Living in U.S. as a minority and seeing how carelessly and unintentionally our people are living their lives is worrisome.
Is it really carelessness and unintentionality or is it careful and intentional choice? And who is making that choice?
As a bookstore owner, when I recently set up free on the go kids islamic library outside my masjid, only 1 child was excited to see the books. It speaks volumes about how we are raising our children. It’s not about what we tell them, it’s about what we show them. How many of us parents actually read – not the books/articles we are forced to read by our school/work but rather because we choose to expand our way of thinking?
Historically, Black Americans weren’t allowed to read or write – literacy could mean the difference between being living and dead for them. People in power know what literacy brings to a people – freedom. Starting with freedom to think. Ever wondered why “Read – Iqra” was the first verse revealed to the Prophet Muhammad? We as an Ummah are to be grounded in strength that comes from the words of our Creator.
Now, we willingly “choose” to move away from reading and writing. Is it really our choice or carefully crafted campaign through Soft Power to enslave us intellectually without any blame to be held by those who are enslaving us?
What is soft power? Quick google search explains soft power as, “relies on attraction, shaping preferences, and co-opting others to want the same outcomes.”
It is not just about gaining through reading and writing.
It’s about willingly letting go of what is ours as well.
During colonization of Korea by Japan, the korean languages were prohibited to be spoken. Now we as minorities willingly let go of our languages to become more “Americanized.” I remember, I met a Sudanese woman last year – she came to U.S. less than a year ago – basic interaction in english language was a struggle for both of us. She expressed how she does not meet rest of the sudanese community we have locally because she doesn’t see any benefit – she wants to be with non-sudanese people so she can learn English. Her goal of learning English is respectable as someone trying to establish life in America. Her tone of looking down upon her own people like they have nothing to offer to her is worth reflecting upon – because she is NOT the only one. And this is not only in Sudanese community – it is present in almost all minority communities. We take pride in how good our English language is. I am in no shape or form suggesting we don’t master the English language, but I am asking if it is fair for us to take “pride” in it and if we should be mindful of what we are willing to let go (i.e. our native languages).
As more and more of us idealize America and everything that comes with it, without much intellectual reflection, it’s fair to ask where are we headed?
Does living in America in 2026 require us to enslave ourselves willingly?
My goal is never to tell my readers what to think – it’s always to encourage reflection and start the dialouge for subjects we have comfortably shoved under the rug as most of us are busy trying to survive this economy.
Until next time,
Reflect 🙂
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