The story identified for this assignment is “ Foreign returned ” authored by Sadia Shepard, (2018) and published by the New Yorker.
Cultural identities that are represented in the story
The story identifies two Pakistani work colleagues, Hassan and Hina. The author describes Hina as wearing a tight scarf around her head (Hijab), which is a cultural identifier of the Muslim community. She is also seen placing a Qur’an on a top shelf above her desk. Qur’an is the Holy book of the Islam community. Additionally, she is described as getting a praying rug from her bag. According to Islam culture, rugs are spread on the floor during prayer.
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Cultural markers identified in the reference story
The most edible marker for Muslims is their way of dressing. In the story, Hina wears a Hijab around her neck, and this signifies that she is a Muslim. Another marker is the names of the characters. The names Hassan and Hina are predominant among Muslims across the world. Despite the fact that Hina had no Pakistani ascent, Hassan recognized her origin from her physical features such as her skin color and her name. At home, Hassan is described as not being as interested in the politics on TV as his wife Sara is. However, he acknowledges the similarity of the politicians with the ones back in Pakistan.
The effects of stereotypes, scapegoating and marginalization
Typically, the Muslims are highly stereotyped in the US due to the constant terror attack instituted by members of their community. As members of a different community from the Americans, the characters, Hassan and Hina, seem to be absolutely marginalized not only in their workplace but also in the State they live in. Hassan is seen as been angry at his boss, Tom, who knowingly excludes Hina and him from working with other analysists. Instead, they are given the “behind the desk tasks” regardless of their expertise and work ethic. Hina seems to be comfortable with the treatment, probably because she is used to that kind of handling. When Hassan and Sara visited their friends Ali and Mona, Hassan is seen trying to fit into “ big-boy shoes ” especially when he is given the responsibility to grill the chicken and talk about his job. Stereotyping and marginalization are common especially when it comes to the Islam community and it is sad because it doesn’t seem to go away anytime soon.
Reference
Shepard , S. (January 1, 2018). Foreign returned. T he New Yorker. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/08/foreign-returned
