- One identity that I am most proud of is my religious practice and standard. If it weren’t my religion, Islam, I would not be the person I am today. The way that this 1400 year old practice holds me up not only makes me a better person, but encourages me to better anyone around me in the best way possible. There is not a single issue or struggle I have went through, that was not able to be answered or compromised through some sort of practice or teaching. And for that I owe forever thanks to the Allah (s.w.t.), and the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.). One identity I struggle with is trying to be the best practicing Muslim I can be. Being born and raised in not only a non-Islamic nation, but at some point an anti-Islam nation, everyday I am faced with the adversities of being able to coexist with natives or non-Muslims who live a completely opposite lifestyle. My practices alone, to someone who doesn’t understand the religion Islam, may come of disrespectfully or rude, when in reality it is only in mine and their best interest.
- I never understood how bad the entire deportation issue was for the Latino population. I always had an idea that, illegal immigrants would get caught and then maybe just sent back to their original countries, but the fact that they could have an entire family, and still be on the verge of being deported is heartbreaking. No family should be separated and no one should have to wonder if by the time they get back home if everyone will still be there or not. It was a noble attempt by President Obama in 2012 and 2014 to introduce the D.A.C.A. and D.A.P.A. acts in order to help protect immigrant families from being separated and without traumatizing any youth and placing a bulwark on their future academically and generally.
- In “Defining Latino: Young People Talk Identity, Belonging” the main topic of discussion is the struggles of sometimes having to live double lives in an attempt to protect themselves. Many Latinos are stereotyped as one figure and one culture, when in reality like many other races, ethnicities, and parts of the world they expand into all different types of images and cultures. For example, you can have a black Latino with very curly nappy hair, instead of the stereotyped long black silky hair. Another one is a Caucasian colored Latino with blonde hair, and the examples can go on and on. And not everyone has the courage to stand and explain exactly where they are from and what their real backgrounds might actually be, out of fear of misjudgment or mistreatment. Some of that fear was brought about from previous encounters with some of their older folks, or anyone who was their before them. Latino when first arrived faced many adversities that gave them the idea that it may be best to keep their cultures and teachings hidden or completely buried. Some even went as far as not teaching their children any type of Spanish or bluntly having them neglect the fact that they are Spanish. Now with this language barrier placed in the household, relationships are strained and for some practically impossible until brought down.
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One thought on “Conversation 6”
I’m really glad to hear that your religious practice and standards have had such a positive impact on you! It’s important to stay true to yourself and your beliefs. I completely understand your concern about families being separated due to deportation. It’s truly heartbreaking to see loved ones torn apart. It’s a complex issue that requires compassion and understanding. Let’s hope for a more inclusive and humane approach to immigration in the future.