Last Friday night over 100 youth from my church gathered to go watch the film Son of God. I walked into the theater pleased to see so many youth come together to watch the latest film from Hollywood about Jesus Christ. Our group and another church group had a private screening of this film. It was nice to see everyone come together. Then the film began....
We were brought into a political struggle between the Roman government and Jewish citizens, showing the persecution of the people, and within that we had the context of the High Priests staying in favor of Pontius Pilate for their own survival. Then there was Jesus Christ---to me he was portrayed as a friend, the kind of guy you would want to hang out with, the rebel against the Jewish High Priests. The film begins with John the Evangelist reading off chapter 1 of his gospel and we were brought into the life of Jesus Christ---and then the inaccuracies began.
My issues with this movie were the inaccuracies of Biblical text. So many have argued with me saying that Hollywood adaptations of books are normally incorrect, so I should be happy that there is something out there that shows Jesus in a good light. My response to this is the following: The Bible isn't any normal book out there, it's a Holy Book and if you're going to depict the events and sayings of a Holy Book, do it accurately--audiences deserve the truth, accuracy and honor of the adaptation of the Word. If this movie is going to be used as a teaching tool of the Gospel, then we have failed accurately teaching the Word of God. I am aware of the various English translations of the Bible that are floating in this world. Which brings me to another point? Are we trying to be accurate in finding the true translation? I mean stuff was so far off like telling Peter "Let's Change the World"--I nearly had an aneurysm and had to stuff more popcorn in my face in order to calm myself down. Or the part where Jesus tells Nicodemus in the film 'You must be born again of spirit'.--right there is a heresy on it's own completely changing John 3:5 verse in order to fit the interpretation of the producers of the film. Also for drama effects, Jesus told St. Mary 'With God all things are possible' as he was dragging the cross. NO IT WASNT SAID AT THAT TIME. There were other things that bothered me but will not go into detail for now. The lack of accuracy pretty much angered me because I felt it's misleading to the so many people who have spent money to watch a film on Jesus.
The cool parts of the movie was seeing some 'miracles' in action--ie feeding of five thousand and the healing of the paralytic man brought through the roof. Seeing this put to visuals helped me see the story from a different perspective. I like the raising of Lazarus scene but the inaccuracy of how he was brought back to life, killed it for me completely.
Many have argued with me about my views regarding this movie because I should be thankful that Hollywood has produced a successful Jesus movie that can move the hearts of people and teach others about our faith. I believe the vast majority who will see this movie are Christians themselves who are uninterested about the accuracy of Biblical text for the sake of the general joy that Jesus is portrayed in a good light. If you encourage people to go see this movie, I would recommend that you tell them to watch with caution since there are inaccuracies and not take everything as the 'Word'.
I personally would not recommend people to see this film (yes go throw tomatoes at me and call me names). It can cause confusion with the gross Biblical inaccuracies. I wish there was more attention paid to the Scripture instead of just really odd interpretations---or at least the film makers should have added a pretext that this is their interpretation of the Life of Jesus. If you want to spread the Gospel and the Word, do it right. Don't act on people's emotions and acting to attract people. Our church forefathers fought tooth and nail to preserve the faith. It's so easy for us to go with the majority saying that details don't matter, it's the big picture. However I feel strongly the opposite...the details do matter and they can blossom into something bigger.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Shutter Spots--My Year in Photography
Has it been almost a year since I actually posted something on this blog? yes. I want to dedicate this post to my year of photography in 2013. It hasn't been an easy year. A lot of ups and downs and I would like to share my journey.
This time last year I bought a new camera...the Nikon D600...it's a wonderful camera however as I entered 2013 I was plagued with the oil/dust spots on the sensor, so most of my photos from 2013 were riddled with dust spots making it more time consuming during the editing process. However I didn't allow that to stop me from clicking that shutter button (although it's a metaphor for how my year was like, filled with spots but I kept going). At the same time I was listening to online podcasts from professional photographers about making new photography goals for the new year. One of the goals focused on finding yourself and your photography niche. What kind of photographer are you? I still consider myself a hobbyist photographer yet I haven't explored all type of photography to choose one.
The beginning of 2013 I went to the Texas Monastery where God painted awesome scenes for me to capture. Honestly, that's what photography is about for me...capturing God's beautiful creations. I was later encouraged to frame some of my photos from that trip for a church fundraiser called Art in Heaven. This event is sponsored by a Coptic church in Jersey City where they showcase and auctioned off Coptic artists creations. Two of my friends encouraged me to enter my photos for this auction, however I refused at first because I lacked (and still do) the self confidence in my work. I don't think i'm good enough nor will I ever be good enough to compete with others. I'm not a competitive person and always shy away. However this wasn't a competition yet I was still resistant because I still thought I lacked the talent. It wasn't until the 11th hour before the event (literally a week before) when a friend asked me to put things into perspective. The auction was a fundraiser for a church and it wasn't about me, it was about my contribution to the fundraiser. I still wasn't convinced but anyway I ran around for about a week like a crazy person attempting to get my photos professional framed and printed. In the end, 3 out of 4 of my pieces were actually auctioned off and that night I cried because I really didn't realize how much my view of the world made a difference. I thanked the two people who stuck by me and literally forced me to get over my fears and shortcomings.
After the Art in Heaven auction I got a boost in self confidence and all of a sudden I wanted to go out there again and just keep shooting....and then the unthinkable happened. Someone stole my photos and reposted on their instagram account (without my permission and without credits)--the account claimed to be selling the photos as well. I was beyond angry, hurt and more than anything I felt so violated. All of a sudden I couldn't take pictures anymore because of this deep hurt and violation. What alarmed me more is that many people around me didn't think it was a very big deal and that I should have felt honored that someone would 'steal' my work. Um yeah no. For several weeks I had a very difficult time taking pictures....I didn't want to anymore because I was scared. The boost that I had received from the auction was gone...I just couldn't do it anymore. It wasn't until several weeks later when I stepped outside of my house and looked up and realized that I can't allow one person to hold me hostage to not taking photos. Again, I started again but I felt like I was at square one again.
In the middle of all of this friends were encouraging me to start my own business....but I never answered that question from the beginning of the year....what kind of photographer are you??? The 'I don't know' to this question has been a little frustrating for me.
