Islam is Largely Misunderstood

Everything that is happening in the media and everything we have discussed in this class connects to my personal life. Funny enough, just like Marjane I see the political interfering with my personal experience. Donald Trumps idiotic and problematic hateful statements, America's response to recent terrorism, and constant comments on Facebook specifically all have contributed to this country's growing fear and hatred of Islam and those who support and believe in it. One person I know who is frequently combating hate and oppression is my mom. About 7 or 8 years ago, my mom sought religion and for the first time in her life found something worth believing in: Islam. She became Muslim and supported my individuality and freedom to not conform to any religion. At the time, I hardly knew anything about her religion, but I never associated it with terrorism. In my opinion, that's juvenile and discriminatory. Over the years in fact, I learned from her that Islam has beautiful and uniquely refreshing perspective than monopolous Christianity. For example, every year Muslims fast for Ramadan (a month long time period) in order to show God their appreciation for food and water, and to purify their souls. They cannot eat or drink anything while the sun is up, and they cannot stuff themselves in preparation for each day. If you've ever fasted, you understand how difficult this is. But one cool thing I learned was that if a Muslim forgets and happens to slip up and swallow food or water--like my mom did when she tasted her homemade salsa while making it--then it is considered a gift from God. How amazing is that?

Another thing that I learned was that wearing the hijab (veil) is optional for women. It says that in the Quran. My mom, white, blond, blue-eyes, athletic, independent single mom who is always working on and renovating the house, chooses not to wear head scarves, unless she is praying of course. It just does not suit her and the activities she participates in. But she does choose to wear more modest clothes in public (not just because she is Muslim but also because she's getting old) that cover her shoulders and thighs. Now, my mom plays softball, volleyball, and works out every day, so work out clothes are the most 'revealing' outfits she wears. She's just like any other strong woman, but she just chooses to worship God differently. She does not eat pork because Muslims believe pork is unclean (which actually it is very unhealthy and bad for you) but she loves stuffing herself full of other yummy food. She's just another human being, and just because stupid people say Islam=Terrorism, does not mean it's true.

Unfortunately, people are stubborn and hateful. Its sad to know that my mom has to really trust someone before she reveals her religious identity. For years, my mom hid it from her parents and her own siblings because she was afraid of their reaction. It reminds me of someone coming out. Today, only a few people in my family know about my mom, and it is a sensitive subject when discussing current events. I like to think that my mom is addressing all these misconceptions that surround Muslims and Islam with every person she talks to about it. I think Satrapi is also achieving this, and I am extremely grateful for reading this book. More people should read it! In fact, just the other night I told my mom everything I learned about Iran's history and my own ignorance about the topic, and I felt really connected with her. She seemed to really appreciate my bringing it up, and now I feel like I understand more about the issues she faces as an American Muslim woman, and how women in extremist Islamic governments differ in their experiences. It is wrong to assume that all Muslims are terrorists or extremists, because as we all know, this is realistically not the case.