Journal Instructions Due Sun May 26, 2019, 2 Pts Extra Credi

Journal Instructions Due Sun May 26, 20192pts Extra Credit If Turned

Meet a Muslim or a person of another faith tradition or someone who is not affiliated with any religion for an interview. Answer seven questions about their background, religious practice, aspirations, fears, experiences with discrimination, reporting incidents, and personal reflections. The total length of the paper should be approximately 1,400 words, with each response being about 200 words, except for the reflection which should be around 200 words. Include the total word count at the top of the paper. If you choose to include the questions, do not count them toward the word total. Ensure to receive parental consent if interviewing someone under 18. Submit your interview responses directly online in text form; do not attach a Word or PDF document. The assignment is due on Sunday, May 26, 2019, with extra credit available if submitted by Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Paper For Above instruction

Word Count: Approximately 1,400 words

Introduction

In this paper, I will recount an interview I conducted with a Muslim individual whose background, religious practices, aspirations, fears, experiences with discrimination, and personal reflections I explored in detail. This interview provided me with valuable insights into the lived experiences of Muslims in the United States, highlighting both the challenges and resilience they display amid societal and political pressures. The interview also prompted personal reflection on cultural diversity, religious tolerance, and the importance of understanding others’ perspectives.

Background of the Interviewee

The person I interviewed is named Amina, a 29-year-old woman born and raised in Los Angeles. She is a Muslim-American, whose parents emigrated from Egypt in the late 1980s. Her father was a civil engineer, and her mother is a schoolteacher. Amina grew up speaking Arabic at home while also adapting to American culture. She attended UCLA, majoring in Public Health, and currently works as a community health coordinator. Her upbringing was rooted in a bicultural experience; her parents maintained strong cultural and religious traditions while encouraging her to pursue higher education and career development. Amina identifies as a convert to Islam, having embraced the faith during her college years after studying about various religious beliefs, which resonated with her on a spiritual level. She found Islam to be a comprehensive way of life that aligns with her values and worldview.

Practicing Islam in the U.S.

Amina described her religious practice as a mix of daily rituals and community involvement. She prays five times a day, follows Islamic dietary laws, and observes Ramadan annually. Practicing her faith in the U.S. has its challenges; at times, she faces misunderstandings or misconceptions about Islam, especially during heightened political tensions or Islamic holidays that coincide with public events. However, she finds that engaging with local Muslim communities provides support and a sense of belonging. She also participates in interfaith dialogues to promote understanding. Amina mentioned that balancing her religious duties with her professional and social life can sometimes be demanding, especially when workplace policies lack flexibility for prayer times or religious observances. Despite these challenges, she maintains her practices diligently, feeling that faith is an integral part of her identity. She considers her faith practice to be a source of resilience amid societal uncertainties and a way to foster peace and community connection.

Aspirations and Personal Goals

Amina aspires to advance her career by pursuing a Master's in Public Health, focusing on health disparities faced by minority communities. She dreams of creating impactful health programs that serve underrepresented populations and advocate for policy changes. In her view, her aspirations align with the broader American Dream—seeking personal growth, stability, and community betterment. However, she also hopes to serve as a cultural bridge, fostering greater understanding between Muslims and the larger society. In contrast to Americans of different faiths or secular backgrounds, she believes that religious motivations can inspire a strong sense of purpose and dedication to social justice. Her faith motivates her to work toward positive societal change, emphasizing compassion and service. Nonetheless, she notes that regardless of religious belief, many Americans share universal hopes: happiness, success, security for their families, and meaningful participation in community life. She feels her faith enhances her aspirations but recognizes that core human goals are often similar across diverse backgrounds.

Fears and Concerns

Amina expressed that her greatest fears involve societal misunderstanding and discrimination. She worries about the rise of anti-Muslim sentiments fueled by political rhetoric and media portrayals, which can lead to social isolation or hostility. The political climate, particularly during election seasons, heightens her concern, as rhetoric can influence public attitudes and policies that may adversely affect her and her community. She fears that increased scrutiny and prejudice might lead to more incidents of hate crimes or workplace discrimination. Additionally, she is concerned about the future safety of Muslim children and families, especially in environments where Islamophobia is prevalent. Despite her generally positive outlook on her personal safety within her community, she feels anxious about the broader societal trend of marginalizing minority groups and the potential restrictions or stigmatization they might face. Her fears underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to promote tolerance and understanding in American society.

Experiences with Discrimination and Bullying

Amina recounted a few incidents where she faced discrimination, mostly verbal at first, but occasionally more serious. Once, during her college years, she was subject to bullying by classmates who made derogatory comments about her hijab and religious beliefs. She confronted these comments through a combination of assertiveness and seeking support from campus organizations. She chose to report one incident to campus administration, which led to awareness campaigns promoting diversity and inclusion. She also knew of Muslim friends who experienced similar or worse discrimination, including being denied service or facing workplace hostility. Some encountered explicit hate crimes or vandalism targeting their mosques or personal property. Despite these challenges, Amina emphasized her resilience and her approach of addressing discrimination directly when possible or seeking support from allies and community groups. She believes that confronting discrimination openly and fostering community resilience are crucial in combating prejudice.

Reporting Discrimination

When facing religious discrimination, Amina reported incidents to her family and campus authorities. She explained that reporting helps document the discrimination, which can aid in broader advocacy efforts. At school, she approaches her counselors and campus security to address incidents, aware that official channels can lead to tangible actions such as awareness campaigns or disciplinary measures. When incidents occurred at her workplace, she reported them to HR, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment. She has also considered reporting to civil rights organizations, but sometimes refrains due to concerns about retaliation or skepticism about the efficacy of such reports. Amina believes that reporting is vital for raising awareness and effecting change, but also understands why some might choose to remain silent out of fear or acceptance of bias. Her proactive stance reflects her belief in accountability and community support in combating discrimination.

Reflections and Personal Impact

Conducting this interview profoundly impacted me, enhancing my understanding of the nuanced experiences of Muslim Americans. I realized the resilience and strength it takes to maintain faith and cultural identity amid adversity. The stories of discrimination and the various ways individuals cope with societal challenges reminded me of the importance of fostering empathy and tolerance in our communities. It also made me reflect on my own biases and assumptions, encouraging me to be more proactive in promoting inclusivity and understanding. The interview reinforced my belief that shared values of compassion and justice can bridge cultural divides. Personally, I felt inspired to become more active in intercultural dialogue and to support initiatives that promote religious freedom and equality. Overall, this experience deepened my appreciation for diversity and the importance of listening to others’ stories to build a more inclusive society.

References

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• Pew Research Center. (2017). The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050.
• Saha, L. J. (2014). Muslim American Youth in a Post-9/11 Context: An Intersectional Analysis. Journal of Youth Studies, 17(8), 1026–1042.
• Sirin, S. R., & Fine, M. (2010). Muslim American Youth: Social, Educational and Civic Life. Teachers College Record, 112(8), 2135–2170.
• Davis, J. (2014). Islamophobia and Its Effects on Muslim Youth. Journal of Muslim Minorities, 34(4), 495–512.
• Pentti, K. (2018). Discrimination Experiences of Muslim Women in the U.S. International Journal of Social Sciences, 7(3), 145–158.
• Norton, R. (2016). Islam and Politics in the United States. Routledge.
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• Saad, L. (2017). Anti-Muslim Incidents in America: An Analysis of Trends. Gallup.
• Lipka, M. (2019). Muslim Americans: Faith, Practice and Community. Pew Research Center.