A Cultured Convert's Struggle
Culture and Religion should be kept separate.
Culture and Religion are not the same.
I will not let other traditions dictate my faith.
So WHY do you keep worrying about keeping tradition?
I'll skip the pernil, I'll take bistec instead- but if it's halal.
Yes, mom, I know I'm not Arab-
No, mom, I don't feel oppressed, or depressed.
Ukhti, we really aren't sisters- don't tell me how to live.
I thought this was the nikkah, why are we in line to dabke?
Akhi, I asked where you saw that was haraam.
Mom, it's called a mosque not a Muslim church.
I'm sorry I didn't go to the festival.
I was late because I had to pray, I really had to.
Wait- I forgot it's Three King's Day...
Of course, I still know how to make tostones;
Just because I'm reciting in Arabic doesn't mean I'm forgetting Spanish.
You know I still talk to God in Spanish?
and Italian?
I promise I haven't forgotten where I'm from.
I inhale the smell of the beachy breeze mixed with mofongo
and hear the rowdy drunks and glass crunching behind me.
I turn my head right and left to greet the angels
Eyes closed.
With peace.
I could never apologize for being Puerto Rican and Muslim.
Culture and Religion should be kept separate.
Culture and Religion are not the same.
I will not let other traditions dictate my faith.