“Many said they were ridiculed because of their beards, head scarves and their practices,” Mr. Choudhary said. “Despite being raised in the U.S. or U.K., they do not trust the law enforcement agencies and they feel more prone to being victimized because they are Muslims.” He realized the central question for many young American Muslims was how to be both authentically Muslim and authentically American. They were often asked – sometimes with hostility– whether they were Muslim first or American first. In many cases, the young men and women had found equilibrium.”
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Challenging the Silence of Others - James Estrin
Bharat Choudary is a Hindu photographer who has dedicated his time to documenting the lives of young Muslim Americans who often feel alienated and harassed by the post-9/11 society they live in. “Stress, isolation, depression, humiliation and confusion” described their experience.
This hits very close to home.
(via mehreenkasana)
(via mohandasgandhi)
