Week 15 Readings

Nadine Naber begins by explaining in the first reading how “Culture” is “Political” and how growing up she always stuck in between the Arab and American values. Although, she was born in San Francisco she was always restricted from participating in school or “american” activities because as she calls it “we” (Arabs) do not do that. Although, being raised in  a middle class suburb lead her and her parents to try and assimilate and befriend the “American kids”. While at the same time constantly pointing out that they are Arab and the others are American. Also having her parent’s constant pressure of what a “good” Arab girl is and what she needs to do/learn. She explains the these pressures lead her to betray her culture and find her own peace. To truly express who she is and try to survive at the same time due to the views that the society in the U.S. hold of Arabs. Overall, she admits that growing up in a cultural divided household led her to cultural loss but encouraged her to make a change within the Arab community and help them be more acceptance of new values.

Huda Jalladah reflects on her life and struggles as an Arab Lesbian Mother. On Gender Nonconformity, the idea of society calling her a “terrorist” and thinking that as soon as she appeared in a room not only devastates her but she knew that came along with being Palestinian and society’s views. Along with being a queer woman, she sees the fear in women once she walks into a public restroom and they mistake her for an Arab man. She goes on to explain that she is also a mother to twin boys and the looks she gets in public when her children are fighting scares her. She does not want people to think that they will grow up to be violent Palestinian men as the media portrays . But she is always being judged through  a parenting lens and a homophobic lens. Even when it came to housing, UC Santa Barbara denied her and her partner form housing because of their sexual preferences. Since they were not married nor was it legal to have children together, they did not allow them to be part of subsidized family housing. Showing how much U.S institutions discriminate people and deny them equal opportunities.  Finally, she concludes by explaining how growing up queer she never truly felt part of the communities she took part of but she learned two things to help her get through it. That one has to be herself, know themselves, and feel good about who they are which will lead to create a family and a sense of belonging  wherever they pursue that.