Shaima Abdulwahhab, who I’ve given a pseudonym for the purposes of this submission, works at one of the many shops selling modest women’s clothing for Muslim women in Astoria. She is the child of two Egyptian immigrants, and has basically lived her entire life in a country where she constantly feels ‘othered’ by non-Muslims. In her interview, which she asked to be anonymous because of her personal experiences, she details the struggles of being a minority in New York, and America at large. Whether it’s work relationships that attempt to pressure her into taking her hijab off, or it’s women on the train who tell her “shut the fuck up you dirty fucking Muslim,” Shaima says that the idea of not being welcome in America has been constantly reinforced by the non Arabs around her. In contrast to this, she talks about her experiences within a community like Astoria, especially in a clothing shop. Talking about her Muslim community, and her Islamic faith, she mirrors what many other Arab Muslims feel when they describe their homes. She feels a sense of comfort, guidance, and a sense of belonging while participating in religious or cultural ceremonies in the neighborhood. When asked if she feels like an American, she says she doesn’t know, but, either way, she knows this is her home. 

– SA

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant