The Essay “My Life as a Muslim in the West’s ‘Gray Zone’” by Laila Lalami

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Table of Contents

Summary
Analysis
Reference

Summary

In My Life as a Muslim in the West’s ‘Gray Zone,’ Lalami (2015) discusses the concept of a ‘Gray Zone’ and its place in the life of Muslims of the West. “The ‘Gray Zone’ is the space inhabited by any Muslim who has not joined the ranks of either ISIS or the crusaders” (Lalami, par. 4). Lalami’s main point is that it is essential to maintain the ‘Gray Zone,’ as it is how millions of people around the world live in times of military conflicts, and it implies the peaceful co-existence of religions. On the contrary, the elimination of ‘Gray Zone’ – the situation when all Muslims have to choose sides due to external pressure – will strengthen such terrorist organizations as ISIS.

The author demonstrates the struggles of Muslims in Western societies through stories that include the Paris attack of November 13, various oppression attempts, and hate crimes against Muslims in the USA (Lalami, 2015). Lalami demonstrates that each case of terrorist attack negatively affects Muslim communities as they become subjects of suspicion and are expected to condemn terrorism repeatedly (Lalami, 2015). This constant pressure from civilians, politicians, and media diminishes the ‘Gray Zone,’ therefore bolstering ISIS. Lalami also discusses the impacts of constant questioning and suspicion towards Muslims on the lives of current Muslim children who have the ambition to take part in various aspects of the life of their state. The attitudes and even hatred of various stakeholders towards Muslims can potentially narrow these Muslims’ choices and freedoms.

Analysis

Regarding Lalami’s support for her argument, she uses the information about ISIS’s goals from its magazine and her interpretation of events in the US, such as the President’s speech, as well as governors’ and senators’ statements. While the author’s logic about the effects of polarization in society is clear, she does not demonstrate evidence to support her claims. Moreover, the argument that societal pressure leads to the strengthening of ISIS is based on the claims of ISIS itself. There may be a considerable distance between radicalization of a Muslim person in Western society due to a spike of hate and direct support of ISIS later.

Regarding the organization of the text, Lalami establishes the goals of ISIS; then, she demonstrates how some figures in the West push people in the direction of these goals. The author primarily uses informal diction, as she portrays the picture that directly reflects the surrounding reality. Regarding specific words, Lalami extensively uses the terms created by ISIS – ‘Gray Zone’ and its derivatives. The author’s simple, but at some points, very emotional language seems to target a mass audience. Lalami uses a serious and worried tone for her text, which is especially prominent in the second half of the work. The author demonstrates some level of bias regarding the subject, which is understandable, as she shares her own experience and the experience of the religious group to which she belongs. The bias is pronounced through the fact that Lalami rarely analyzes the opposing points of view.

Reference

Lalami, L. (2015). My life as a Muslim in the West’s ‘‘Gray Zone’.’ The New York Times Magazine. Web.

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The Essay “My Life as a Muslim in the West’s ‘Gray Zone’” by Laila Lalami

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