Dear World Citizens,
I kindly ask that you stop inquiring about my children’s origins. My son, Omar, has an Australian birthplace and a name that may suggest a different cultural background. He may not speak Arabic fluently, yet he can recite the Quran and knows the lyrics to popular songs. This blend of identities is something I cherish, and I want the world to see my children beyond simplistic labels.
It is disheartening how often well-intentioned individuals approach my son with the question, “Where are you from?” I use the term “well-intentioned” in an effort to remain optimistic, but I often find myself frustrated.
You might wonder why such a simple question poses a problem. The issue lies in the fact that no matter how he responds, it often leads to further probing. If he answers “Australia,” he faces skepticism due to my hijab and his olive skin. If he claims “Lebanon”—a country we have yet to visit—he is met with follow-up questions like “So when did you arrive in Australia?” His reply is consistently “I was born here,” which only perpetuates the cycle of awkward inquiries.
Just stop, please.
Recently, I had an uncomfortable interaction during my children’s sports day. A mother I had never met approached me, and the dialogue unfolded as follows:
Her: “Are you Mia’s mum?”
Me: “Yes, I’m Amina, and you are?”
Her: “But you wear a hijab! And Mia is so bright and speaks English so well.”
(At this moment, I found myself speechless.)
Me: “Yes, she’s quite talented. She hasn’t caught hijabitis.”
I walked away, puzzled. Why should my daughter’s abilities be tied to my choice of attire? It’s perplexing that even in 2023, our perceptions are so often shaped by external appearances. Each individual has a unique story to tell, and my children’s narrative is no exception. I don’t want my son to feel pressured to explain his identity in a convoluted manner, such as: “I’m from Australia. My dad was born here, but my mom came from another country when she was three. So technically, I have a mixed background. Would you like to see our citizenship documents? And by the way, my good grasp of English is not hindered by my Muslim background.”
In contrast, his friend Liam, who was born in Ireland, faces no such scrutiny. His name and looks conform to what is deemed “normal” in Australia, which unfortunately creates an imbalance for my son. Eventually, he will recognize this unfairness, and I will struggle to provide reasonable explanations.
For now, I will continue to teach my children about the complexity of human experiences. I will emphasize the importance of viewing life as a rich, multifaceted journey. I want them to understand that their worth is defined by their actions, not their background. They belong to Team Humanity, and that is what truly matters.
For further insights into related topics, check out this article on intracervical insemination. If you’re exploring options for conception, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, Science Daily provides excellent information on fertility and home insemination.
In summary, let us move beyond simplistic questions about our origins and focus on the richness of every individual’s story. It is crucial to foster an understanding that transcends appearances and emphasizes our shared humanity.