This week the world learnt a significant lesson: all nerdy ‘brown’ people are not terrorists. But if you are brown, have a certain Muslim name and try to be like Steve Jobs, you might be arrested.
Ahmed Mohamed, the Dallas 9th grader was taken out of his school in handcuffs because the cops called his clock a “hoax bomb”. His arrest was unconscionable, reeked of racism and paranoia. But the single best thing which happened on social media all week was the hashtag, #IStandWithAhmed.
Besides being an international Twitter trend, this 14-year-old engineering and robotics enthusiast has become an overnight sensation. From politicians to entrepreneurs to scientists, the world has spoken: it wants a Muslim teenager named Ahmed Mohamed to keep on shining, because someday, he might invent something that will save the world. It’s a warm thought. You go boy!
Here are seven ways we are telling you, your invention is awesome and not criminal :
1. He Won Time With Obama
The POTUS is your well-wisher. How’s that for a silver lining, Ahmed? The US President asked him over to join some eminent scientists next month for the White House’s annual Astronomy Night. Just imagine!
Needless to say, Ahmed was eager to accept the invitation.
2. He Got a Personalised Logo
One Twitter user modified the NASA logo for him.
3. He Will Catch Up with Mark Zuckerberg
From Google to Facebook and MIT, the Silicon Valley is rolling out the welcome mat for this school boy. Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, was among the powerful voices publicly defending and praising Mohamed in a post on his Facebook page.
4. He Got a Seat to the Google Science Fair
This is the most exciting event for a nerdy, young innovator! A seat at the Google Science Fair will be absolutely legend-wait-for-it-dary!
5. NASA Scientists Invited Him To Visit
When he was arrested, Ahmed was wearing a shirt bearing NASA’s “meatball” logo. Later, the space agency tweeted a note of support to the teen and NASA scientists working at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have let him know that he can come by for a tour.
And astronaut Daniel Tani showed his support by offering to gift his NASA tee!
6. He Got a Shout Out From Hillary
Hillary Clinton tweeted her support for the young inventor:
7. Twitter Offered Him An Internship
Twitter didn’t stop at a tour; the company wants the high school freshman to intern with them
Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian also offered a similar gig. Keep on rocking, kid!
The incident has marred Ahmed to some extent, he says he doesn’t want to ever take his inventions to school anymore. But I hope he chooses not to shrink but to grow and grow. I’m rooting for him. And for all the other Ahmeds blooming in the world.
Also Read:
A Hero Perhaps, But For Now Ahmed Says he has ‘Lost his Innocence’
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