When 9/11 struck, I vividly recall the eerie silence that enveloped the days and weeks that followed. The nation was in shock, grappling with the enormity of our loss. While the tragedy affected everyone across the U.S., as a Muslim-American, I faced an additional, insidious consequence that would soon become a powerful force in my life.
That fateful morning marked a turning point. Suddenly, a veneer of mistrust, disdain, and fear coated everything around me. For the first time in my 31 years, I found myself on the receiving end of hostile glances, simply because of my appearance and the mistaken assumptions tied to it. It was a bewildering experience. As my fellow Americans mourned the events of 9/11, I too felt deep sorrow, but I was also scared and confused, grappling with a sense of helplessness. Over time, those feelings dulled, allowing life to resume its course, albeit with a new undercurrent of anxiety.
Fast forward to today. This election cycle has been an emotional rollercoaster, swinging from the optimistic highs of supporting a candidate I believed in to the despair of watching my hopes dashed. The election revealed a disturbing underbelly of prejudice and bigotry that I thought had been relegated to the past. The blatant racism, ethnocentrism, and the worst kind of sexism bubbled to the surface, making it clear that these issues were far from resolved.
As a single mom, a progressive Muslim, and a minority, I write this with a heavy heart. In less than 24 hours, I will have to accept what may come for my children and me. The potential outcomes of this election are as stark as night and day. Since the campaign began, I’ve felt tremors of anxiety with each derogatory remark from the Trump camp. I’ve had to send my kids to school, worrying about the hostile environment they might face, unsure if they would encounter the very racism I’ve been shielding them from. My business has felt the strain as well, and it’s disheartening to see the communication between friends and family on social media fracture into silos of division.
Soon, like many others who feel unheard, I’ll find out what the future holds for my family and those who share my background. I’ve never been more terrified for our collective future. So when I say “I’m with her,” it’s not just a slogan; it’s a belief that Hillary Clinton represents the best hope for me, my family, and for everyone who values inclusivity and respect in our society.
This article originally appeared on November 7, 2016.
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In summary, the emotional journey of a Muslim-American amid societal upheaval underscores the importance of inclusivity and understanding as we navigate the complexities of identity and belonging in today’s world.