-
Interview
The interviewee chose to remain anonymous and will be referred to as “Lena.” She
was born and raised in Pakistan where she received her master’s degree in sociology. During
her interview, Lena talked about her fond memories of going to school in Pakistan and her
eagerness to learn from her caring teachers. She initially came to the United States to visit her
brother and after volunteering at Salaam School, Lena accepted an offer to teach at another
school and stay in the United States. The remainder of her interview focused on the effects of
9/11 on the society around her, as well as the role cultural clothing plays in her everyday attire
and special occasions such as weddings. She experiences feelings of comfort in her cultural
clothing and describes her daughters’ traditional weddings that both took place in Pakistan.
-
Interview
A 62-year-old woman born in Palestine and immigrated first to Ohio, then to Wisconsin. She takes care of her husband who suffered from a subdural hematoma around three years ago. She feels like her Muslim community supports the two of them, but when she really needs help, she can only rely on her children. They attend social events at Sakina Center, where she feels more interviewees may be found. She states that she thinks women with a difference in ability would be treated much differently than a man with the same difference, and that women would be viewed as less marriageable. In terms of support, she wishes that there was someone she could talk to about hard life choices, such as when and if she should put her husband into a nursing facility. She finds strength through her faith and hopes that the future generation has an easier time than she has had.
-
Interview
Fatima (name changed for confidentiality reasons) is an immigrant originally from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, who came to Milwaukee in order to pursue higher education. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in supply chain management. After graduation, Fatima remained in the United States and between 2013 and 2014 was engaged and married to her husband. They have one child together. Before having her son, Fatima worked as an assistant manager in several different company departments. When not in the United States, she enjoys visiting her national homeland, Palestine, with her family.
-
Interview
Jane Doe is 21 years old and went to an international school in Saudi Arabia for kindergarten through fifth grade, and then moved back to Milwaukee. Jane identifies as a Muslim Pakistani American. She believes religion comes first, then culture, and finally nationality. Her family does identify as Muslim, but it isn’t always obvious. Jane began covering with a scarf her sophomore year of high school, but her mother, sister, and other extended family members don’t cover, and they aren’t very active in their community, and they don’t attend mosques. However, Jane is a faithful Muslim praying five times a day, and her family is immersed in the Pakistani culture, including eating plenty of Pakistani foods at home.
-
Interview
This respondent was born in Rock Island, Illinois in 1998 to two Pakistani immigrants. She was raised in the Quad Cities, primarily in Moline Illinois. She plans on being a 2020 Augustana College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Public Health. Alongside that, she was married over the course of 2018 and 2019 to a Pakistani Muslim man. She identifies as a Pakistani Muslim American woman and is very closely connected to her faith. Growing up, she struggled with the attention wearing the hijab brought in her small, rural town upbringing. She also struggled with being a minority and drew support from her similarly marginalized Muslim friends. While she has recently moved to Iowa City to pursue her master’s degree with her husband, she is still close to her roots and visits home often. She is a prime example of accepting the struggles that being a Muslim in the States brings and taking it all in stride.
-
Interview
Leila immigrated to the United States from Rabat, Morocco in 1995 with her three children after being recently divorced. She immigrated to Illinois and lived with a friend for three months until she obtained a job. She then moved with her three boys to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Leila experienced the hardship of homesickness after first immigrating because she left without being fully able to say goodbye to her family. The greatest cultural difference she experienced was the “individualistic” society of the United States. She wasn’t used to not being friendly with everyone, because in the Moroccan culture, being with friends and family is an essential part of everyday life. Leila explained to me how difficult it was to come from a very traditional family and be divorced. She didn’t have a lot of support from friends and due to the laws in Morocco, she was given absolutely nothing from the divorce. However, she found strength in her religion to be able to raise her three children as a single mom. Leila graduated from university in Morocco and then received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Madison. She recently began an online business and her children are in college. Leila also explained about the cultural significance of the Caftan and Jebella, two important cultural clothing pieces in her culture. They both represent modesty and sanctity of the female body and tell a different story. Leila is proud to be a Moroccan-American citizen and is thankful for all of the opportunities she has been given. As an extremely bright and driven woman, she was able to take a successful life for herself despite being a single-mom in a foreign country without family.
-
Interview
Fawziya Al-Ramahi is a 65-year-old 1st Generation immigrant. Fawziya detailed her immigration from Kuwait to the United States, including her original to only visit her siblings in the Milwaukee area. However, Sadam Hussein’s rise to power and Kuwait’s collapse motivated her to stay and greatly affected her ultimate decision to remain in the States. Fawziya found that her family life and raising her children in the United States was particularly successful because she remained a firm believer in Islam. She explained how she has been able to continue to practice her religion, especially in the United States. This interview has been translated from Arabic to English.
-
Interview
This transcription is focused on how the respondent adjusted his life to the COVID-19 pandemic. His job wasn’t affected much, which offered him stability in his life and with finances. He was not able to see family outside his household in person but maintained contact through FaceTime. He was able to practice his religion on a personal level, but virtual participation was limited due to lack of access to apps, Facebook, that his Mosque used. He also touched on how his Mosque, religion, and personal beliefs support social justice and its importance.
-
Interview
The respondent is a psychologist with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology who has been working in this profession for about 25 years. He has not observed discrimination based on differences in ability, but rather, it would be the stigma attached to the Muslim faith, Muslim practices. The Muslim communities he has worked with range from those who have been in the U.S. for quite a while to recent immigrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia (including immigrants from Myanmar). He discussed the suffering experienced by these groups and made observations of similarities and differences among the groups. With regard to people with ability differences, he discussed how we can overcome the perceived differences in ability and turn that into an advantage, interpersonally. He explained the importance of providers’ role in making sure that person is living to their optimal level. He discussed some of the biggest challenges for providers:
1) Language. Getting someone who is fluent in Arabic and making sure that the client has somebody who understands their dialect, their conversation; getting people who can translate properly for us.
2) Transportation. Many of our clients, including those with ability differences, need transportation so they can have access to medical services.
In terms of additional support or changes in attitude that are needed, the respondent replied that he would start with education.
“…if folks who have been educating, formulating the brains of new providers in the field, firing up the engine of excitement to serve, and really seeing that those who come to serve — whether they are journalists or social workers, doctors, nurses, translators, whatever profession that person is bringing to the table — they are bringing up the motivation to serve the person regardless of their background. Regardless of the prejudices that may be there. And most importantly for the provider to understand their own biases and make sure they are not a part, and do not linger in service delivery.”
Secondly, creating opportunity. “Creating opportunity for those that may be disadvantaged
but deserve the chance to be heard, to express themselves, as we know that folks who have
differences in abilities end up having barriers to access. Access to care, but also access to
having a chance in life.”
-
Interview
The respondent is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant director of the clinic where he works. He has been working with Muslim caregivers/individuals with ability differences for about seven years. He shared some of the challenges their patients report in the clinical setting. The biggest challenge is getting support, sensitivity, and understanding from their loved ones. The other challenge is acceptance of the individual, because they have so many other strengths. For example, when someone learns you’re depressed or have anxiety, there's often automatically a stigma and people start judging others. The respondent also discussed challenges they face as a provider of care. These include lack of resources and being stretched too thin with waiting lists. Everyone should have access to quality care and counselling as preventative care in addition to reactive care. Other challenges are not having enough therapists who can offer spiritually integrated psychotherapy, not having enough “brown” therapists in general, and the need for more education and awareness. We need resources for providers, especially more centralized resources for providers, including how to get find someone to consult with. Yet, he also reported that awareness of mental health has increased in the last few years, which offers us hope. Lastly, he identified several resources that AMWRRI’s might want to include in its webpage.
-
Interview
I had the opportunity to interview young women who migrated to the United States from Jordan in 2011. She initially met her husband online and after many visits to her home country he asked for her hand in marriage, after seeking the approval of her father. Being that he was born in the United States and Muslim convert, she was faced with objections and hesitation from close family members. There were concerns for her safety and if her husband would be strong enough to maintain his faith and take on the responsibilities of raising a family. However, she followed her heart and started her journey out West to start a new chapter in her life. She speaks freely about settling in a new country, marriage, adapting to the food, culture and fears and challenges that many mothers share, of raising two Muslim children in America. By being consistent and passionate in her teachings her faith, she was able to quickly establish herself within the Muslim community in Milwaukee keeping her identity yet embracing her new life/
-
Interview
Mrs. Naziha Asad is a first generation immigrant from Palestine. She immigrated when she was 14 years old and she focuses a lot on the differences between “back home” and the “old ways” and the U.S and the “younger generation”, especially how this has impacted raising her six children. Mrs. Asad defines herself as an Arab- American. She recently started wearing the scarf every day in the U.S, after she felt shame walking around in Palestine without it. When she wears cultural clothing, mostly at weddings, she feels beautiful, elegant, and as if she “just came from that country”. She wears it to preserve the traditions which she doesn’t want to die out.
-
Interview
This interviewee discusses her life and different identities as a 2nd generation American Muslim living in Wisconsin attending a Catholic university. As a young activist for Muslim women who is vice president of the Muslim Student Association at Marquette, she discusses challenges when facing misconceptions and discrimination from identifying as a Muslim, and breaking traditional gender roles of marrying young to instead focusing on education. She shares her thoughts when it comes to the Palestinian conflict, her experiences post 9/11, various work and research experiences, and religious and cultural clothing and why she chooses to wear the hijab. She talks about dating, drinking, and other college activities, along with personal identity development over the years. Jabbar’s background, educational history, cultural/religious traditions, family/friend dynamics all contributes to the challenges and insights that result from being a young woman balancing an American, Palestinian, and Muslim identity.
-
Interview
Huda is a second generation women who spent most of her life growing up in North Carolina in a town which had very little diversity. She got married at the age of 21 and moved to Milwaukee. She is the oldest of three girls. Prior to moving to Milwaukee, she completed her bachelor’s degree in North Carolina in Accounting. After moving to Milwaukee she completed her master’s degree at UW-Milwaukee. She prides herself as a Muslim and Palestinian. Growing up, she struggled formulating her identity, she feels that the older she is getting the more she prides herself in her Muslim and Palestinian identities. She feels that her parents’ emphasis on education has allowed her to become goal and career oriented. Establishing her career and independence was very important to her and finding a husband who was supportive of her goals has allowed her to be continue her education and establish a career for her, marriage is about teamwork effort and friendship.
-
Interview
Nada (name changed for confidentiality reasons) is a second generation women who has spent most of her life in the Milwaukee area. She identified herself as a Muslim first, and Palestinian American second. She is currently a student at Marquette University where she majors in Clinical Lab Science. Nada grew up with her parents who have incorporated much of their heritage into their life as she was growing up. She was born in Milwaukee as the youngest of her siblings. Although she has spent most of her live in the United States, she feels a great sense of pride in her Palestinian heritage. Growing up she visited Palestine numerus times during her school vacations. Nada attended Milwaukee Public Schools for all her K-12 schooling. Despite having few Muslim friends outside of her family growing up, she maintained a very strong sense of her Islam. Nada also pointed that throughout her live, she has very scarcely been ostracized due to her Muslim identity. She hopes to make her parents proud by excelling in her studies and becoming successful.
-
Interview
The subject came from Iran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution with her spouse. A background in nursing, the subject emphasized providing and helping others. She installed a strong sense of Persian culture in her children, and started a school to study the culture. Education, along with a modern approach to religion was high priorities in the subject’s life.
-
Interview
Noman Hussain is a 30 year old Muslim born Indian male who was born and raised in Chicago. He memorized the Quran at 12 years old, then flew to South Africa for a total 8 year course program to studying Arabic, history, jurisprudence and all of the sciences of Islam. He then came back to America at age 20 to start teaching and has been an Imam for eight years now, four served at Masjid al Huda and now four+ at the ISM Brookfield masjid. He dedicated his everyday life to serve the masjid and community. His job requires him to always be available. Leading prayers, offering counseling, hosting and planning events, performing Nikkahs and much more has committed him fully to his community. Noman believes their Masjid is doing a great job and will still continue to try to accommodate the needs of their community members to the best of their ability.
-
Interview
The interviewee is a Palestinian woman who was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a college graduate who was diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression and PTSD in 2017. In the interview, the interviewee discusses how her condition has impacted her throughout the past few years and how her mental health has really deteriorated, impacting her personal relationships in life. She discusses the type of support, or lack of, from the community and those around her and gives insight on what she feels can change within the community to really help others like herself. She discusses future goals and striving to branch out of Milwaukee, and the integrated and familiar, yet toxic community she grew up in. The interviewee describes her biggest struggles dealing with mental health issues, bringing awareness to members of the community, and encouraging others to branch out and go into professions that can help the youth in the community, specifically those undergoing mental health related issues.
