I have been asked some variation of this question many times. Yes, I do! Why wouldn't I? Thanksgiving is an American holiday, not a religious one. Now comes the next question: "You aren't American, are you?" Yes, folks, I have most definitely have been asked this question. Despite the fact that I've lived in America since I was a few months old, received all of my education in America, and have an American passport, because I don't look like a typical (read middle class Caucasian Christian) American, I can't possibly be one. Look at the picture below. What do you see? A typical Thanksgiving dinner.
These are the things that make me feel alienated in this country, the things that make me feel like maybe I shouldn't be American, because I certainly am not seen as one; I get treated like a second class citizen all the time. Sometimes I feel like there is something wrong with me; who I am is not enough. I have to fight off the stares and the comments everyday. I continually find myself having to defend my beliefs, which are just not accepted. Nevertheless, I know one thing for sure: I will not give up. I will continue to look up at the sky and remember the big goals. I will continue to fight off stereotypes and try to educate people about who I am and what I believe in. I will continue to smile, and look at the bright side, and I am thankful for being given the patience to do so.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Salam [Peace].
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| (Note about images: Not all of the images in my blog are mine, and credit goes to those who own the pictures.) |
These are the things that make me feel alienated in this country, the things that make me feel like maybe I shouldn't be American, because I certainly am not seen as one; I get treated like a second class citizen all the time. Sometimes I feel like there is something wrong with me; who I am is not enough. I have to fight off the stares and the comments everyday. I continually find myself having to defend my beliefs, which are just not accepted. Nevertheless, I know one thing for sure: I will not give up. I will continue to look up at the sky and remember the big goals. I will continue to fight off stereotypes and try to educate people about who I am and what I believe in. I will continue to smile, and look at the bright side, and I am thankful for being given the patience to do so.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Salam [Peace].
3 comments:
Just know that each and every one of us at Gov School love you for who you are. If we challenge you to defend your beliefs, know that we are thirsty for knowledge about your customs, which are foreign to us.
P.S. I DO come from an upper-middle class American Christian family, and my Thanksgiving table definitely doesn't look as "strict" as that one! I would be miserable!
Kendall, don't worry! You are most definitely not the targeted audience. I love being asked questions, but there is a big difference between questions and accusations, if you know what I mean.
You write so beautifully Amna! And... don't give up, ever! Education truly is the best tool to fight ignorance, obviously. :)
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