At the end of May 2013, I went on a family trip to Hawaii and honestly I was blown away by the scenery. I wanted to take pictures every two seconds. I believe this trip helped me truly heal and helped me get back into the groove of things. There were some amazing scenes. Hawaii is a photographer's paradise. Yet once again, those stupid oil/dust spots reappeared on my sensor, so my 2000 + photos until today have not been edited as a result of pure frustration....
I realize that photography requires patience and one does not become a great photographer over night. I decided that mobile photography is a great way to show how ordinary life can be viewed in extraordinary ways. I mean many of us walk outside on a daily basis and stick to our routines not noticing the sky, the ground, trees, clouds, cars, or how rainy weather can actually be beautiful. I've been taking photos with my iPhone and posting via Instagram to highlight this. I haven't abandoned my dslr camera and realize I should take more with my dslr for practice in manual mode and being more creative with my camera. If anything mobile photography allows one to highlight a rather mundane day into something not so average. I applaud people who look up and see different cloud formations as something beautiful, or document a sunset....it helps us look away from ourselves. To be honest, this has been very therapeutic for me.
Throughout 2013, I was asked to take photos for various church functions. Yes, for me this is huge because I am a FEMALE and I am limited in terms of movement in areas where females are not allowed i.e. the altar. However those who asked me to take pictures of events didn't see that my sex was a limitation and it was refreshing. I took photos at a prayer ceremony for Persecuted Christians at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC. For me, I think this was the highlight of my year. I love St. Patrick's Cathedral, I used to spend every Catholic Good Friday there as a little girl (and then I would attend the Coptic one). The architecture of that cathedral is breathtaking and really I feel one can take refuge and solace in their search for God. It was a huge honor for me and really a challenge since I did have limitations in movement. Thankfully I rose to the challenge and again it forced me to find creative ways to convey the service....all I had to do was walk around and show my perspective. I owe my confidence to do this from my own church congregation. Photographing major feasts and giving me access (except to the altar) helped boost my confidence that I CAN DO IT. I thank the priests and the entire congregation for allowing me to perhaps push my way so that I can get the right shot...and give a fresh new perspective of our church and not limiting me because of my gender. If anything photographing church services gives me a fresh perspective of how I see God. I see things that I would not have ever seen just by standing in the congregation. The holding of the censor, the way the body and blood of Christ is dealt with reverently isn't necessarily seen by the entire congregation. To be able to shoot this has increased my understanding of the liturgical life of the church.
With all of that said, I still ask myself. Where do I go from here? Do I start a business? What kind of photographer am I? I still do not have answers to these questions, however the experiences from 2013 have helped me grow and overcome the obstacles. As of now, there are no oil spots on my camera sensor, but just as there have been a bunch of spots throughout the year, it won't stop me. Every time I say I CANT, somehow God sends me someone, something, some event with where it becomes I CAN. I hope to share more of the world's beauty in 2014 with more depth. But I need to say a huge thank you to those who have stuck by me, who have fought with me tooth and nail and made sure that my lack of self confidence in my photography wouldn't get in the way of continuing glorifying God with the talent He gave me.
This time last year I bought a new camera...the Nikon D600...it's a wonderful camera however as I entered 2013 I was plagued with the oil/dust spots on the sensor, so most of my photos from 2013 were riddled with dust spots making it more time consuming during the editing process. However I didn't allow that to stop me from clicking that shutter button (although it's a metaphor for how my year was like, filled with spots but I kept going). At the same time I was listening to online podcasts from professional photographers about making new photography goals for the new year. One of the goals focused on finding yourself and your photography niche. What kind of photographer are you? I still consider myself a hobbyist photographer yet I haven't explored all type of photography to choose one.
The beginning of 2013 I went to the Texas Monastery where God painted awesome scenes for me to capture. Honestly, that's what photography is about for me...capturing God's beautiful creations. I was later encouraged to frame some of my photos from that trip for a church fundraiser called Art in Heaven. This event is sponsored by a Coptic church in Jersey City where they showcase and auctioned off Coptic artists creations. Two of my friends encouraged me to enter my photos for this auction, however I refused at first because I lacked (and still do) the self confidence in my work. I don't think i'm good enough nor will I ever be good enough to compete with others. I'm not a competitive person and always shy away. However this wasn't a competition yet I was still resistant because I still thought I lacked the talent. It wasn't until the 11th hour before the event (literally a week before) when a friend asked me to put things into perspective. The auction was a fundraiser for a church and it wasn't about me, it was about my contribution to the fundraiser. I still wasn't convinced but anyway I ran around for about a week like a crazy person attempting to get my photos professional framed and printed. In the end, 3 out of 4 of my pieces were actually auctioned off and that night I cried because I really didn't realize how much my view of the world made a difference. I thanked the two people who stuck by me and literally forced me to get over my fears and shortcomings.
After the Art in Heaven auction I got a boost in self confidence and all of a sudden I wanted to go out there again and just keep shooting....and then the unthinkable happened. Someone stole my photos and reposted on their instagram account (without my permission and without credits)--the account claimed to be selling the photos as well. I was beyond angry, hurt and more than anything I felt so violated. All of a sudden I couldn't take pictures anymore because of this deep hurt and violation. What alarmed me more is that many people around me didn't think it was a very big deal and that I should have felt honored that someone would 'steal' my work. Um yeah no. For several weeks I had a very difficult time taking pictures....I didn't want to anymore because I was scared. The boost that I had received from the auction was gone...I just couldn't do it anymore. It wasn't until several weeks later when I stepped outside of my house and looked up and realized that I can't allow one person to hold me hostage to not taking photos. Again, I started again but I felt like I was at square one again.
In the middle of all of this friends were encouraging me to start my own business....but I never answered that question from the beginning of the year....what kind of photographer are you??? The 'I don't know' to this question has been a little frustrating for me.
At the end of May 2013, I went on a family trip to Hawaii and honestly I was blown away by the scenery. I wanted to take pictures every two seconds. I believe this trip helped me truly heal and helped me get back into the groove of things. There were some amazing scenes. Hawaii is a photographer's paradise. Yet once again, those stupid oil/dust spots reappeared on my sensor, so my 2000 + photos until today have not been edited as a result of pure frustration....
I realize that photography requires patience and one does not become a great photographer over night. I decided that mobile photography is a great way to show how ordinary life can be viewed in extraordinary ways. I mean many of us walk outside on a daily basis and stick to our routines not noticing the sky, the ground, trees, clouds, cars, or how rainy weather can actually be beautiful. I've been taking photos with my iPhone and posting via Instagram to highlight this. I haven't abandoned my dslr camera and realize I should take more with my dslr for practice in manual mode and being more creative with my camera. If anything mobile photography allows one to highlight a rather mundane day into something not so average. I applaud people who look up and see different cloud formations as something beautiful, or document a sunset....it helps us look away from ourselves. To be honest, this has been very therapeutic for me.
