I came to know about this novel because a class I had assigned a chapter within the work. I chose to read the entire book, because I realize that I know very little about Muslim culture, especially within America. However, this was one of the first books in years that I truly disliked reading--mostly due to the arrogance and petulance of the main character, Khadra. What annoys me most about Khadra is the fact that she is very hypocritical. There is nothing wrong with being different with those around you; but it is wrong to condemn those different without first getting to know them and their reasons. Khadra is always on the defensive; innocuous questions and stares immediately become an attack, and she rejects American culture and society as being inadequate, false, and immoral without involving herself within it.
It isn’t just her attitude towards America that is offensive to me. Khadra is very judgmental towards other sects within Islam, deeming them inappropriate and fake. Islam is not supposed to be about who worships a specific way, are Sunnis or Shiites right, but rather the realization that one must submit themselves wholly to God’s will. Khadra’s parents are the same way; they don’t want a black person to marry into the family, even if that person is a Muslim.
This is an attitude that I feel reflects the state of the world right now. When cultures refuse to see the good points of a different society along with the faults, no bridges are built and no friendships are made. That doesn’t mean cultures have to mold and assimilate, but an understanding must be developed in order to have any sort of peace. Americans need to be respectful of traditional cultures and religions, and other cultures need to not condemn and judge without first trying to understand.
No comments:
Post a Comment