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Facing down prejudice

By Jamshid Mousavinezhad | amNY.com

Bangladeshi-American Sadyia Khalique, 16, who wears a hijab covering her hair and upper torso, along with long-sleeved shirts and jeans, said she generally confronts people when they use slurs against her. "People are going to judge you. Accept it and defend yourself," the Queens teen said.

Of all the teens, Yemeni-American Maged Algutaini, 15, perhaps has had the most negative experiences. Some classmates in his Harlem high school have called him "terrorist" and "Arab bastard."

"They think Islam's all about terrorism and stuff like that, and it's not. [It's] about having respect, and keeping peace," the soft-spoken teen said.

The youngsters, ranging in age from 15 to 18, said that the terrorists are not truly Muslims.

"If you do bad things, like drink, get crazy, kill, in my religion it's like you're not thinking like a Muslim," said Saddam. With a touch of bravado, the muscular 15-year-old said no one really taunts him about the name he shares with the ex-Iraqi dictator. "They just ask me stupid questions, like are you related to Saddam Hussein?"

Next: Living With a Strict Faith