How Does It Feel to Be a Problem

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In “How Does It Feel to Be a Problem, ” Moustafa Bayoumi offers readers a thorough exploration of identity and belonging, in a way, similar to “Salt of the Sea” by Suheir Hamad. In his book, specifically in the stories Preface and Rasha, Moustafa Bayoumi describes the often complicated relationships that individuals navigate within their communities. Bayoumi’s narrative not only encourages a sense of vulnerability, but also showcases courage, especially through his depiction of Rasha, a young Arab-American woman, and after 9/11 in America. 

Her story is relatable to many, as Rasha isn’t necessarily someone “special,” as Bayoumi has explained previously, the characters in his books aren’t heroes or villains, but they are everyday people with real lives. Rasha’s struggle is a reflection of many who faced discrimination just for existing and who had doubts regarding personal identity. The tension she feels between her cultural heritage collides with the pressure to conform to societal expectations. This urges the reader to reflect on their own journey, while also raising the questions of belonging, identity, their sense of self, and what all that is shaped by. In Bayoumi’s work there's a certain way Rasha seeks to define and identify herself, which is against the fear that often surrounds Muslim identities. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience that exists within communities. It reflects a broader struggle that transcends ethnicity and religion. This further demonstrates the duality that many people from diverse backgrounds relate to and experience, which is sort of like a tug-of-war between maintaining cultural identity while trying to fit into an “alien” society.

Ultimately, Moustafa Bayoumi’s “How Does It Feel to Be a Problem” invites the reader to reflect on their own narrative while sharing real human experiences that anyone could relate to. His insights resonate beyond culture, it urges readers to consider how their identities are shaped and the importance of embracing the complexity that comes with it. In a world that’s quick to judge, his stories are a rich tapestry of faith, culture, identity, belonging and all those tied together. His writing is a reminder of our shared humanity.

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