Throughout 2013, I was asked to take photos for various church functions. Yes, for me this is huge because I am a FEMALE and I am limited in terms of movement in areas where females are not allowed i.e. the altar. However those who asked me to take pictures of events didn't see that my sex was a limitation and it was refreshing. I took photos at a prayer ceremony for Persecuted Christians at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC. For me, I think this was the highlight of my year. I love St. Patrick's Cathedral, I used to spend every Catholic Good Friday there as a little girl (and then I would attend the Coptic one). The architecture of that cathedral is breathtaking and really I feel one can take refuge and solace in their search for God. It was a huge honor for me and really a challenge since I did have limitations in movement. Thankfully I rose to the challenge and again it forced me to find creative ways to convey the service....all I had to do was walk around and show my perspective. I owe my confidence to do this from my own church congregation. Photographing major feasts and giving me access (except to the altar) helped boost my confidence that I CAN DO IT. I thank the priests and the entire congregation for allowing me to perhaps push my way so that I can get the right shot...and give a fresh new perspective of our church and not limiting me because of my gender. If anything photographing church services gives me a fresh perspective of how I see God. I see things that I would not have ever seen just by standing in the congregation. The holding of the censor, the way the body and blood of Christ is dealt with reverently isn't necessarily seen by the entire congregation. To be able to shoot this has increased my understanding of the liturgical life of the church.
With all of that said, I still ask myself. Where do I go from here? Do I start a business? What kind of photographer am I? I still do not have answers to these questions, however the experiences from 2013 have helped me grow and overcome the obstacles. As of now, there are no oil spots on my camera sensor, but just as there have been a bunch of spots throughout the year, it won't stop me. Every time I say I CANT, somehow God sends me someone, something, some event with where it becomes I CAN. I hope to share more of the world's beauty in 2014 with more depth. But I need to say a huge thank you to those who have stuck by me, who have fought with me tooth and nail and made sure that my lack of self confidence in my photography wouldn't get in the way of continuing glorifying God with the talent He gave me.
Monday, December 24, 2012
The Fire
The Fire
2012 has been quite the year, and probably a very difficult one. Everywhere I turned this year someone was either dealing personal, political or natural disaster that has challenged each and everyone of us. I have been following events in Egypt in the past year in the midst of living through a major hurricane and a school shooting not too far away from where I live. In addition I have had a share of challenges this year and I think many share my sentiment that we just want this year over.
I liken this year to living in a fire. Being challenged, put down, disappointed, stressed and my limited view does not see an end in sight. It wasn't until last night at church while I was praying along with the rest of the congregation the hymn of the Three Saintly Youth. They were thrown into the fire--literally. The story of these Three Saintly Youth can be found in Daniel Chapter 3 where basically they refused to worship a golden image only recognizing the living God. As a result the King ordered them into a fiery furnace and the miracle happened where they survived with an extra person with them--the Son of God...Emmanuel meaning God is with us.
Perhaps this is the difference of survival between myself and these 3 Youth. Somehow when things got so bad and faced death, they didn't flinch and accepted the fate of death as a sacrifice to worship The Lord. I often wonder how many times I have been pushed and been faced with awful circumstances--I'm not accepting and often go through a whole frenzy to find a solution instead of the One that is standing right there.
During the disasters of Sandy and the recent school shooting in Newtown, many have asked 'where is God?' It didn't dawn on me until I was chanting the hymn last night that God is present and is with us. The outcome of the three youth being saved and how it gave glory to God shows how the fire was the only way for many to look to Him. I've seen this in the days and weeks after the most recent tragedies--somehow we have returned to the way God intended us to be--in His image and likeness--by serving the community and to look outside our own fires to put out others. How many prayer vigils happened after Newtown? The outpouring of local assistance after Sandy with everyone pitching in with whatever they have to help those who lost literally everything.
It's the fires that help us to realize that there is an external power to give us comfort, but we won't know this until we are connected to the Power on a daily basis. This is what gave Joseph and St Paul the ability to endure prison joyfully knowing that they weren't alone. The display of the Son of Man in the fiery furnace is a clear display that we are not alone during our own fires and tribulations...somehow God is with us.
That is the Christmas message of this year--Emmanuel God is with us. He came to this world, not as a celebrity in a clean hospital, but in a manger. He came in circumstances where His birth was less than glamorous....but He came and the heavens rejoiced and shared our own pains as a human and went through His own fire on the cross. We must live daily knowing He is with us, even if we don't feel it. Daily recognition that God is with us on ordinary days will help us get through those fiery circumstances like the Three Saintly Youth.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Coptic calm
About three weeks ago I was in a taxi cab in NY (yes another one of the taxi driver stories) and the driver was intrigued by my last name, trying to guess its origin. I responded at the very end of the guessing game that it's a Coptic last name ready with a full explanation of Coptic Orthodoxy on hand. To my surprise he quickly responded by 'oh boy you guys have it hard in Egypt, i feel bad for you'. He asked about my opinion regarding the elections, and I responded by saying that both candidates were not fit for the job. He went on to ramble about how the Muslim Brotherhood would be bad for the Copts and said he wished the best for Egypt.
Fast forwarding weeks later was the announcement today of Dr. Mohammed Morsy of the Freedom and Justice Party (Muslim Brotherhood) as the President of the Republic of Egypt. To be quiet honest, I'm not happy with this choice at all. As a Copt, I don't feel comfortable for a political religious party to be in power. The other option was more of the old regime in place, which I believe that was not what the January 25th Revolution called for. I also don't think the January 25th Revolution called for a religious party to power hog Parliament and the Presidency but at this point we just need to move forward.
While there were people overjoyed across Egypt celebrating Dr. Morsy's victory, many others were upset. No not just Shafik supporters, but many who want a SECULAR Egypt. Included in this group are the Coptic Christians. I will not speak for all of them but from my point of view, I understand why they're scared and fearful for a political Islamist movement to have power. It sucks as a minority for a majority not to be empathetic with concerns that relates to Copts. Some examples include: church repair laws and having religion on national IDs. Having religion on a national ID already creates a division and to have a President be in control of repairing a church leak or fallen column is just dead right wrong. Question on many people's minds is if things will just get worse for Copts?
