"What is your reaction to all the ant-Islam rhetoric in the media and politics today? How does that effect you as a Muslim American woman?"

Hey there!

It’s no secret- in fact, it’s practically being shouted from the rooftops- that islamophobia has increased almost exponentially.

Islam is a religion, nothing more, nothing less. It’s a religion that you live your life by; a sort of template to the standards of piety all Muslims want to uphold- the same as Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, etc. And the thought that I, a young American Muslim woman, is hated purely because I believe in a religion, is saddening, unnerving, and scary. Think about it: My family, my friends, every person in my local mosque is hated by groups of bigots. It baffles me.

You can’t log onto social media or browse news sites without being hit by the hatred. Especially since Trump’s announced candidacy. No doubt did his candidacy pave the way for bigots and racists to spew their idiocy more freely, now emboldened by the figure of racism in America. His words against almost every minority in the country actually enabled millions of racist, discriminatory people. It sickens me, to be blunt.

So, my reaction? I’m scared. I’m angry. And, at the same time- I’m hopeful. Because there are so many people that stand up against islamophobia and are willing to do anything they can to protect us from the hatred. There are so many Muslim youth who are entering politics and journalism in attempts to dismantle the current anti-Islam rhetoric that seems to be everywhere. But I truly believe that the youth in America- whether they’re Muslims are not- are going to make immense progress towards unity and friendship, towards a country where we truly celebrate the diversity that’s all around us.