I have always written – it was my way of processing the world and while I think I always wanted to write books, I don’t remember wanting to make that my exclusive profession. When I was in my senior year in college, I told my advisor that I wanted to go live somewhere and write stories. He pointed out that no one would give me money to do that and perhaps I ought to look toward something more academic that interested me and incorporate the two, which is how I ended up applying to study folklore on a Fulbright scholarship. You never know at the time the reverberating effect such a decision will have on your life. In 1987, when I was filling out the application, I would never have guessed that two decades later I would still be entranced by folklore and its role in people’s lives.
I have always believed that if other people could see my world, could see a Palestinian, Arab, or Muslim family/person/story, from the inside, then they couldn’t have such ridiculous and negative stereotypes. I think over the years I have really come to appreciate the role of artists more, the role that translation plays in art. I don’t have an agenda as a writer, but I do believe that it is my responsibility to offer an honest and challenging story.
paperback
hardback edition
first novel
Browner Shades of White
Published in Food for Our Grandmothers, Joanna Kadi, ed.
South End Press, 1994
Under race/ethnic origin
I check white
I am not
a minority
on their checklists
and they erase me
with the red end
of a number
two pencil.
I go to school
quite poor
because I am white.
There is no
square to check
that I have no
camels in my backyard,
that my father does
not have four wives
inside the tents
of his harem
or his palace
or the island
he bought
with his oil
money.
My father is a farmer.
My mother is a teacher.
I am white
because there is no
square for exotic.
My husband
does not have a machine gun
though sometimes his eyes
fire anger
because while he too is white,
his borders have long since been smudged
by the red end
of a number
two pencil.
My friend who is black
calls me a woman of color.
My mother who is white
says I am Caucasian.
My friend who is Hispanic/Mexican-American
understands my dilemma.
My country that is a democratic melting pot
does not.
Salut!! Découvre en exclu des extraits de mon album L'album "L'ART DE LA GUERRE" la réedition dans les Bacs le 23 juin 09 Je te balance le Teaser en avant gout!! Fait toi ton propre avis poto!!! Et si tu as le temps passe sur ma page (Just clik sur l'image ci-dessous) