We are getting to know a Muslim couple I’ll call Raheem and Malika. They immigrated to the U.S. from a restricted access country in South Asia.  Due to much stereotyping some people would be surprised to know Raheem and Malika are very gentle and kind people, are good with children, desire peace not war, and appreciate the diversity of all peoples.  We really enjoy each other’s company.

Yet there are still walls.  Malika and Katie and Meri were in the kitchen sharing stories and rejoicing in their new friendship. Meri asked, “Tell me honestly, would we be friends if we all were living in your country?”

Malika’s response was telling: “If we had never lived in the U.S. but always lived in my country, and then your family moved there – then, no, we would not be friends.”

“But things are changing,” Malika added. 

Categories: stories, the why
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