/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ : A Fourth Grade Lunch Disaster

Displayed above is how an average Korean lunch box looks like. Whenever I see any Asian cuisine set up like this, an entire nightmare unravels before my eyes. Here's what happened.
Back in the fourth grade, most of my friends were of the Caucasian race so my rice stood out even more against the surrounding pizzas and the spaghetti-o's that were trending at the time. I always felt their gazes whenever I opened up my lunch box.But being the overly-confident child I was, I shook it off. However, there came a day when a girl by the name of Jessie kindly and softly whispered to me, "YOUR KIMCHI IS STINKING UP THE CAFETERIA!"
As you can imagine, the atmosphere at my table became quite lively in a matter of seconds. They explained that if I wanted to fit in then i should start bringing in more "Americanized food" or else I was no longer welcome at their table. I stared shocked, unable to grasp what was going on. This was the first time that I was exposed to discrimination. But I must mention to you again, I had too much confidence for an eight year old, so I stood up, and told them that " I'm going to go sit with more cooler people."
 And then it happened.
As I walked away, smiling at my good choice of diction, I tripped on my shoelaces and fell flat on my face while spilling my lunch everywhere on the floor. It was as if a spotlight was put upon me and I could sense the entire room going silent as they stared at my toppled-over tofu and squandered seafood. I felt heat rush to my face as I slowly got up and saw my lunch being sweeped away by the custodian. What humiliated me the most was that I saw my ex-lunch buddies holding back their laughter. This infuriated me so much. I did what my gut told me to do, (which might not have been a smart move because I wasn't in the best mental condition after being publicly-humiliated). I strutted up to Jessie, not breaking my intense glare into her eyes.I stopped in front of her; I leaned forward and kindly and sweetly whispered to her, "It could've been worse cleaning up spaghetti-o's off the floor." And I walked away, trying not to show how embarrassed I was after making face-to-ground contact in front of the population of my school.

A similar depiction to the situation in the cafeteria.

What started this whole commotion was how my friends discriminated me and looked down upon my Asian ways. Discrimination has become an iconic controversial topic in society. From elementary schools to work offices, it occurs everywhere. But I believe that discrimination will only happen if you allow it. Although my example may not have been the most reassuring tale, it proves that one must look at inequality in the eye and fight back. A fire can only be put out if there is the audacity to get close enough to pour water upon it. Absorbing all negative comments and staying silent will bring no benefits. It must be evident that we all are past the stereotypes that society has set upon us, and reveal what our true qualities may be. In conclusion, if discrimination is a reoccurring situation, then the only solution is to act against it. It may not happen in the first try, but staying strong is half the battle. Fight for the heritage that you have been born with and look past the stares you may receive, for it is a battle worth struggling for.