What’s one way to shut down the trolls? Prove to them how wrong they really are.
That’s what 17-year-old Lamyaa did when she received this xenophobic message from a stranger.
The message read, “Stop defending Islam Bitch shut up you couldn’t take that scarf off or your dad would beat your ass.”
So Lamyaa did the most logical thing she could do: she messaged her dad, who Buzzfeed reported is from Saudi Arabia, to see what he had to say about the subject.
His response? Absolutely perfect.
Lamyaa decided to tweet the conversation to shatter some of the stereotypes regarding Islam and women’s roles within the religion.
Lamyaa received a lot of support from the Twitter community from people who encouraged her to keep her hijab and who applauded her father for being a good dad.
DONT TAKE IT OFF BABE.
— Cass (@cassiiealvarado) April 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/Lmfaozain/status/853136287636836352
I love your dad and I love you, thank you for share this and teach us about your religion and life! 💜💜
— 𝐴𝑙☹︎ (@THEATERAUHLAVON) April 16, 2017
Some people were really just surprised that her father bothered responding at all — not necessarily because they thought he’d be upset, but because dads, you know?
can ur dad adopt me pls mine leaves me on read
— sue (@sue_kahn) April 15, 2017
He really is the model of a good parent.
https://twitter.com/khamaylee/status/853272636645715968
https://twitter.com/Ur_Sweet_Melody/status/853092367766884352
if my future husband isn't this supportive of our children he's not my husband https://t.co/zIa5dYMfO5
— julissa ✨ (@julissaprietoo) April 15, 2017
However, despite the overwhelming support, some people worried that Lamyaa was trying to erase the oppression some Muslim women face just because she personally didn’t live under the same circumstances.
can't and face the literal threat of violence from parents, are now all liberated. Thanks!
— Fateemz (@athenaaaaaa777) April 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/pcychoIogists/status/853285058270171138
#SaveDinaAli and #WhereisAlaaAnazi YOU may be lucky but at least pretend to care about your fellow man or woman.
— 🎀Ribbon-Kitten🎀 (@KittensRibbons) April 15, 2017
Lamyaa clarified that couldn’t speak for every Muslim woman in the world — she just wanted to let others know that it was her specific choice to wear a hijab, but that she still plans to stand up for women who don’t always have the choice.
https://twitter.com/lxmyaa/status/853128974578454529
I guess it’s a lesson to everyone — you shouldn’t assume someone’s experiences based on what you think you know about their religion or lifestyle.