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“I Have a Name Without a Title”; Representations of Middle Eastern Muslim Women in Western Literature

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Date Issued:
2022
Abstract/Description:
Since September 11, 2001, novels about Middle Eastern Muslim women acclimating to Western society have been a popular genre for Western authors seeking to counter anti-Muslim prejudices. However, in their efforts to counteract Islamophobia, many of these authors perpetuate and reinforce harmful stereotypes, particularly regarding Middle Eastern Muslim women. This thesis will explore two such works, Ten Things I Hate About Me by Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and A Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi. I will argue that the novels have problematic components such as the "White Savior" archetype and how the characters reinforce stereotypical representations of their religion and culture, perpetuating assumptions that all or most Middle Eastern Muslim women are dissatisfied with their culture, appearance, and/or faith, which is not entirely representative of reality.
Title: “I Have a Name Without a Title”; Representations of Middle Eastern Muslim Women in Western Literature.
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Name(s): Abed, Hadeel , author
Luria, Rachel, Thesis advisor
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Thesis
Date Created: 2022
Date Issued: 2022
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Jupiter, Florida
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 37 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Since September 11, 2001, novels about Middle Eastern Muslim women acclimating to Western society have been a popular genre for Western authors seeking to counter anti-Muslim prejudices. However, in their efforts to counteract Islamophobia, many of these authors perpetuate and reinforce harmful stereotypes, particularly regarding Middle Eastern Muslim women. This thesis will explore two such works, Ten Things I Hate About Me by Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and A Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi. I will argue that the novels have problematic components such as the "White Savior" archetype and how the characters reinforce stereotypical representations of their religion and culture, perpetuating assumptions that all or most Middle Eastern Muslim women are dissatisfied with their culture, appearance, and/or faith, which is not entirely representative of reality.
Identifier: FAUHT00184 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2022
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00184
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.

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