Meet Mimi
Interviewed by Johns Hopkins University students supervised by Dr. Homayra Ziad.
Interviewers: Maryam, Maddie, Aya, Ananda
About the Interview
In this interview we discuss the unifying effect, post 9/11, of coming from an instantly recognizable country (Egypt) with a famous tourist attraction (the pyramids). Our conversation showcases how Mimi utilizes these features of her country to open the door to conversations with curious Americans and share the teachings of Islam, the importance of Ramadan and the purpose of the headscarf. While not everyone could be won over with a plate of her famous baklavas or her infectious laughter, this interview captures her optimism and perseverance in sharing her pride for her religion and making new connections along the way.
Major themes:
This interview discusses themes of Gendered Islamophobia and education as a post-9/11 tool for countering discrimination and Islamaphobia. By sharing about Islam and its tennets, Mimi was able to open the eyes of members of the non-Muslim community around her and take away some of their apprehension about the unknown.
Guiding Questions:
How can food and other non-traditional forms of “educating” others be used to make difficult conversations easier?
Mimi’s states that “education is your passport into integration.” While notably applicable in an immigrant-context, how can this advice be used for native occupants of a country? Is there room for them to also be more educated to help others feel more welcome in their country? How?
“So, after 9/11, it was a scary time, I was so scared to wear my scarf outside the home, because the, the idea that what happened with 9/11, you know everybody thought we’re terrorists or, you know, we kill people and all that stuff. So, it was a very, very difficult time for me to do that transition, but I was insisting to continue doing what I was doing before because I had no other way to explain to people we’re not those people who did the 9/11. ”
“I always talked about what’s similar about our fight for women’s issue, I will do - my scarf is just a representation of my religion. But, as, as a woman, I share everything else women fight for, so once you educate people, people welcome you and respect you. And I think the biggest problem that we have is not to educate others about who we are and try to build a bridge and connect.”
“I am a firm believer that the biggest problem we have that when people don’t understand what’s different about you or why you do this or why you do that. It’s a lack of ignorance and then cause problems and, you know, miscommunication. But, I always say education is your passport into integration. So, carry your passport with you all the time and keep educating.”