A Sikh girl who was branded as a “terrorist” while trying to play with others at a playground in London has a touching message for everyone.
In a heartbreaking video posted on Twitter, Munsimar Kaur recalled how other kids at Plumstead Adventure Play Centre had rejected her when she asked to play with them on Aug. 5 and 6.
Many news outlets, including the Daily Mail, have speculated it’s because the 10-year-old girl wears a turban.
“On Monday, two boys who looked like they were 14 to 17 years old and two girls who looked like they were in their late teens — when I asked to play the game they were playing and the queue was a mile long — they said, loud and clear, ‘No, you can’t play because you are a terrorist,'” Kaur said.
“This obviously broke my heart, but I kept my head up and I went away.”
The following day, Kaur returned to the playground and finally made a friend her age. Sadly, the child’s mother rejected her soon, thinking that she was “dangerous.”
“We went back the next day and I made a friend,” Kaur said. “After an hour, her mom caught her and said she can’t play with me, because I was, apparently, dangerous.”
Kaur concluded her story with a heartfelt message for everyone.
“This experience has shown me the lack of exposure and knowledge some people have. Sikhs are naturally caring, and no matter what we will love everyone.
“But I need to speak out about this because not everyone is strong enough to walk away or has suitable parents to talk to them to handle this racism. I will handle it with the right people.
“Anyone going through this: tell your parents and keep your chin up, and it will work out in the end. I promise.”
The video, which was posted by Kaur’s father, has since gone viral with over 65,000 views.
“My eldest daughter Munsimar Kaur, aged 10, tells her own true story. Today it was my child, tomorrow it could be yours,” @sikhdad wrote.
Social media users left messages of support for Kaur:
Your daughter is wonderful & don’t ever forget it. I feel sad for kids brought up to hate others for one reason or another. My grandma was a Mennonite and wore the clothing reflective of her religion which included a head covering. Some people are offended by this which is nuts.
— honey bucket (@sweetcales) August 8, 2019
they said that about a child? wtf is wrong with these people? i am so sorry ur daughter went through this, im sorry that the actions of few make people think they can tarnish a whole community of people the same as them simply based on skin colour, its an embarrassment. i hope…
— ScatterBrainUK (@ScatterBrainUK) August 8, 2019
😪Awful. My region was ravaged by wildfires last year, and the very FIRST people to step up and begin collecting donations to help those who lost everything in the fires were a local Sikh student group. Love to you and your beautiful child. ❤️
— Mac (@MacOkeechobee) August 8, 2019
You should be proud. She’s gonna change the world.
— Judi b (@Glaz1965) August 8, 2019
You’re daughter is a credit to herself and you . A shame that ignorance is taught into Children. Hopefully some see her video and think for themselves . The World needs more of this 👍
— DAMAGE INC.🤘✌️☠️🍀🏴 (@uddybhoy1) August 8, 2019
Awful just awful, hate is taught. Ignorance is the root. From Hindu dad to a Sikh dad, teach your kids as we were taught. Live life and treat others as you would like to be treated. Love > Hate
— Amit K (@Katman83) August 8, 2019
You must be immensely proud of your daughter and rightly so. She reflects the goodness of her parents and their knowledge on how to deal with racists. May your God go with you.
— Tommy Hoban (@tomehoban) August 8, 2019
You are a wonderful gift to your parents. Bless you. There will always be many more of us who love and respect you than the sad, foolish haters.
— David Dowse #UniteToRemain (@David_Dowse1) August 9, 2019
Well done Munsimar. It’s such a shame in this day and age that racism and ignorance is so rife. You did the right thing by telling your family and by announcing it to the world.
— Linda Kelly (@LindaKelly9) August 11, 2019
You’re a class act, Munsimar. The future is yours.
— SPENCER KANSA (@KansaSpencer) August 9, 2019
Images via Twitter / @sikhdad
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