As an Arab-American, the struggle against prejudice has been a continuous journey for me. My story isn’t one of grand turmoil but rather a series of subtle experiences that shape my identity. I was born and primarily raised in the heart of America, with an American mother and a Kuwaiti father. My early years are a blur, yet certain memories remain vivid.
Growing Up Different
Growing up, I played with friends who often had lighter features, making me feel like an outsider. During games of pretend, I was frequently cast as the maid, my darker hair and olive skin steering the narrative away from sister or mother roles. It’s a reality that echoes in films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding—I can relate to that feeling of being “othered.”
The Impact of War
I remember the day Iraq invaded Kuwait, my father’s homeland. I watched as he anxiously glued himself to the news, making frantic calls to his family overseas. The weight of that war was palpable, especially when his brother was taken as a prisoner. My father’s voice rallied behind the “Free Kuwait” campaign, resonating through local radio and news channels. Conversations about our safety and the looming threats were a common part of our lives, leaving me with nightmares of Saddam Hussein coming for me at school.
Eight months after Kuwait was liberated, we moved back there. I recall descending into a landscape marked by fires, where I was warned against picking up anything from the ground for fear of leftover remnants of conflict. It was a nation working tirelessly to rebuild. While I never saw war firsthand, its shadow always loomed nearby.
Finding Acceptance
My time in Kuwait was also filled with joy, surrounded by classmates who mirrored my own mixed heritage. Acceptance among peers was a sweet relief. Yet, I frequently faced the question: “Are you Christian or Muslim?” To me, it felt like a forced choice between my parents. Despite studying Islam for five years, I identify as Catholic today, holding onto those teachings of love rather than hate.
Returning to America
When we returned to the States at age 13, I was an awkward teenager, grappling with insecurities while also facing comments about my appearance and even assumptions about my religion. Then came 9/11, which cast a long shadow over my family. The fear of discrimination felt like a weight on my shoulders—being subjected to extra scrutiny at airports while sharing the same disdain for terrorism as my fellow Americans.
Reflections on Prejudice
Fast forward to the present, and I’m left wondering how far prejudice will stretch in our society. My “Arab blood” and Muslim connections are a part of my identity, as they are for my children and my father. The history of our nation reacting to fear—like the internment camps of World War II—still resonates today. It makes me question what we’ve truly learned.
I want to believe our leaders are striving to “Make America Great Again,” but with each passing day, that hope wanes. I can sometimes blend in, mistaken for Italian or Hispanic, but not everyone has that luxury. If you don’t understand this fear, I envy your ignorance. Yet, I urge you to empathize with those who face prejudice today. This is personal for me; it’s a tangible reality that I live with.
Hope and Empathy
My hope endures, bolstered by those who showed up for #riseup, but I remain disheartened by the lack of empathy in those who view Muslims as terrorists or who fail to acknowledge the complexities of immigration. It’s vital to recognize that radicalism exists in various forms, and we must stand against hate.
I’m uncertain about what’s perpetuated by the media versus what’s real, but I know I must break the silence and declare that hatred is never justified. Freedom isn’t free, but neither is compassion.
Resources for Family Planning
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Conclusion
In summary, navigating life as an Arab-American has been filled with challenges shaped by prejudice and misunderstanding. While I strive for acceptance and understanding, the societal climate remains complex. It’s essential to advocate for empathy and awareness while continuing to fight against discrimination.
Keyphrase: Arab-American identity and prejudice
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