My mother used to say, “Your bad manners reflect on me, so watch yourself and do not embarrass me.” Like all children, I was taught basic manners from a very young age. Our mothers taught us to keep our mouths closed if we had nothing nice to say – not to curse, not to point at a stranger and not to stare at people.

We have forgotten much of what our mothers taught us.

We are mean to each other. We constantly say things that we later regret. And we stare at strangers.

Not much can be done about the meanness; this would require a change in personality for some, which is nearly impossible. However, the staring is unacceptable – and easily changed.

It’s simple. When you see something you are not used to seeing, a quick glance is acceptable. A glance, ladies and gentlemen, is very different from a stare. One can feel a stare. A glance is not felt. My neck hurts from constantly looking up because I feel people staring.

I realize that one look at me and people are wondering which country I came from and why I’m here.

I was raised on the South Side of Chicago. I grew up watching “Sesame Street” and “Mr. Rogers” and singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” I don’t have an accent and I am not a foreigner clogging up the system. So when people stare, it’s annoying.

I realize that the scarf causes the staring. It’s as if people have never seen a Muslim woman.

It’s enough that missing class without it being totally obvious to the professor is hard. Being the only person who wears a scarf, it’s hard to miss me.

Every time someone looks at me, I fight the urge to ask, “Hasn’t your mother taught you manners? Wouldn’t she be ashamed of you right now?”

My willpower is getting weaker and weaker every day. So people need to know that staring is wrong. It makes people feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. I look at the mirror more times than I would like, thinking that maybe there is something on my face.

I have a dream that one day I can walk through campus and no one will stare at me. People will not look shocked to see a real live Muslim walk past them. I dream of going to class and not sticking out like a sore thumb, missing class without it being totally noticeable.

OK, maybe the last one is wishful thinking.

I realize I may look strange to some, but with the American presence in the Middle East, one would think people see all these so-called “strange” things on TV.

I realize that telling people that they’re lacking manners is a bit harsh, but it’s true and we must start damage control. Sugarcoating this problem will not help.

So, ladies and gentlemen, we have two options. One: Realize that you are staring at people and making them feel uncomfortable and quickly stop. Or two: Let your eyes and the floor become the best of buddies.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.