On that fateful morning, everything shifted. Suddenly, there was a palpable tension in the air, an undercurrent of blame and resentment that draped itself over our nation. For the first time in my 31 years, I found myself subjected to suspicious glances, my appearance scrutinized due to the color of my skin and the cultural ties that were unfairly associated with the tragic events. Navigating this reality was daunting; while I grieved for the lives lost on 9/11, I was also grappling with feelings of confusion and helplessness, unsure of how to shield myself and my loved ones from the rising tide of hostility.
Fast forward to the present day, and the political climate has been nothing short of tumultuous. The recent election cycle has stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me—hopeful as I supported a candidate who resonated with my values, only to feel disheartened as they fell short of the nomination. The campaign unearthed a troubling underbelly of racism, sexism, and bigotry that I had hoped our society had progressed beyond.
As a single mother, progressive Muslim, and minority, I find myself at a crossroads. In less than 24 hours, I will face a new reality that could drastically change the environment my children will grow up in. With each derogatory comment from the political sphere, I felt tremors of anxiety for my children’s safety and the world they are entering. The change isn’t just personal—it’s visible in my business, which has been affected by the prevailing attitudes around me. Most distressing is the shift in communication among my peers on social media, where once-friendly dialogues have devolved into stark divisions.
As I prepare for the uncertain future ahead, I reflect on the meaning behind the phrase “I’m with her.” It symbolizes hope not only for my family but for all those who share similar backgrounds like mine. The choice is clear: I believe that Hillary Clinton represents the best path forward for us all.