Day 3: Tectonic Plates

Although I am no marine biologist, from what I understand, the area where two tectonic plates meet is rich with flora and fauna. Of course, this area is also the epicenter of earthquakes. I have often longed for a metaphor that would encapsulate my identity as a WASM (White Anglo Saxon Muslim). I used to talk about myself as some sort of colossus who stood astride multiple cultures. I would muse about how I was as at home in the corporate boardroom as I was on the floor of a rural mosque. In fact, this is how I packaged myself in some of my real college essays. I even coined a term for myself–Mayflower Muslim–that simultaneously paid homage to my ancestors (on both my mother and father’s side!) who landed on Plymouth Rock and my adopted faith. I remember my father’s saying at my wedding back in 2004 that any offspring from our union could trace their lineage to William the Conquerer and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Maybe my kids can use that when they apply to college.

Over time, the usefulness of the colossus metaphor has waned. After all, the Colossus of Rhodes eventually toppled into the sea, and this image seemed a bit grandiose. My next inspiration was to describe myself as a “Cultural Chameleon.” I have many identities (or aspects of my identity), but my real super power is my ability to match my identity with whatever cultural backdrop I am currently inhabiting. On the tennis court I blend in as just one of the guys, albeit with a puzzling name. At the Roxbury mosque, I look the part, dressed in my flowing thobe and eating Indian curry with my hands. I can travel between my dad’s saltwater farm on the Maine coast and the humble Somali mosque in Lewiston without drawing undue attention.

But it’s not just my penchant for moving between mainstream American and Muslim cultures that sets me apart. Even within one “culture” I find myself seeking out the middle ground between quietly warring factions. Take my two tennis identities in Blue Hill, Maine. On Wednesday mornings, you can find me at Men’s Day at the achingly beautiful Blue Hill Country Club. Here I exchange shots with an august group of Boston brahmin. My doubles partner might be a retired CEO and major philanthropist, while my opponents might be the Dean of a Business School and a world-renowned doctor. Come Thursday afternoons, however, I am just down the street at GSA tennis courts playing “Turkey Ball” with a colorful group of salt-of-the-earth Mainers. These two groups tend to look askance at the other, but I am welcomed and fully at home in both. I’ll never forget when our stove broke, and my mom called the appliance repair shop. Upon seeing my turkey ball compatriot in our kitchen, I simply said, “Hey Glen,” much to my mother’s surprise and delight. My latest challenge of calming the feud between pickleball and tennis players is still a work in progress.

This ability to blend in, chameleon-like, and to feel completely myself no matter the setting does not come without its challenges. In fact, the new metaphor I’ve landed on to describe my multiple identities is tectonic plates. Most of the time, conflict between my identities lies dormant, and beautiful and unusual flora and fauna are able to flourish. Occasionally, however, the tectonic plates rub against each other and cause minor earthquakes. With that teaser in place, I must again call it a day, as it’s time to ride my electric scooter to my Islamic school.

99 thoughts on “Day 3: Tectonic Plates”

  2. 20bet

    I am currently writing a paper that is very related to your content. I read your article and I have some questions. I would like to ask you. Can you answer me? I’ll keep an eye out for your reply. 20bet

    Reply
  5. Keto Diet Gummies

    I loved it as much as you’ll end it here. The sketch and writing are good, but you’re nervous about what comes next. Definitely come back because it’s pretty much always the same if you protect this walk.

    Reply
  6. Puravive Benefits

    I do agree with all the ideas you have introduced on your post They are very convincing and will definitely work Still the posts are very short for newbies May just you please prolong them a little from subsequent time Thank you for the post

    Reply
  7. Puravive

    I don’t know where you get your knowledge, but this is a really great problem. I ought to take some time to comprehend or discover more. I appreciate the wonderful information; it was exactly what I needed for my purpose.

    Reply
  9. Gluco Relief

    Thanks I have recently been looking for info about this subject for a while and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far However what in regards to the bottom line Are you certain in regards to the supply

    Reply
  10. fitspresso reviews

    For the last few days I’ve been regularly visiting this wonderful site, they share awesome content for users. The site owner clearly cares about fans. I’m thrilled and hope they persist in sharing superb material.

    Reply
  15. Chans

    This is a very good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Short but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

    Reply
  16. Charish

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog.
    You have some really good posts and I believe I would be a good
    asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off,
    I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please send me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

    Reply
  19. Rogelio

    An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
    I think that you ought to write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo matter but
    generally people do not discuss such subjects.
    To the next! Many thanks!!

    Reply
  20. Zulema

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or
    did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to design my own blog
    and would like to find out where u got this from. thank you

    Reply
  22. Neville

    obviously like your website but you have to take a look at
    the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome
    to inform the reality however I’ll definitely come back again.

    Reply
  23. Taren

    Howdy I am so delighted I found your blog, I really found you by mistake, while I was looking on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a remarkable post and a all round interesting blog (I also love
    the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at
    the minute but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so
    when I have time I will be back to read a lot more,
    Please do keep up the fantastic work.

    Reply
  25. Shanon

    My brother suggested I may like this blog. He used to be totally right.
    This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how
    a lot time I had spent for this info! Thank you!

    Reply
  26. Consepcion

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you
    wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message
    home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog.

    A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.

    Reply
  27. Laurren

    Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have came
    upon till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?

    Reply
  29. Henry

    These are in fact impressive ideas in concerning blogging.

    You have touched some good things here. Any way keep up wrinting.

    Reply
  30. lucky jet 1win

    После youtube вставьте 01 в ссылке, чтобы скачать видео с YouTube самым простым и быстрым способом.

    Reply
  37. казино анлим

    Нелегальные операторы редко предлагают большое количество слотов — крупные разработчики не сотрудничают с ними.

    Reply
  38. jus murah

    First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
    I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.
    I’ve had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.

    I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to
    15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  39. Cathleen

    Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is fantastic, as well as the content!

    Reply
  45. tivimatepremium

    Somebody essentially lend a hand to make significantly posts I might state That is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now I surprised with the research you made to create this particular put up amazing Excellent job

    Reply
  50. Hokicoy

    What i don’t realize is actually how you’re no longer really much more well-preferred than you may be now.
    You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably when it comes to this topic,
    produced me personally consider it from so many numerous angles.
    Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated unless it’s one thing to accomplish
    with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. Always care for
    it up!

    Reply
  64. spotify

    Thanks for your submission. I also think laptop computers have become more and more popular currently, and now tend to be the only type of computer used in a household. Simply because at the same time that they’re becoming more and more cost-effective, their working power keeps growing to the point where they may be as strong as desktop coming from just a few years ago.

    Reply
  89. kingymab

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here The sketch is attractive your authored material stylish nonetheless you command get got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike

    Reply
  97. fun88 ถอนเง น นาน ไหม

    fun88 ถอนเง น นาน ไหม เป็นเว็บไซต์ที่ให้บริการการเข้าสู่ระบบทันใจและปลอดภัยสำหรับการเดิมพันกีฬาและคาสิโนสดทุกวันที่ไม่ควรพลาด. ถ้าคุณกำลังมองหาประสบการณ์การเดิมพันที่น่าตื่นเต้นและเพลิดเพลิน ทางเลือกที่ดีที่สุดคือ fun88.

    Reply
  99. streameastweb

    Wow amazing blog layout How long have you been blogging for you made blogging look easy The overall look of your web site is magnificent as well as the content

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *