The Modern Maze of Cultural Identity | Mashaal Hijazi | TEDxIdahoFalls

Summary

This powerful personal narrative explores the complex identity struggles of a first-generation American Pakistani Muslim post-9/11. The speaker reflects on how their family's experiences with racism and stereotypes shaped their identity, especially in the face of discrimination and societal expectations. Through stories of harassment, cultural adaptation, and self-acceptance, they highlight the emotional toll of being racialized in America. Despite these challenges, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing all aspects of one's identity and standing up against racism, quoting Bryan Stevenson to reinforce the power of self-definition and action in the fight for equality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ideal American citizen is often defined by involvement in civic duties, awareness of rights and liberties, and allegiance to the country, rather than physical appearance.
• 😀 The United States was built on immigration, and the diverse backgrounds of citizens contribute to the country's strength, offering a second chance for many immigrants.
• 😀 The speaker, a first-generation American Muslim of Pakistani descent, shares her identity struggles and the challenges of balancing cultural heritage with societal expectations.
• 😀 The speaker's family faced increased harassment and discrimination after the 9/11 attacks, with Muslims being unfairly targeted and labeled as terrorists.
• 😀 The speaker's mother removed her hijab in public after being harassed, symbolizing the pressure to alter one’s identity for safety in a hostile environment.
• 😀 Immigrant parents, fearing for their children’s safety, often encourage them to downplay their cultural and religious identities, which can result in identity conflicts for first-generation children.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how her classmates would often make racist jokes about her, not understanding the harm, while she internalized these experiences in an attempt to fit in.
• 😀 Despite facing discrimination, the speaker embraced her heritage while in Pakistan, yet still attempted to alter her identity when traveling in order to avoid suspicion in airports.
• 😀 The speaker recounts a humiliating experience when she was nearly kicked off a flight due to racial profiling, which deeply impacted her sense of citizenship and belonging.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of standing up against racism and discrimination, regardless of the social risks, and advocates for defining oneself through actions and words, not by ethnicity or religion.

Q & A

What major event significantly impacted the speaker's identity and their family's experience in America?

The major event that impacted the speaker's identity and their family's experience in America was the 9/11 terrorist attacks. After 9/11, the speaker's family, particularly as Muslim Pakistanis, began to face heightened harassment and discrimination, significantly altering their sense of belonging in the United States.

How did the speaker's mother react to a hate crime incident, and what was its significance?

The speaker’s mother was verbally attacked and had a lit cigarette thrown at her, which caught her hijab on fire. In response, she removed her hijab in front of the speaker and other children at the school. This moment symbolized the difficult choices Muslim immigrants face in balancing cultural identity and personal safety in a society that harbors suspicion and hostility.

What does the speaker mean by the 'immigrant Muslim parent trend'?

The 'immigrant Muslim parent trend' refers to the tendency among immigrant Muslim parents to suppress overt expressions of their faith (like wearing the hijab) for safety reasons. They often prioritize avoiding societal scrutiny over cultural expression, due to the harsh repercussions they witnessed in their home countries and post-9/11 in the U.S.

How did the speaker cope with racism and stereotypes in school?

In school, the speaker coped with racism by initially accepting racist jokes and derogatory comments about their Muslim identity, such as being called 'Osama.' The speaker believed this was a way of fitting in and did not fully recognize the racism at the time, reflecting the internalization of stereotypes.

How did the speaker's cultural identity evolve over time?

The speaker's cultural identity evolved from initially trying to suppress their heritage to fully embracing it. During visits to Pakistan, they would wear traditional attire and speak the native languages, but upon returning to the U.S., they would downplay their nationality to avoid suspicion, reflecting the tension between their cultural roots and societal expectations.

What does the speaker suggest is a broader issue within American society?

The speaker suggests that racism and discrimination are deeply ingrained in American society, often manifesting in subtle and overt ways. These issues not only affect individuals directly but also shape broader societal attitudes and the perception of certain racial and ethnic groups, especially post-9/11.

What was the significance of the speaker's experience on a flight where they were almost kicked off?

The speaker's experience on the flight, where they were almost removed due to 'suspicions' about their appearance or name, highlighted the emotional toll of being unfairly targeted because of their ethnicity. It symbolized the feeling of being stripped of their American citizenship and humanity, even though they were born and raised in the U.S.

How did the speaker's peers react to their public discussions on racism and Islamophobia?

The speaker’s peers responded to their discussions on racism and Islamophobia with a mix of misunderstandings and stereotypes. For instance, some thought the speaker was a refugee, while others were surprised that a Muslim woman would engage in public activism. These responses reveal the deep-seated ignorance and lack of understanding around these issues.

What role did the speaker's university play in their experience with identity and racism?

The speaker’s university played a supportive role by respecting their opinion and heritage. This was significant in reinforcing the idea that one’s cultural identity should be embraced and respected, despite the challenges faced in a society that often marginalizes those from minority backgrounds.

What is the speaker's ultimate message regarding identity and racism?

The speaker’s ultimate message is that identity is multifaceted and should not be defined by one’s race, religion, or ethnicity. Racism and discrimination must be actively challenged, and individuals should use their voices and actions to fight against ignorance and injustice. The speaker emphasizes that we are all equal under natural law and should not tolerate discrimination.