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Community Quote by Reshma Saujani

“My family was one of the few South Asian families in my community in Illinois. Growing up in the '80s, I remember going to the K-Mart with my mom, when she was wearing her sari, and she'd get made fun of. People would ask my mother, 'Were you born with that dot on your head?'” quote by Reshma Saujani
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“My family was one of the few South Asian families in my community in Illinois. Growing up in the '80s, I remember going to the K-Mart with my mom, when she was wearing her sari, and she'd get made fun of. People would ask my mother, 'Were you born with that dot on your head?'”

Reshma Saujani

About This Quote

Source Interview: Public speaking event, Illinois, 1990s

Growing up as a rare South Asian family in Illinois, the speaker faced cultural teasing and misunderstanding about her heritage.

In simple terms: Being a minority in a community led to teasing about cultural symbols.

Key Takeaway

Embrace and educate about cultural differences.

Themes

identity culture bullying acceptance

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

personal narrative social commentary

When to use this quote

  • school
  • family gatherings
  • public speaking
  • community events

Key Concepts

cultural awareness minority experience social stigma

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did those experiences shape your sense of identity?
  • What can be done to reduce cultural bullying?
A Different Perspective

Cultural teasing can reinforce stereotypes and cause lasting insecurity.

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