When you say hello as a greeting

I was taken to class recently by a fellow muslim when I didn’t greet him with the usual salam and a handshake.
I have the habit that I don’t like to impose myself of a different faith on others. And don’t let others impose there radical beliefs on me.

Although there is no harm in saying Assalam o alaikum i.e. Let peace, mercy and kindness of God be upon you.
I just don’t want to feel and change my ways according to the "names" people have or "race" they are from and act accordingly.

But there are people who’d avoid and prefer not to side by people just because they have a beard or are devout muslims (or atleast they look like one)
This disgusts me and I eventually take the route that disgusts me even more.

I am hardly, hardly an archetype of a complete muslim and don’t mind much of religion but this not respecting of my privacy and religion puts me into a disarray.
Its a human tendency and quite natural. I begin to sympathisize with my fellow brothers.

"They bomb them, raid them, fuck their mothers and sisters and then call them terrorists" The route from "I love USA" to "I love USAMA" (This is taken from the movie Khuda ke liye meaning "For Gods sake")

I, personally believe that Islam is the most idealistic religion and should be a path to follow for everyone. Its the most peaceful and loving religion anybody can imagine.
Its only that a lot of misunderstandings keep floating about it. And also the lack of right information.
It is a different story although that I still couldn’t persuade myself of being the perfect follower.