America is consistent of a heterogenous population that is made up of. variety of ethnicities. The majority of immigrants find themselves altering their mannerisms in order to align with the American culture more. These alterations can either be minor or they can completely change a way an ethnic group can be perceived by the true American. An event which featured the complete altering of an ethnic group was 9/11. This event literally transformed the world. From highly advanced technologies to ensure security through airfare and questioning the innocence of people, 9/11 created a scar on humanity forever. Nobody could just live peacefully anymore, there was a novel trepidation of the power of people’s unknown actions that could cause an obliteration to humanity: physically and mentally. Although the consequences of this event was felt by all ethnic groups, Muslims were severely judged after this event and had to modify their behaviors in all aspects to dull their identity with affiliating with the religion of Islam.
Once Muslims were known to be Muslims by society, the way in which they were perceived was altered. Regardless of economic or social class, there was a common threat of their danger based off of one classification. This impacted millions around the world. In America specifically, there was a distinct pride taken on one of the founding ideas mentioned in the Bill of Rights granting religious freedom. However, after 9/11, there was a subtle violation of the religious freedom granted to the Muslims in America. They were still allowed to practiced their religion, but had to downplay their identifications of being Muslim. This can be seen by the actions of the American singer and songwriter, SZA. SZA identifies as a Muslim, and used to wear hijab prior to the 9/11 attack. However, after the event, SZA claims that her “hijab became a thing.” It was an element that seemed to stain her personality and reputation as a proud Muslim, and those choose to stop wearing it. In addition to this, SZA mentions that Islam was identified not as a religion, but as an aberration. SZA recalls the way people spoke to her about her religion: “You don’t believe in God, you believe in Allah!’ when the literal translation [of Allah] is God.” This statement to SZA highlighted the effects of Islamophobia in the world after 9/11, and thus had to make personal sacrifices as identifying as a Muslim during this time period. Although the effects of the attack were most magnified during the following years, there are various remnants of hate towards Muslims that still exist today. The term Islamophobia has escalated to a new level, and has been integrated into our culture as a commonly accepted practice. Todd Green, a state department advisor on Islamophobia during the term of Obama and Trump, claims that Islamophobia has led to the association with Islam causing terrorism. This has led to a serious over speculation of the actions of the Muslims, which seems to dull the equal threat that is applicable to Christians and Jews.
The topic of 9/11 is extremely relevant to my life as I recently came back from a trip of NY visiting the 9/11 memorial and museum in New York City. While I was in the environment of where the towers used to previously stand, I felt an intense feeling of vulnerability. The artifacts and the location of this museum place you in a direct simulation of how it felt to be in one of the towers. This is definitely an eye-opening experience, and there is an aura of never ending sadness that comes out of the mention of the attack. I have nothing but respect for the innocent deaths that came out of this attack, but I do believe that the repercussions of this event has placed an intense negative marginalization of Muslims all over the world, and especially America.
Bibliography:
- Wheeler, André-Naquian. “Sza Opens up about Why She Stopped Wearing a Hijab.” I-d, VICE, 8 June 2017
- “Met Police Confirm That Criticism of Islam Constitutes ‘Islamophobia’.” Archbishop Cranmer, 5 June 2018
- Prince, S.J. “9/11 16th Anniversary: 20 Pictures We’ll Never Forget.” Heavy.com, Heavy.com, 11 Sept. 2017
Uncovering Culture 