“It can be dangerous to wear the headscarf in today’s world,” Akam said. “In the Harvard intellectual community there’s lots of understanding, but in my hometown of Yuma, Ariz., people are not as accepting. I get many stares and whispers, although they seem to be more curious than malicious.”

The visible nature of the hijab also means that those who choose to wear it become public emissaries for an often embattled religion.

“It’s a bit daunting at first to be a symbol of religion, but we are all symbols of something. When we travel abroad we are symbols of what we are. The headscarf helped me to become a better person and show me what I needed to live up to and hold for all Muslims,” Akam said.

“You may be the only Muslim someone meets,” Sediqe said. “You can sometimes feel the additional responsibility of being a model person because people might generalize your actions. Islam is often perceived as a monolithic entity. Muslims are all X, Y and Z and behave in this manner. But with 2.2 billion, naturally diversity exists and it’s important to make others aware of that diversity.”

Rashid explains that he cannot discern whether the experience of 9/11 instilled in him a strong sense of being Muslim, Arab and Palestinian, or if it was his maturation during his teenage years where he began to question and explore.

While Muslim women, especially those who wear the headscarf, confront intolerance, Akam acknowledges that Muslim men face a different set of obstacles.

“Women are the poor, oppressed bad guys that need to be saved, but men are just the bad guys,” Akam said.

EMBRACING MUSLIM IDENTITY

Shortly after 9/11, Akam says that she felt bitter toward America.

Observing the struggles of her family firsthand led her to partially shed her American identity, which she says was a natural reaction.

But as the years have passed, she says that she has reconciled her American identity with her Muslim one, although she says her sense of being Muslim and her pride in Islam have strengthened.

For Muslim youth growing up in contemporary America this feeling of alienation is fueled not only by outright discrimination but also a lack of Muslim role models in the media.

For negative images of Muslims in the media—especially the ubiquitous image of the bearded, Muslim terrorist—to become de-politicized, Sediqe says a social and cultural shift must occur to provide a positive, constructive image of modern Muslims.

“We need strong Muslim role models to be recognized for their contributions,” Sediqe said. “We have Muslim athletic legends like Muhammad Ali, hip-hop artists like Lupe Fiasco, Congressmen like Keith Ellison who are Muslim and examples that speak to the youth. Nothing will be done overnight, but progress is possible.”

Akam says strides toward progress are underway, pointing to efforts to educate Americans about Muslims since 9/11 and the rise of outwardly Muslim women entering career fields in the public eye.

“The way to combat discrimination is with education and tolerance. People need to learn what Islam is about,” Akam said. “Some think Islam teaches you to be violent and extremist but this is not true. People have been trying to educate masses about normal everyday Muslims.”

Sediqe echoed Akam’s sentiments, suggesting that only through education and interaction can tolerance be achieved.

“I am commonly asked, ‘Where are you from?’ expecting a foreign country,” Sediqe said. “But I say Ohio, surprise! People need to know the story of ordinary American Muslim girls and guys in small towns.”