My answer to this question is that: I don't know. However what I do know is one thing. Since January 1st 2011 the day of the Two Saints Bombing in Alexandria, a veil of fear has been lifted. This was also enhanced during the 18 days of the Jan 25th revolution where for the first time many came out to speak out against their concerns. After Jan 25, we saw Copts take Maspero in protest against crimes committed against them in Atfeeh until the massacre in October. In October, a mass protest took place in Washington DC that included clergy. To be honest you would not have seen such protests that included clergy pre-Jan 1st.
We need to continue to speak out about our concerns, not just as Copts but as secular citizens. We also need to stop this victim mentality. In order to do this, we need to look at Coptic history--starting with St. Mark himself, the one who brought Christianity to Egypt. He was dragged in the streets of Alexandria but his martyrdom did not stop the spread of Christianity. Many martyrs were willing to defend the faith during the reign of Diocletian and that's why our Coptic New Year commemorates the martyrs. We also defended the theology through people like St. Athanasius, St Dioscorus etc who were pillars and defenders of the Coptic faith upholding Egypt as a Christian center. Many endured difficult times under unsympathetic rulers of after the Islamic rulers yet the faith still remains in Egypt. They did not have the luxury to run abroad to escape. These people did not sit around with a victim mentality but chose to do something about it. If you read the Synexarium on a daily basis, you will find some hero from a random century that defended the faith. Our modern day heroes include the Maspero and Two Saints Church. Instead of cursing and crying perhaps it's time to do something about the situation. Unite. Unite with other Egyptians regardless of religion--move out of the church walls that you think will just protect you and find those who have the same secular mentality. The extremism that breeds in some will only further divide the country. We complain about extremism yet we don't look within ourselves and within our own communities to find that we sing the same tune as those we point fingers at.
Yes times ahead are probably difficult. While we resort to prayer and fasting we also need to resort to being part of the solution instead of constantly being part of the couch party that just sits back complains and does nothing.
I am reminded by this verse in 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—
Our tradition has upheld this sentiment and it's about time we do the same with faith and action.
Fast forwarding weeks later was the announcement today of Dr. Mohammed Morsy of the Freedom and Justice Party (Muslim Brotherhood) as the President of the Republic of Egypt. To be quiet honest, I'm not happy with this choice at all. As a Copt, I don't feel comfortable for a political religious party to be in power. The other option was more of the old regime in place, which I believe that was not what the January 25th Revolution called for. I also don't think the January 25th Revolution called for a religious party to power hog Parliament and the Presidency but at this point we just need to move forward.
While there were people overjoyed across Egypt celebrating Dr. Morsy's victory, many others were upset. No not just Shafik supporters, but many who want a SECULAR Egypt. Included in this group are the Coptic Christians. I will not speak for all of them but from my point of view, I understand why they're scared and fearful for a political Islamist movement to have power. It sucks as a minority for a majority not to be empathetic with concerns that relates to Copts. Some examples include: church repair laws and having religion on national IDs. Having religion on a national ID already creates a division and to have a President be in control of repairing a church leak or fallen column is just dead right wrong. Question on many people's minds is if things will just get worse for Copts?
My answer to this question is that: I don't know. However what I do know is one thing. Since January 1st 2011 the day of the Two Saints Bombing in Alexandria, a veil of fear has been lifted. This was also enhanced during the 18 days of the Jan 25th revolution where for the first time many came out to speak out against their concerns. After Jan 25, we saw Copts take Maspero in protest against crimes committed against them in Atfeeh until the massacre in October. In October, a mass protest took place in Washington DC that included clergy. To be honest you would not have seen such protests that included clergy pre-Jan 1st.
We need to continue to speak out about our concerns, not just as Copts but as secular citizens. We also need to stop this victim mentality. In order to do this, we need to look at Coptic history--starting with St. Mark himself, the one who brought Christianity to Egypt. He was dragged in the streets of Alexandria but his martyrdom did not stop the spread of Christianity. Many martyrs were willing to defend the faith during the reign of Diocletian and that's why our Coptic New Year commemorates the martyrs. We also defended the theology through people like St. Athanasius, St Dioscorus etc who were pillars and defenders of the Coptic faith upholding Egypt as a Christian center. Many endured difficult times under unsympathetic rulers of after the Islamic rulers yet the faith still remains in Egypt. They did not have the luxury to run abroad to escape. These people did not sit around with a victim mentality but chose to do something about it. If you read the Synexarium on a daily basis, you will find some hero from a random century that defended the faith. Our modern day heroes include the Maspero and Two Saints Church. Instead of cursing and crying perhaps it's time to do something about the situation. Unite. Unite with other Egyptians regardless of religion--move out of the church walls that you think will just protect you and find those who have the same secular mentality. The extremism that breeds in some will only further divide the country. We complain about extremism yet we don't look within ourselves and within our own communities to find that we sing the same tune as those we point fingers at.
Yes times ahead are probably difficult. While we resort to prayer and fasting we also need to resort to being part of the solution instead of constantly being part of the couch party that just sits back complains and does nothing.
I am reminded by this verse in 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—
Our tradition has upheld this sentiment and it's about time we do the same with faith and action.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
We Lost Our Father
Today I attended a wake. The church was sad and we were all in a sea of black. Normally during wakes we remember the dearly departed and try to comfort the family of the deceased. Today was different though since we were all one family trying to comfort each other while finding comfort from the departure of our father Pope Shenouda III. He departed to heaven on March 17, 2012. No words can really express my deep sadness and hurt. We lost a father.
