Page 31 - Reflections on the Danger of a Single Story

To me, a single story is similar to stereotypes in many ways. What I mean by that, is that single stories seem to have a narrow view of a particular ethnicity or background lacking context and perspective. As a Muslim American born in the Bronx, I definitely feel I’ve experienced things similar to a single story in my life.
Both my mom and dad were born and raised in Palestine. My dad left Palestine before high school and came to America in search for opportunity. Me being someone who was born and raised in America, I always felt I had a head start in life even though I grew up in a low income area of the Bronx. When your an adolescent, the unfortunate circumstances of the environment you live in aren’t always so obvious...its just considered home.
My first real single story experience would have to be right after September 11, 2001. I was in third grade and all I can remember was kids being picked up from class one by one. Starting from the very next day I would always feel the need to defend my religion and background. Id have questions asked to me like “Do you like America”, or “Why did your people do that”, and so on. I always felt as if my narrative was written for me and that I was only in America to reap the benefits and “go back home”.
Id say another single story experience I’ve had was early in my teaching career. There’s a notion that people that look like me with a beard and tan skin should only be working in a grocery store or driving a taxi. Not that there anything wrong with working those jobs, but when I stepped foot in the classroom I always and still do feel this sense of surprise when I translate for an Arabic speaking student or mention my culture or background. It almost like this shocked atmosphere that someone that looks like me is in the educational field, not to mention that I grew up in a very similar low income area that I currently teach in.
Ultimately I think single stories and stereotypes derive from cultural biases that are subtly pushed in front of us whether it be through mainstream media or misinformation. No doubt combating these issues and teaching our students how to deal with these issues is extremely important in emphasizing the importance of education and cultural awareness.
AKRAM OMAR