Just the other day, I decided to check my email. Not long after, I realized that a video I had posted over a year ago, as well as an accompanying blog post, had “gone viral.” The only problem was, this had come about for the wrong reasons. What has happened during the past couple of days, is that I have experienced an outpouring of hate that has left me emotionally scarred and broken.

I feel betrayed - ripped apart. I posted that video to show how one can be victimized. I was called a slur that associated me with an evil act of terror. And I have received no support, whatsoever. It tells a lot about the tragic state of our culture. Also, the insincerity expressed by many regarding the 9/11 terrorist attacks is appalling. We must come together and stop the hate. I have not given up hope, but I must say, after this experience, the bigotry seems nearly insurmountable.

“Too small is our world to allow discrimination, bigotry and intolerance to thrive in any corner of it, let alone in the United States of America.” - Eliot Engel

The video showed a clear example of a joke that crossed the line. Am I still mad at the people at that improv audition, including the gentleman that used the slur against me? Of course not! Once they apologized to me, I even apologized to them for what might have been a slight overreaction on my part. The fact that I went so far as to apologize shows that I am selfless. I did not have to apologize for being wronged. I did that out of my ability to express forgiveness.

After going through this whole ordeal - becoming the target of incessant bullying - I could easily give up. Maybe I’m just not fit for this world. I cried after reading the comments directed at me, and I am not afraid to admit it. Things are going terribly for me, and this couldn’t have come at a worse time. I honestly thought about just killing myself. What I am trying to say is, I need help; I can’t fight this alone. I challenge people to stand up for me! Don’t be afraid of the haters! Where are the people who stand for fair and non-discriminatory treatment? If you support this, let your voice be heard! I feel like I am on an island.

Many people commenting seemed eager to point out that I should stop doing comedy, and that I will never succeed in comedy. If you read my first blog post, you’d know that I never intended to do comedy in the first place! While my friend and I were waiting for our ride, the people at the improv audition practically begged us to participate, since barely anyone had shown up! And so I ask the haters: who’s the fool now?

“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” - Winston Churchill

As a matter of fact, I actually like comedy; I always have. I like comedy that treats people fairly and doesn’t unjustly make people feel like garbage. I’ve even tried comedy in the past; I’m not afraid of trying different things.

And I have to say, in a weird way, all this talk that I can’t do comedy actually really makes me want to prove you wrong! I believe this stems from my ardent belief in not backing down from bullies. I happen to live near NYC, considered by many the comedy capital of the world. Maybe I’ll start going to some open mics, huh? Maybe I’ll show you how easy it is. Maybe I’ll make you eat your words.

Despite the mistreatment I have received from the haters, I will forgive them. In the spirit of Jesus Christ, I will “turn the other cheek.” I realize the sad reality for them, which is that they just hate themselves. Such vile bitterness is merely a projection of the self. It tells much more about them, than it does about me.

So, where does this leave me? As far as I see it, I have two options: I can let this destroy me, or I can use it as an impetus to create meaningful and lasting change in our society. I can choose to rise above and seize this moment, to promote equality, to live for justice, to live for Truth. And I can do comedy, too, if I want to - that or anything else. I can take a stand and not let people dictate what I can and cannot do.

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” - Christopher Reeve

Martin Luther King Jr. once said something to the effect that he felt “pushed” to fight for the cause of bringing about equality. In a way, I see myself in a similar light. I have been bombarded with hate, but what pushes me forward is the hope that I can make a difference, helping mankind transcend hatred, and understand how to accept others. This is the meaning behind my username: I await the “year” for “mankind” to transcend hatred.

So remember, haters, this isn’t over. You thought you picked just another guy to ridicule - someone you could exploit for your sick games - and forget about soon after. Well, let me tell you something: you picked the wrong guy to mess with. And you’re going to be sorry. I’ll prove you wrong; I will win.

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Video response, which includes my poem “betrayal”:

P.S. It seems many have trouble understanding the necessity for boundaries in comedy - lines one shall not cross. I will be posting a follow-up in the coming days delineating and shedding light on this issue.