I could sit here and write my personal experiences with the Late Pope Shenouda III but really they aren't a lot. I met him in person on several occasions and I was blown away by his love for those around us. St. Augustine said "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us". Really this sums up Pope Shenouda III. I did not live in Egypt, but the imprint of his legacy are in the youth of today's church in Egypt and abroad. I am one of those youth abroad, his hand is in every church, every altar, every cornerstone. You walk into any Coptic bookstore and will find tons of sermons and translated books by His Holiness...he aimed to provide us with the spiritual food needed for us to develop knowing fully well that the church has expanded beyond the borders of the motherland of Egypt. The Coptic church is now on six of seven continents with Divine Liturgies translated into English, French, German, Spanish, etc. Most recent consecration of a church was in Budapest, Hungary in 2011 by His Holiness. I can go on and on about Pope Shenouda's contributions, because they did have a direct impact on the church abroad. But what many don't understand is why we are so sad. Why do we have such a connection with a man that we saw once in a while here and there? First, he was a father and a shepherd in the true sense. For those who do not understand how our the church clergy functions, in the true sense they serve the people. They've dedicated their lives to God and in turn they serve the people as a reflection of Christ Himself as the Good Shepherd. In so many ways, this was Pope Shenouda. He has ordained priests, made himself available, visited the sick, sat with the people, sermonized and taught the flock and so much more. In 2005, I was in Cedar Grove, NJ at his residence to pray the midnight praises with HG Bishop Youannnes, his secretary. The youth were gathered and after the prayer was done, I was walking to my car when I heard someone come out of the residence building telling me to come in quickly. I didn't ask questions. I entered the residence and walked down the stairs to find His Holiness sitting in the reception area. He was with the bishops and all of a sudden HG Bishop Youannes said 'these are amazing youth that I just prayed with'. We took his blessings and chocolate (that was the norm). We sat with him until around 2am, joking with us. For maybe the first 30 min I was thinking in my brain "oh my God this is the Pope sitting with us", but as the night went on, we were sitting with our amazing father who wanted to make sure we were okay. It was one of those times where you just didn't want to leave because you were having a great time. It was amazing. I can talk about more experiences but this one has had a lasting effect on me.
In his sickness, he gave everything to us despite his pain. That's the true love of sacrifice there, can't really elaborate on this. The last year has been difficult on the church and I don't really know how His Holiness in his physical pain was able to guide the church but really that is God working.
I was a bit disappointed in the wake of his death to find many people on social networking sites attacking His Holiness as they learned of his death. I was in so much sadness and the attacks only added salt to the wound. I was asked my opinion about this. To the haters out there, you didn't know him, you didn't experience him, you didn't understand him. You only saw him from the narrow view of politics (which I will not address at this point). You judged him without allowing to understand the other side and yes revolutionaries...you are ignorant in just attacking while a huge portion of the population is in pain. You lost sensitivity in your quest for freedom and you're just as bad as those who have tried to divide this country on sectarianism. There is a verse in Romans 'Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep'. Christians have done their share of doing both with their fellow Muslim neighbors who are EGYPTIANS as well. If you don't know, Egypt just lost one of the greatest citizens of the modern age but instead of learning, you choose to shut your ears. Whatever. I choose however to focus on the amount of messages I received from Muslim Egyptians, they are the true Egyptians. They share in the sufferings and many have seen how Pope Shenouda always reached out to people regardless of race or religion. This is Egypt. I thank you Muslims who have reached out to me. You have shown the true sense of the religion of peace to Christians and please keep us in your prayers. Pope Shenouda loved Egypt, you are Egypt.
Many people looked to him as a source of comfort especially in the past year or so where things have been certainly difficult to the Christian community. The loss of our father at this time is another blow to us. We lost the modern day St. John Chrysostom and Athanasius. Read his books, you will be moved. My favorite was Release of the Spirit. I've read a lot of articles about the uncertainties amongst Christians with the latest loss. My priest told us today not to lose faith in God. There was the same uncertainty after Pope Kyrollos VI departed but God gave us the gift of Pope Shenouda III who really was exceedingly more than we could have ever asked for. My dad today also said that our church has survived for over 2000 years and God wouldn't just leave us hanging now. I was comforted, yet I still hurt. As I was waiting on line to receive the Holy Eucharist, a girl about 10-12 years old was weeping. I mean she just was balling...I went up to her and asked 'whats wrong?'. She just kept saying 'I miss him'. I wanted to cry with her...I held her and let her cry. I told her that he is praying for us in heaven and that he is happy that you're standing on line about to receive the Holy Eucharist. Yes, my words really had no comfort as she kept weeping. Her heart was broken and so was all of ours. This our time of mourning. We ask that prayers are raised for the future of the church. I feel this happened during Lent for us to become closer to each other. I don't doubt that today that church attendance was at the level of one of the Feasts out of sense of loss and love our father who is now with the saints, the martyrs he often spoke about and most importantly in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Below are some sermons/poems to enjoy:
God's love in your life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCuo4fInGOI
I want nothing of this world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4-APT-hbMw&feature=related
After death Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDfVMzNzgZM&feature=related
Come back to God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3IKtj79rwE&feature=related
Stranger Poem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg_2X9GG8JQ&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=12&feature=plcp
Last Sermon of His Holiness on 7 March 2012 on Intelligence and Repentance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTOoE3-heRw&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=31&feature=plcp
People's Tribulations and the Pope's response http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avd_XvUkgCs&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=1&feature=plcp
From the Pope's Sayings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG_FVIgkOj0&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=5&feature=plcp
Pope's comments on Maspero http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r9HEnQ-MX0&feature=related
I could sit here and write my personal experiences with the Late Pope Shenouda III but really they aren't a lot. I met him in person on several occasions and I was blown away by his love for those around us. St. Augustine said "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us". Really this sums up Pope Shenouda III. I did not live in Egypt, but the imprint of his legacy are in the youth of today's church in Egypt and abroad. I am one of those youth abroad, his hand is in every church, every altar, every cornerstone. You walk into any Coptic bookstore and will find tons of sermons and translated books by His Holiness...he aimed to provide us with the spiritual food needed for us to develop knowing fully well that the church has expanded beyond the borders of the motherland of Egypt. The Coptic church is now on six of seven continents with Divine Liturgies translated into English, French, German, Spanish, etc. Most recent consecration of a church was in Budapest, Hungary in 2011 by His Holiness. I can go on and on about Pope Shenouda's contributions, because they did have a direct impact on the church abroad. But what many don't understand is why we are so sad. Why do we have such a connection with a man that we saw once in a while here and there? First, he was a father and a shepherd in the true sense. For those who do not understand how our the church clergy functions, in the true sense they serve the people. They've dedicated their lives to God and in turn they serve the people as a reflection of Christ Himself as the Good Shepherd. In so many ways, this was Pope Shenouda. He has ordained priests, made himself available, visited the sick, sat with the people, sermonized and taught the flock and so much more. In 2005, I was in Cedar Grove, NJ at his residence to pray the midnight praises with HG Bishop Youannnes, his secretary. The youth were gathered and after the prayer was done, I was walking to my car when I heard someone come out of the residence building telling me to come in quickly. I didn't ask questions. I entered the residence and walked down the stairs to find His Holiness sitting in the reception area. He was with the bishops and all of a sudden HG Bishop Youannes said 'these are amazing youth that I just prayed with'. We took his blessings and chocolate (that was the norm). We sat with him until around 2am, joking with us. For maybe the first 30 min I was thinking in my brain "oh my God this is the Pope sitting with us", but as the night went on, we were sitting with our amazing father who wanted to make sure we were okay. It was one of those times where you just didn't want to leave because you were having a great time. It was amazing. I can talk about more experiences but this one has had a lasting effect on me.
