“You got to forgive them, they don’t know any better, they were raised to think a certain way.”

Age: 18 Major: Pre-pharmacy Nation: Born and raised in America, parents from Palestine Religion: Islam

How does it feel to be an Arab American in America today?

It shows my uniqueness. Being in this kind of society I can show them different perspectives. It is actually my responsibility.

What is the greatest thing about Western society?

The economy here is much higher than in Palestine, where it is kind of hard to find jobs. That is the reason why my parents came here. And there is diversity here, there are people from all over. Mexicans, Asians, Europeans …

Do you have friends from all over?

I went to a Catholic high school even though I’m not Christian. It depends on their values, on what they think is important in life. I have a lot of friends who are not Muslim.

What are some difficulties you face in America?

Facing a lot of ignorance, narrow-minded people and hatred. Because a lot of people are misinformed.

What do you do for fun?

I like parks, camping, anything outdoors. There was skydiving offered here but I had no money to go. I love debates, learning about other cultures, heated debates on political topics, I like that.

Is there anything you have the desire to do but you can’t due to your religion?

Not really, because there is always a reason behind not being able to do something. It’s for your own good. That’s why I like my religion.

Do you ever question these reasons?

It’s pretty spelled out, so for the most part I get it, I agree with them.

Anything you wish you could do and can’t?

I can do everything. Anything I want to do, I can do. Unless it’s something extreme.

Do you constantly feel foreign?

I am American, I was born here, but I am Palestinian too. And Muslim. I always put my religion on top. I’m confident with myself, it’s my choice, it’s always my choice.

What in Western culture bothers you the most?

People degrade women in America. I’m not a feminist or anything, but in American society, I do believe women are degraded.

What is something about the Middle East that most people don’t know?

A lot of people think that all the Middle Eastern countries are deserts. But there are lots of cities, agriculture. In Islam, they think women are oppressed, not as equal as men. But, in reality, we are completely equal.

Do you dance?

Not in front of a man. It’s the whole issue of self-respect and modesty. You don’t want to throw yourself out there. What a weird question.

How have things change in your life after 9-11?

People are more curious about Islam. They come and ask me. But you cannot judge a religion based on a few people who say they practice it, but really don’t. It’s the same thing with Christianity. Hitler said he was a Christian and he killed seven million Jews. Timothy McVeigh said he was a Christian, and look at how crazy he was. It’s not a religion, it’s a person that is doing it. The whole idea about priests abusing children, you can’t say all priests are bad when only a few do it.

How do you feel about gay people?

I disagree with their practices. It’s wrong, but I don’t want to say anything mean to them.

You said before what matters is the character, so why do you think being gay is wrong?

These are hard questions. I never discussed these sorts of things …

Even some animals are gay.

No they aren’t!

You can Google it, there are gay animals.

That is so surprising. But if it was something pure, it’d be accepted in my religion, trust me. That is how good my religion is.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Arabic music. The only thing I don’t listen to is music that degrades women, profanity and any music with negative content.

Have you ever felt discriminated against?

Thankfully, never verbally. Sometimes you see stares, but what can you do? You got to forgive them, they don’t know any better, they were raised to think a certain way.

What films do you watch?

Horror movies, comedy, action. I really, really liked “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Kingdom of Heaven” and “What Lies Beneath.”

You said you wear the veil for self-respect, but why do you wear makeup then?

It’s contradictory actually, because the whole idea of the veil is modesty, to get respect and protection. But I’m not the perfectest Muslim, everyone has their flaws. I wear makeup because I want to, because that is what I want to do. But it’s hurting myself, the idea of makeup is to change the way you look, and you should be happy with what you have.

How do you feel about Bush?

I don’t think he is a very good president. To rebuild Iraq it’ll take three billion out of our tax dollars. I don’t think my money should go for his mistake.

Could you exchange e-mails with a male?

No, only for business purposes. I work with guys all the time, but we don’t flirt.

How do you feel about women who wear the burka?

That is really, really good. I look up to girls who do that. It shows courage and dedication to your religion. If you really know yourself, you don’t care what people think.

Why don’t you wear one?

Why don’t I wear one? I should wear it.

Can you listen to an iPod?

I’m getting one for my birthday.

Are you doing Ramadan this month?

Yes.

So are you hungry right now?

Yes, I’m starving.

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