoVMNON1rA
— Mehpara Khan (@MehparaK) February 11, 2017
Khan kept Twitter updated with later developments in the situation.
At the police station in manukau about to file a report. Still shaking.
— Mehpara Khan (@MehparaK) February 11, 2017
Quick update. I’ve asked police to tell her we forgive her. We just want her to get whatever support she needs…1/2
— Mehpara Khan (@MehparaK) February 13, 2017
…and we’d like to meet with her if that’s something she wants. So thankful for all the love and support we’ve received.
— Mehpara Khan (@MehparaK) February 13, 2017
Not all of Australia is Islamophobic though and Mehpara Khan received a lot of love from those on Twitter and equal amount of support from the police. She acknowledged all the love with equal fervour.
My phone is over run with positive messages right now. So good to know that we as Kiwis don’t accept this as our NZ. ____
— Mehpara Khan (@MehparaK) February 11, 2017
@andlehay love and support from strangers is currently acceptable __
— Mehpara Khan (@MehparaK) February 11, 2017
Twitterati erupted in support of Khan and unanimously agreed to how such behaviour is downright shameful.
Mehpara Khan would like to have a dialogue with her racist abuser. This is the NZ we need to promote. Make it happen! #diversity #Tolerance
— Howard Baldwin (@htsbaldwin) February 11, 2017
Mehpara Khan . I am so sorry to hear of the intolerance and abuse you and your associates suffered.
— Trace Ward (@_tward) February 12, 2017
My sincere apologies Huntly. The person who attacked Mehpara Khan near the Huntly toilets on Saturday was from Auckland. I am very sorry.
— tiere .M (@P3P_R1K1) February 13, 2017
It’s next to impossible to figure out what provoked this woman to such an attack on another woman who was doing nothing apart from existing. As human beings we all know how love and hope make the world go round and this incident is a great example of what comes out of letting hate grow inside of us. The fact that Khan was willing to have a dialogue with her attacker is commendable. We do hope all ended well for everyone involved in this.