In his sickness, he gave everything to us despite his pain. That's the true love of sacrifice there, can't really elaborate on this. The last year has been difficult on the church and I don't really know how His Holiness in his physical pain was able to guide the church but really that is God working.
I was a bit disappointed in the wake of his death to find many people on social networking sites attacking His Holiness as they learned of his death. I was in so much sadness and the attacks only added salt to the wound. I was asked my opinion about this. To the haters out there, you didn't know him, you didn't experience him, you didn't understand him. You only saw him from the narrow view of politics (which I will not address at this point). You judged him without allowing to understand the other side and yes revolutionaries...you are ignorant in just attacking while a huge portion of the population is in pain. You lost sensitivity in your quest for freedom and you're just as bad as those who have tried to divide this country on sectarianism. There is a verse in Romans 'Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep'. Christians have done their share of doing both with their fellow Muslim neighbors who are EGYPTIANS as well. If you don't know, Egypt just lost one of the greatest citizens of the modern age but instead of learning, you choose to shut your ears. Whatever. I choose however to focus on the amount of messages I received from Muslim Egyptians, they are the true Egyptians. They share in the sufferings and many have seen how Pope Shenouda always reached out to people regardless of race or religion. This is Egypt. I thank you Muslims who have reached out to me. You have shown the true sense of the religion of peace to Christians and please keep us in your prayers. Pope Shenouda loved Egypt, you are Egypt.
Many people looked to him as a source of comfort especially in the past year or so where things have been certainly difficult to the Christian community. The loss of our father at this time is another blow to us. We lost the modern day St. John Chrysostom and Athanasius. Read his books, you will be moved. My favorite was Release of the Spirit. I've read a lot of articles about the uncertainties amongst Christians with the latest loss. My priest told us today not to lose faith in God. There was the same uncertainty after Pope Kyrollos VI departed but God gave us the gift of Pope Shenouda III who really was exceedingly more than we could have ever asked for. My dad today also said that our church has survived for over 2000 years and God wouldn't just leave us hanging now. I was comforted, yet I still hurt. As I was waiting on line to receive the Holy Eucharist, a girl about 10-12 years old was weeping. I mean she just was balling...I went up to her and asked 'whats wrong?'. She just kept saying 'I miss him'. I wanted to cry with her...I held her and let her cry. I told her that he is praying for us in heaven and that he is happy that you're standing on line about to receive the Holy Eucharist. Yes, my words really had no comfort as she kept weeping. Her heart was broken and so was all of ours. This our time of mourning. We ask that prayers are raised for the future of the church. I feel this happened during Lent for us to become closer to each other. I don't doubt that today that church attendance was at the level of one of the Feasts out of sense of loss and love our father who is now with the saints, the martyrs he often spoke about and most importantly in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Below are some sermons/poems to enjoy:
God's love in your life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCuo4fInGOI
I want nothing of this world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4-APT-hbMw&feature=related
After death Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDfVMzNzgZM&feature=related
Come back to God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3IKtj79rwE&feature=related
Stranger Poem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg_2X9GG8JQ&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=12&feature=plcp
Last Sermon of His Holiness on 7 March 2012 on Intelligence and Repentance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTOoE3-heRw&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=31&feature=plcp
People's Tribulations and the Pope's response http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avd_XvUkgCs&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=1&feature=plcp
From the Pope's Sayings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG_FVIgkOj0&list=UUGvHqFLowTlubXfis39tA1Q&index=5&feature=plcp
Pope's comments on Maspero http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r9HEnQ-MX0&feature=related
Friday, October 7, 2011
Occupy Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but at the same time I feel like I have been exposed to all sorts of cancers since the beginning of this month. First, I start with Breast Cancer---if you look into your contacts you will know someone who has this or know someone who knows someone who is going through it (six degrees of separation). Unfortunately in 2011, I think I've met more people who have had or do have breast cancer including those close to me. My grandma was diagnosed in her old age and I wonder if this contributed to all the other medical issues she had before she died in 2009, but we will never know. The point is, it's everywhere.
I also know people who are suffering from lukemia, lymphoma and prostate cancer. And most recently was the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs who just passed from pancreatic cancer just two days ago. I heard the news while I was waking at the Lukemia and Lymphoma society's light the night walk in downtown Manhattan (i'll get to this experience in a minute)....so I was a bit overwhelmed with all the cancer going around. It's very easy to be brought down just by being surrounded by this. I wonder how oncologists deal with cancer patients knowing that some cases are not curable...but like me, I feel like strength is drawn by the survivors and their families, which brings me to Light the Night walk.
I was told about this walk by a good friend of mine. I thought this would be a perfect time to take my camera and go shoot some pictures and then after join the Occupy Wall Street protests that were literally blocks away from this walk. I ended up in a sea of balloons--Red for Supporters, White for Survivors and Gold for In Memorium. Amongst the crowd I saw mainly red balloons, followed by gold then few white ones. I decided to walk with the crowd up to the Brooklyn bridge where they would cross the bridge and return to hang up their balloon outside of city hall. I was beyond touched and speechless that night. There was an energy in the crowd that I couldn't describe. Along the walk route were pictures of people who fought the good fight and it was touching to see some of the family members stand by a picture proud of their relative who fought so hard to survive. I saw old people and I saw children in those photos. I saw teams of families walk for their love ones who they lost to cancer but they were cheering along for their family member. I met a lady who has two daughters, one with breast cancer and one with lukemia...her face was stern but she spoke about how hard this journey has been on her and that she had to do this. I heard many of the walkers say that this was a better cause than the Occupy Wall Street protests that was only blocks away. Before I arrived at the finished line, I decided to look at my Twitter feed--saw that Steve Jobs died from cancer....I was overcome with emotion...I went through the finish line with sadness, but what kept me going was the energetic people around me. After the finish line, people hung their red, white or gold balloon for their relatives. I was touched to see a white balloon person who walked and just paused looking at the balloons surrounding her. I saw many gold balloons taking moments of silence...I can't imagine their struggles because the families go through the process of cancer just like the patient.
