When 9/11 struck, the world felt eerily still for weeks. People wandered around in shock, grappling with the enormity of our collective loss. While the tragedy impacted everyone deeply, as a Muslim-American, I faced an additional layer of turmoil that quickly transformed into something relentless.
That fateful morning changed everything. It was as if a thick veil of distrust, prejudice, and fear had settled over society. For the first time in my 31 years, I found myself on the receiving end of hostile glances, my skin color and perceived cultural links to the attackers making me an unwitting target. Honestly, I was at a loss. Grieving for the victims of 9/11, I was also frightened and confused, feeling utterly powerless. It took a while for that raw feeling to subside, but life eventually resumed its course, albeit with a lingering sense of unease.
Fast forward to today, and the election season has been an emotional rollercoaster. I rode the waves of hope—supporting candidates like Jamie—to despair as I witnessed how divisive and ugly the political landscape has become. The rampant racism, blatant ethnocentrism, and the shocking resurgence of sexism left me speechless.
As a single mom, a progressive Muslim, and a minority, I find myself anxiously awaiting the election results. In less than 24 hours, my children’s and my own future could take a drastically different turn. Since this tumultuous election cycle began, I’ve felt aftershocks with each derogatory comment from the Trump campaign. I’ve sent my kids off to school, filled with worry about the environment they might face—wondering if they’d encounter the very racism I’ve tried to shield them from. My business, which relies on personal connections, has taken a noticeable hit, and the deterioration of communication within my social media circles has been disheartening.
Soon enough, like countless others who feel unheard, I will discover the fate awaiting my family and those who share my background—and I have never been more fearful for our future. So when I say, “I’m with her,” it’s because I believe that Jamie represents the best chance for my family, our future, and frankly, for all of us.
This article was originally published on November 7, 2016.
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In summary, the emotional turmoil surrounding the election and its potential impact on our lives is palpable. As we brace ourselves for the outcome, we must continue to advocate for a future that embraces diversity and understanding.