As the nation processes the surprising results of the recent election, it’s clear that many Americans are left feeling vulnerable. Among them is a young girl whose heartfelt letter to Donald Trump expresses her hopes for understanding and acceptance.
Nine-year-old Layla Khan from Oakwood, Illinois, is grappling with the impact of Islamophobia at an early age, largely influenced by Trump’s controversial campaign rhetoric regarding her faith. In her poignant letter, penned before the election results were finalized, she shares her fears and aspirations for a more inclusive future.
Layla’s mother, Rania, shared her daughter’s letter on social media, explaining that Layla was distressed by the negative comments Trump made about Muslims. “She kept asking me, ‘Why does he say those things about us? Why doesn’t he learn more?’ So I encouraged her to write to him. Her face lit up at the idea,” Rania recounted.
In her letter, Layla writes, “Being Muslim can be tough. Imagine if everyone disliked your faith.” She goes on to share her personal experiences with discrimination, noting how her mother wears a hijab and how people often stare at them in public. She mentions her cousin, who avoids wearing shorts during soccer practice for religious reasons, and the hurtful comments from teammates who said, “She’s just not one of us.”
With a wisdom beyond her years, Layla poses a thoughtful question to Trump: “Aren’t we all human? Wouldn’t that hurt you? You say you want to make America great again—can you show us?”
She expresses a universal desire for peace, asking, “Don’t we all just want to live without conflict?” Layla urges Trump to write back, stating, “You say we are cruel, but we’re kind and generous! You label us as terrorists, but that’s not who we are.” She highlights her father’s career as a doctor as evidence that her family contributes positively to society. “We want peace just like you! We dress modestly because our faith teaches us to,” she explains.
The rise of Islamophobic language during Trump’s campaign makes Layla’s feelings even more relevant today. Many children are anxious about their families facing deportation or increased hostility. Rania has tried to reassure her daughter by emphasizing their rights as American citizens and the many who stand ready to defend those rights. Yet, in the wake of the election, it remains a daunting challenge to maintain that optimism.
As Layla closes her letter with a heartfelt plea, “My only wish is for you to be kind. I hope this letter inspires goodness in you.” This sentiment resonates deeply, reminding us all of the power of hope, even in troubling times.
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In summary, young Layla Khan’s heartfelt letter to Donald Trump encapsulates the hopes of many for a more inclusive and understanding society, urging kindness and compassion in a time of uncertainty.