I ended up sitting for a bit because I was still filled with emotion of the news of Steve Jobs dying from cancer. I was at a walk for cancer as well...I was overwhelmed. I happened to sit underneath a picture of a young child where it said 'two time cancer survivor'. I saw many just stand and stare and also tear up in front of this picture. I didn't find it appropriate to attend the wall street protests after this...I felt like I was with people who were paying tribute to their loved ones....this cause surpasses any type of political or class issues...it is universal with all walks of life.
It's too often that we hear someone we know has cancer. However I dont see outrage to fight this amongst the general public. I know it's not a political or economic protest---but once you are somehow touched by this, you want to find a way to fix things. I just know the only way I can help is through support...I believe the presence at these events to raise money speaks volumes to support the survivors and their families. It shows we have compassion and can think outside of our technologically hooked lives where we dont see past our own phones or computers. If it's not cancer, it should be something else that we reach out to the human race---it can be feeding the homeless or whatever it takes to go from a selfish to a selfless society. I hope that just as Americans are protesting the injustice of wealth we also protest and occupy the horrible diseases like cancer.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
reflections of a dual identity after 9/11
I was born in Brooklyn, NY. My father came from Egypt in the late 60s and mom in mid-70s. I grew up in suburban Westchester County outside of NYC area from first grade on. In first grade, I learned all the patriotic hymns like God bless America; You're a Grand Ole' Flag, This Land is Your Land and of course our national anthem The Star Spangled Banner. I was the only Egyptian-American student in my school at the time...I didn't think about being Egyptian because I was too busy being a patriotic American every morning saying the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a patriotic song. I learned about American History and how great the USA is. My dad told me that in 2nd grade that my teacher was going to quiz me on all the Capitals of the US. So I spent my summer memorizing the US map. Until today, I can probably remember about 90% of the Capitals. That same summer, was my first trip to Egypt. I didn't know much about it except for the Pyramids, my church that I went to on Sunday recited prayers in Arabic. I think the entire family met us at Cairo Airport. I got applause coming out sitting on the luggage carriage waving both the American and Egyptian flags. I think people thought I was a daughter of some diplomat but I was just showing Egypt that I was ready to meet my ethnicity and that I was American born and raised. I had no concept of religion outside of Christianity, so I did ask my uncle why there were so many nuns in the country. I had no concept of what Islam was and that women were wearing the hijab--they weren't nuns (i was 7 years old by the way)
Growing up, my parents wanted me to learn my Egyptian culture, by forcing me to speak Arabic on the weekends. I threw tantrums to speak English, but Saturday mornings were met with a 'switch'. I was embarrassed because my friends would have to hear me speak to my parents in some crazy language. I think I gained popularity in school when there was a unit done on Egypt and I brought in Omar Sharif's narration of Mystery of the Pyramids. In college, I decided to take Arabic classes and concentrate in Middle Eastern Studies (as part of my international affairs degree). I became more in tune with the Egyptian/Arab culture, while also tuning into everything Washington DC had to offer. I volunteered for the NATO 50th anniversary celebration. Everytime you stepped on 23rd Street at that period there was another motorcade. We tried to guess who was in there....going to volunteer there, I went to old government buildings--there was history, grandeur--contributing to my country was a great feeling.
9/11 happened. It was my first week as a paralegal at a firm in DC. I was just out of college. My family and friends were in NY. I had to evacuate not knowing how to get back to my house in Virginia. I randomly found someone in the office who was going in my direction and we hitched hike from constitution ave in DC to courthouse area in virginia . We knew this was dangerous, but honestly we didn't know what was going on. I immediately got on the phone and attempted to call everyone in NYC but wasnt able to. 2 hrs of trying to actually get out of DC we walked from courthouse to clarendon and could smell the smoke coming from the Pentagon....we ended up in a coffee shop where we would rest before my coworker dropped me off at home. I got through to people speaking half English/ half Arabic. My coworker said 'honey if I were you, I wouldn't be speaking that language now'. I responded 'I dont care what you think'. We watched CNN at the coffee shop and I was already dealing with the sorrow of what was going on with my city but I had to deal with the ignorance at that point of my ethnic origin. 9/11 I thought of the WTC and how I was just there just weeks before the towers went down, I thought of Trinity Church and the day care center they had because I was in the first class of their day care. I thought of all the people I knew and what was going to happen next. That evening, I attended a prayer meeting at the Coptic Church in Virginia where so many people came up to me to make sure everyone I knew was okay. I called my family in Egypt and Canada to let them know we were safe. I felt the unity of everyone coming together....there was kindness...and there was darkness as well.
Darkness came from attacks on people who looked remotely Middle Eastern...even Sikhs got targeted. These last 10 years I have had to prove that I am a loyal American. I have been met with discrimination due to my ethnicity at the workplace and on vacation. So many times someone asks 'where are you from?' I respond: 'New York'. They ask: 'no ethnicity'. Me: "I'm Egyptian'.....and the smile goes away and body becomes all tense. sometimes they continue the conversation by asking 'So do you like celebrate Ramadan?'...I say 'Um, do you see this cross I'm wearing? I'm Christian'. Them: 'oh so you're not Muslim but you're Egyptian?'....me: 'not everyone from the Middle East is Muslim and not everyone is a terrorist'...I walk away because I can't believe the ignorance. One lady at work refused to work with Arabs....three years later when she was forced to sit next to me while I was filling in for her partner, she apologized for her racism saying that 9/11 affected her and made her angry against all Arabs.....I told her that those who terrorized us that day were not representative of the entire community....and I had to remind her that I was AMERICAN and I was brought up in a dual culture household; proud that my ancestors were the likes of King Tut (well she bought it...I can't track my family that far back)
When going to Egypt, I was met with some animosity since I did come from the US...it didn't help that I was Christian. During the 00 decade, I would go to Egypt at least once a year to see my ailing family (uncle and grandma God rest their souls). I remember being in a supermarket getting a stare down from women because I wasnt veiled. I was extremely uncomfortable...I got hissed and whistled at...but I was told to ignore -- something I normally don't do. I was hissed and whisteled at in Morocco back in 2000--and they didnt think I understood Arabic...until I opened my mouth and basically gave it to the two guys sitting making obnoxious comments..... They're mouths literally dropped to the ground (the NYer in me can't just stay quiet). So many other things I realized in Egypt, I'm not an equal to the rest of the population.
