My Interest in Arab-American Literature

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The course primarily sparked my interest because the description aligned perfectly with what I was originally seeking, which was a blend of literature and history with a veiled and hidden psychological aspect. When I first looked through the course description, I resonated with the idea, that, despite our different circumstances, we are all connected by our struggles. This “interconnected ideology” is one of many reasons I was drawn to the course, especially given my strong interest in journalism and my fascination with history, I definitely enjoy exploring topics outside my existing knowledge base, even though I have encountered Arabic literature before, this course offers more than just that. One of my favorite Arab writers is Naguib Mahfouz, known by most, for his work "The Cairo Trilogy." His contributions, and my limited proficiency in Arabic, which I intend to grow, inspired me to take this course in the first place.

After attending the first few classes, I have developed a deeper understanding and attachment to the course on a personal level. I have often felt like an outsider. Coming from a country with a Christian majority, Iface similar struggles as a Muslim. The hijab itself is a challenge that the wearer has to face every day, it’s difficult to feel accepted, especially when you don’t seem to fit in your own community. I was surrounded by Arabs my entire life, but never fully embraced by them; they considered me too European, while the Europeans perceived me as "too Arab," judging me primarily based on my religion. 

As the first two classes have already passed, I began to develop an even stronger liking, as I also relate more deeply to the material. I understand what it feels like to be far from home, and while my struggles differ, I certainly find difficulty in the complexities of having a mixed identity, in which religion and culture are in constant conflict. I may never face the same challenges others encounter, but I comprehend how easily one can lose their sense of identity. Yet, I undoubtedly believe that within struggle lies beauty—an aspect of existence that I will always cherish. Partially why I developed a strong liking for literature and poetry, as they so accurately capture these experiences. 



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