-
Interview
The interviewee identifies herself as a Muslim Palestinian American. Sarah (name changed for confidentiality reasons) was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sarah attended a private Islamic school in the greater Milwaukee area throughout her elementary, middle, and high school years and believes her family and community have a big influence in her daily life. The two most important factors that shape her life are religion and culture as well, and she identifies greatly with the two, but emphasizes the importance of religion more in living a successful life. In terms of culture, Sarah sticks to some cultural aspects such as: speaking the Arabic language at home and wearing traditional cultural clothing at cultural events and special occasions, which helps her connect with her homeland and the values instilled in her while growing up as a child. Sarah is a college student, studying biology and would like to further her studies, after she graduates with a bachelors, and continue on the path of medicine. Sarah is currently not married and would like to finish her studies before considering marriage.
-
Interview
Amani (name changed for confidentiality reasons) identifies herself as a second generation Muslim American of Palestinian descent. Amani remembers spending most of her childhood with her cousins and seven siblings. She graduated from Marquette University in 2007 with a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science and currently works at a hospital. As a child, Amani knew being Muslim meant there were restrictions on things she could and could not do, and as she became older she understood the importance of religion in her daily life. Religion is an important part of her daily life and she hopes to instill this within her daughter as well. Growing up, Amani found that culture sometimes use to override religion, and found that to be a result of being raised by first generation parents. Amani resides in Milwaukee and is married to a Moroccan Muslim and has a daughter.
-
Interview
The interviewee identifies himself first and foremost as an American-Muslim. Ahmad (name changed for confidentiality reasons) was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and later moved to Palestine during his late childhood years and returned to the U.S. during his early adulthood years. Ahmad is an entrepreneur and was not able to complete college due to financial hardship. Religion is the most important factor to Ahmad and he believes it is an essential component throughout his daily life. Life has posed many challenges after 9/11 for him as an American-Muslim. He has strongly felt the pressure to educate his fellow peers and believes that education is a strong asset in portraying the real image of Islam. In addition to religion, Ahmad emphasized the importance of family and visiting his homeland Palestine to visit his parents and relatives. Ahmad resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is married to a Palestinian Muslim and has four children.
-
Interview
As a second generation Muslim Arab woman who has lived in the United States as well as Palestine, Monaal discusses the journey she went through consciously in order to find her place between culture and religion. As a working mother of two children she highlights the importance of setting a good example for her children in order to influence a sense of strong religious identity within them. Through cultural clothing and her decision to wear the hijab, Monaal hopes her children will learn to be proud of who they are and where they come from. Her daughter encourages her to continue to wear traditional clothing in order to keep a sense of culture. In her interview Monaal’s connection with her homeland shines through as she talks about a common feeling of togetherness within the Palestinian community as each individual empathizes with the oppression Palestinians have endured throughout the years.
-
Interview
Family and the Muslim community of Milwaukee are the main focus in the interview conducted with Rana. Family and community have been a source of strife for Rana, instead of the comfort that many immigrants seek when beginning their new lives in America. In the interview we talked about several confrontations that occurred in Rana's life due to decisions she made that did not sit well with the enclosed Muslim community.
-
Interview
Naimah is 43 years old and was born in West Palestine, but immigrated to the United States to be with her husband in 1984. After immigrating to the United States, she has been devoted to family life and raising her children. Being a stay-at-home mother has kept her from participating actively in many of the community activities, be it of the Milwaukee Muslim community or the American culture at large. She does however, participate in the American elections as a naturalized American citizen, and in local issues that concern and affect her family. Although she has tried to assimilate to the new culture by learning English and speaking both languages at home, nevertheless, she has stayed true to her Arab identity by wearing her hijab and keeping up with news stories from Arabic news sources.
-
Interview
A highly educated woman, Inshirah is a Syrian immigrant who has seen her share of difficulty in Syria and the United States. In the interview, Inshirah discusses her decades long struggle with her identity and finding her voice. Inshirah also discusses the lives of her children in the United States, including her hopes for her sons and daughters, as well as her struggle to connect with her children. Inshirah contemplates the current Syrian revolution that has affected so many Syrian people, some of them her own family.