THURROCK, for better or worse depending on your standpoint, is becoming an increasingly multicultural place.
Communities from across the world are choosing to make their homes here. Most share a belief that Thurrock, and Britain in general, is a better place to be.
Yet they don’t have it easy at a time when bitter words and violent actions are constant neighbours.
Last year the Gazette reflected on the childhood of Tayo Yusuff. He told his story on this site. (Click here)
15-year-old borough student ANDREW AYERMAN is currently on a work experience placement with the Gazette.
We have found him an extraordinarily engaging, intelligent young man. Born in Britain, his parents are Iranian - something that at times has been a huge burden on young shoulders. He has met the challenge.
And today he would like to share some of his story with you...

 IT’S not everyday you’re an Iranian surrounded by an English community horror-struck by the tension that flows from the evil air of terrorism.

Yes I am Asian, but no, my culture is not related to the same terrorism you see on the news.

Actually, I’m completely different to the terrorists seen on a daily basis through the world’s media.

No I’m not a fanatic, and no I don’t make bombs in my spare time; this is the most common phrase I have had to use to convince people that I’m not a terrorist, and that Iranians are not terrorists.

Every Asian culture except Chinese have been tied up to this despicable act by extremist Muslims.

I want to tell you the story from my shoes, my mind, my culture.

My dad, David’s, side of the family first arrived in England when my grandfather wished his children to have a better life, believing that education in this country was far superior.

My dad, who has two brothers and three sisters, all moved to this country with great difficulty.

At the time of departing for England after they finally achieved getting a visa, my dad was just eight years old. Since then my dad has achieved great things, mirroring his siblings’ success.

My father has taught in universities and then moved to tutoring from primary school level all the way to A level maths.

After meeting my mother, Moj, while on a trip to Iran he married her and went through another battle to get her back to England - the country he now called home. Eventually he succeeded and that is where my story starts.

THE question I ask of myself every time a racist comment is fired my way is why?
Why can such unfortunate events be thrust upon my young shoulders?

Why do such events as 9/11 get blamed on Iranians or anyone that appears remotely muslim?

My own family have discussions about the actions of these sick people and how they can do such things.

But still I ask myself, why am I being tormented with racist comments about the very same arguments my family are having?

However, when you’re Iranian and you face these comments daily, you learn how to deal with them by taking the mick out of yourself.

Even though you or your culture have absolutely nothing to do with the bombings, you have no choice but to tackle the burden.

The first time I was in this situation and used humour to defuse a racist taunt I was reluctant to do it but then I realised - it felt as if a tight knot was loosened from my heart.

I was no longer seen as someone dangerous, instead I was accepted.

Now I take this approach and racist comments are no longer thrown at such force.

Instead people recite your funny comebacks, although deep down there is still some hurt.

I take a lot of heart from the comedy of Omid Djalili. He is an Iranian who has too had to deal with racist jibes and assumptions yet he has built a successful comedy and acting career, including a role in Gladiator, on the back of it.

I’ve come to the conclusion that racism is mostly down to skin colour.

Every single man with a tan like mine will be classed as a Pakistani or Indian.

Extraordinarily some people have never heard of Iran.

Instead they say to me “Oh I thought you was a Paki Andrew”.