How My Big Sister Uses Me As [Bad] Example
I received an instant message the other day from an acquaintence that began like this:
“I met your sister yesterday at this event at my school.”
First, you should know that my sister is a badass in every sense of the word. While I try to change the world through on-line forums and web-site projects, she is actually on the ground, taking care of business. Not only is she a public-interest lawyer, but she also volunteers at a free clinic, gives talks about Islam all over, and generally just kicks major booty in whatever she sets out to do. Oh, and her writing makes me feel like I’m still in the fourth grade.
Obviously, these are all things I admire about her. To tell you the truth, though, I’m just an eensy-weensy bit jealous.
“I want to be like that! Enough of this sitting-behind-a-computer business! I want to be out there, face to face, working with the community! I want to write as well as she does,” whines the voice in my head.
It’ll take time, of course, and hard work. So I’m starting that process.
No. No, I’m not starting.
I’m commencing.
See? Slow but sure, safe and sound, and so on and so forth— with her help. One of the ways she aids in my little transformation (as any good friend would do) is by calling me out on my inconsistencies. What is absolutely fascinating is her ability to do this when I’m not even present! The instant message continues…
“...ultimately, we both were discussing grass roots movements and we related experiences of the problems with them. I told her about how I was trying to get my dad to vote, and she told me how she was trying to get her ‘little brother to write a letter to a senator.’ And she was like ‘I don’t know if you know him, but he’s HijabMan’I was like ‘barrrrrrrrrr!’
‘You know how vocal my brother is at market places, standing on tables and shouting, but he felt uncomfortable calling a senator.’
And then I was like ‘Wow, what a small world.’
The point she was making was how we [the immigrant Muslim community] aren’t familiar with the political system here [in America] and so we feel inhibited from approaching political figures.
She’s good ain’t she? That’s my sister, telling everyone her bro was afraid of calling a senator. God bless ‘er.
To be completely honest, my hesitation/fear was not about calling a Senator. My anxiety is about strangers in general. I did call, however, and while nervous at first, the whole process took about thirty seconds. One of the Senator’s staffers picked up, and I simply stated that I wanted to express my support for something the Senator did. Then, the woman took my address. The End.
Many years ago, I would have expressed surprise at how simple something like that could be. Now that I’ve successfully called strangers, spoken to huge crowds, jumped off moving buses, and walked into rooms where I didn’t know anybody, it’s not surprising at all. In fact, now I kind of crave that sense of relief. It’s like a high. For example, a few weeks ago, a few racists protested the CAIR Pennsylvania Banquet. I decided to counter protest.
“So, HijabMan, what makes a successful counter protest?”
Simple. Call as much attention to yourself as possible. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, Exhibit A:
Note the Red, white, and blue balloon hat; Short-sleeves and Sandals (it was snowing); Big sign; Bigger arrows; A “shirt that says, Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Muslim (and beautiful); A big smile while the right-wing racists snap photos of you, threaten you, and get all up in your face.
End Result? Media Coverage:
Three other protestors stood a few feet away from Kauffman’s supporters with signs that called Kauffman a racist. Hijabman Iqbal wore a T-shirt that read, “Don’t hate me because I’m Muslim and beautiful.” – Delco Times
Many of you will agree that after the initial few minutes of awkwardness/fear, you’ll ultimately find a sense of fulfillment, and find that you are growing beautifully in the company of beautiful people participating in beautiful actions, and God willing, when you are old and gray you’ll look back and see a beautiful life.
At least that’s what I’m striving for. Thanks sis.
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nashat at 19 April 07 :: #
“Three other protestors stood a few feet away from Kauffman’s supporters with signs that called Kauffman a racist. Hijabman Iqbal wore a T-shirt that read, “Don’t hate me because I’m Muslim and beautiful.””
Dude, that’s awesome! You be good. Take care.
Susan A. in Ottawa at 19 April 07 :: #
We should all be so blessed with a person in our life like your sister, who goads us on to improve ourselves constantly. Mine is my husband… he’s not Muslim (yet!) but he inspires me to be the best “me” I can be.
HijabMan at 20 April 07 :: #
Nashat: Do ya like that my name is “HijabMan Iqbal” ? ;)
Susan: Muslim Shmuslim, if he believes and is a good guy, and pushes you (and himself) to be better. The end. Hows Ottawa this time of year? I may be immigrating to Canada if my tax dollars keep going to fund this friggin war. I was thinking either Toronto. Or if i felt like being ridiculously laid back.. British Columbia. My father says its quite nice out there
Susan A. in Ottawa at 20 April 07 :: #
Although many in the community hint broadly that I can divorce him and there would be no blame since he’s not a Muslim, I think that my man is has a better, kinder heart then many others I know. Heck, most others.
Ottawa is gorgeous right now, though being a transplanted BC girl and homesick constantly, I’d have to put my plug in for BC, if you chose to move to Canada. Just a note, we pay high taxes here, too, but not a very large portion of which supports our military.
Ibtisam at 22 April 07 :: #
I’m going to ask you for these stories when you’re eighty and decrepit. Remember them! I always do…
~Dawn at 22 April 07 :: #
“A big smile while the right-wing racists snap photos of you, threaten you, and get all up in your face.”
That is a wonderful thing you did. You rock and your sister was smart to give you the ‘kick in the pants’ to get started.
HijabMan at 22 April 07 :: #
Susan: I like higher taxes for better social services— :)
Dawn, Thanks for stopping by!