Unusually inaudible and interrupted by deep breaths, I could hear mama’s quivering voice over the phone line. Sensing the anxiety consume her delicate body, I insisted she explain the distraught that exhausted her. Allegedly, a student asked why Muslims hate America and why her people repeatedly commit such gruesome acts of terrorism. There were no words that could comfort her; there were no words to comfort us. We sat in silence until we murmured solemn I love yous and ended the call.
This was not the first instance of Islamiphobia flirting with ignorance that my mom had experienced. Wearing the hijab, she was accustomed to the occasional stares and the inappropriate comments. It was shocking to hear such remarks from a young child, one who knew her very well. One who knew of her dedication to her students, classroom, and school. Overnight, the student’s perception of my mom became distorted; she was painted in a picture where terrorism and Islam were of the same gradient.
Fearing political and religious persecution, many Muslims abandon their native countries in hopes of finding the promised land of freedom, acceptance, and tolerance, a land also known as America. Unfortunately, they are met with an unrepresentative media that showcases them as radicals and uncivilized individuals. What many fail to realize that is Muslims are neighbors, friends, educators, doctors, lawyers, and humans.
Recent international and domestic unrest have allowed intolerance and exclusiveness to seep through American soil, thus paving the path to insensitivity and animosity towards many minority groups. As the media widely broadcasts Islamophobic sentiments, the growing tension between America and the rest heightens. Misleading understandings of the Muslim faith presents a complex issue that creates barriers, which prohibits believers from fully integrating into American society. The young boy associated Islam and Arabic tradition with radicalized individuals who reach the world through acts of terror and hatred.
I may not don the hijab, which is the Islamic head garment, outside of the comfort of our mosque, but the penetrating intolerance never fail to make me uncomfortable. I wish I had the strength to wear it proudly and proclaim my actions as a testament to the peacefulness of Islam, but I am met with hesitation and regrettable defeat. Here I am trying to raise awareness and show the world how 'normal' we are, but as soon as it becomes personal, I find my head buried deep in the sand.
Ignorance has blinded us from seeing one another through favorable and accepting lenses. During a time of where the love for others is empathized and promoted, it doesn’t make sense to see some groups repeatedly marginalized. It is imperative that individuals take a moment of reflection to realize that there is no one mold of American that fits all. Embracing and respecting similarities and differences is a beautiful initiative that brings nothing but positivity. Let us live out the tenants of our constitution, not just speak of them.
