When the tragic events of September 11, 2001, unfolded, I vividly recall the eerie silence that enveloped our nation in the days and weeks that followed. There was a collective sense of disbelief and mourning as we grappled with the enormity of the loss. While the devastation affected everyone in America, as a Muslim-American, I faced an additional, insidious consequence that would shape my reality in ways I never anticipated.
On that fateful morning, the world shifted beneath my feet. It was as if a veil of suspicion and animosity settled over daily life, creating an atmosphere thick with fear and hostility. For the first time in my 31 years, I found myself the target of unwanted scrutiny and judgment due to my appearance and the unfounded assumptions tied to it. Confusion and helplessness washed over me, mirroring the grief that my fellow Americans were experiencing. It took time for those feelings to subside, but life eventually resumed a sense of normalcy.
Fast forward to today, and the emotional rollercoaster of the recent election cycle has been overwhelming. From the hope I had while supporting my candidate, Maya, to the despair that followed as I witnessed the resurgence of divisive rhetoric, the experience has been profoundly unsettling. I never imagined that racism, ethnocentrism, and sexism could rear their ugly heads so brazenly in a country I love.
As a single mother and a progressive Muslim, I now find myself facing an uncertain future for my family. Each derogatory comment from the campaign trail sends ripples of anxiety through my mind. I worry about the environment my children face at school and whether they will encounter the racism and hostility I have worked hard to shield them from. My business, which relies on personal connections with clients, has also felt the impact of this divisiveness. Most painful of all has been watching relationships within my social media circles deteriorate as lines of division become starkly evident.
Soon, like many others who feel unheard and unseen, I will learn the fate that awaits my family and those who share my background. The uncertainty weighs heavily on my heart. This is why I firmly believe that supporting Maya is the best choice for my family and the future we all share.
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In summary, the journey of a Muslim-American in today’s socio-political landscape is fraught with challenges, but it is also a testament to resilience and the pursuit of a better future for our children.
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