It is plain and simple ignorance on both sides of the Atlantic. Proving I am just as American as Wonder bread has not been an easy task. And in Egypt, completely different story. At times, I didnt think I belonged anywhere. Only during early 2011 when people would ask about my ethnicity and I would respond: Egyptian...I got hi fives for the revolution. I had people who I was out of touch for years come out of the woodwork to ask about my family and the Egyptian revolution. If anything, the terrorist stereotype briefly vanished as everyone wanted to know what was going on, listen to my opinions and to ask when my mother would be able to leave the country (she was stuck in Alexandria and left late Feb back to the States). It was a great feeling because I was able to use what I knew through my culture and education to give an educated view of what was occurring in Egypt.
Now it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I choose to honor those who perished that day. I choose to honor the first responders and all those who sacrificed their safety to help others. I will not be making this political. I've seen some articles regarding how American Muslims have been discriminated against in the past 10 years....media, it's not just the Muslims, but anyone who looks remotely 'Arab' regardless of religion. I'm not Muslim but I have felt the brunt of discrimination. My goal is to continue to educate to show that there are great American citizens of with ethnic origins that trace back to the Pharoahs and to 2011 revolutionaries, while of course I continue to sing my heart out at the Yankee game 7th inning stretch of God Bless America.
Growing up, my parents wanted me to learn my Egyptian culture, by forcing me to speak Arabic on the weekends. I threw tantrums to speak English, but Saturday mornings were met with a 'switch'. I was embarrassed because my friends would have to hear me speak to my parents in some crazy language. I think I gained popularity in school when there was a unit done on Egypt and I brought in Omar Sharif's narration of Mystery of the Pyramids. In college, I decided to take Arabic classes and concentrate in Middle Eastern Studies (as part of my international affairs degree). I became more in tune with the Egyptian/Arab culture, while also tuning into everything Washington DC had to offer. I volunteered for the NATO 50th anniversary celebration. Everytime you stepped on 23rd Street at that period there was another motorcade. We tried to guess who was in there....going to volunteer there, I went to old government buildings--there was history, grandeur--contributing to my country was a great feeling.
9/11 happened. It was my first week as a paralegal at a firm in DC. I was just out of college. My family and friends were in NY. I had to evacuate not knowing how to get back to my house in Virginia. I randomly found someone in the office who was going in my direction and we hitched hike from constitution ave in DC to courthouse area in virginia . We knew this was dangerous, but honestly we didn't know what was going on. I immediately got on the phone and attempted to call everyone in NYC but wasnt able to. 2 hrs of trying to actually get out of DC we walked from courthouse to clarendon and could smell the smoke coming from the Pentagon....we ended up in a coffee shop where we would rest before my coworker dropped me off at home. I got through to people speaking half English/ half Arabic. My coworker said 'honey if I were you, I wouldn't be speaking that language now'. I responded 'I dont care what you think'. We watched CNN at the coffee shop and I was already dealing with the sorrow of what was going on with my city but I had to deal with the ignorance at that point of my ethnic origin. 9/11 I thought of the WTC and how I was just there just weeks before the towers went down, I thought of Trinity Church and the day care center they had because I was in the first class of their day care. I thought of all the people I knew and what was going to happen next. That evening, I attended a prayer meeting at the Coptic Church in Virginia where so many people came up to me to make sure everyone I knew was okay. I called my family in Egypt and Canada to let them know we were safe. I felt the unity of everyone coming together....there was kindness...and there was darkness as well.
Darkness came from attacks on people who looked remotely Middle Eastern...even Sikhs got targeted. These last 10 years I have had to prove that I am a loyal American. I have been met with discrimination due to my ethnicity at the workplace and on vacation. So many times someone asks 'where are you from?' I respond: 'New York'. They ask: 'no ethnicity'. Me: "I'm Egyptian'.....and the smile goes away and body becomes all tense. sometimes they continue the conversation by asking 'So do you like celebrate Ramadan?'...I say 'Um, do you see this cross I'm wearing? I'm Christian'. Them: 'oh so you're not Muslim but you're Egyptian?'....me: 'not everyone from the Middle East is Muslim and not everyone is a terrorist'...I walk away because I can't believe the ignorance. One lady at work refused to work with Arabs....three years later when she was forced to sit next to me while I was filling in for her partner, she apologized for her racism saying that 9/11 affected her and made her angry against all Arabs.....I told her that those who terrorized us that day were not representative of the entire community....and I had to remind her that I was AMERICAN and I was brought up in a dual culture household; proud that my ancestors were the likes of King Tut (well she bought it...I can't track my family that far back)
When going to Egypt, I was met with some animosity since I did come from the US...it didn't help that I was Christian. During the 00 decade, I would go to Egypt at least once a year to see my ailing family (uncle and grandma God rest their souls). I remember being in a supermarket getting a stare down from women because I wasnt veiled. I was extremely uncomfortable...I got hissed and whistled at...but I was told to ignore -- something I normally don't do. I was hissed and whisteled at in Morocco back in 2000--and they didnt think I understood Arabic...until I opened my mouth and basically gave it to the two guys sitting making obnoxious comments..... They're mouths literally dropped to the ground (the NYer in me can't just stay quiet). So many other things I realized in Egypt, I'm not an equal to the rest of the population.
It is plain and simple ignorance on both sides of the Atlantic. Proving I am just as American as Wonder bread has not been an easy task. And in Egypt, completely different story. At times, I didnt think I belonged anywhere. Only during early 2011 when people would ask about my ethnicity and I would respond: Egyptian...I got hi fives for the revolution. I had people who I was out of touch for years come out of the woodwork to ask about my family and the Egyptian revolution. If anything, the terrorist stereotype briefly vanished as everyone wanted to know what was going on, listen to my opinions and to ask when my mother would be able to leave the country (she was stuck in Alexandria and left late Feb back to the States). It was a great feeling because I was able to use what I knew through my culture and education to give an educated view of what was occurring in Egypt.
Now it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I choose to honor those who perished that day. I choose to honor the first responders and all those who sacrificed their safety to help others. I will not be making this political. I've seen some articles regarding how American Muslims have been discriminated against in the past 10 years....media, it's not just the Muslims, but anyone who looks remotely 'Arab' regardless of religion. I'm not Muslim but I have felt the brunt of discrimination. My goal is to continue to educate to show that there are great American citizens of with ethnic origins that trace back to the Pharoahs and to 2011 revolutionaries, while of course I continue to sing my heart out at the Yankee game 7th inning stretch of God Bless America.
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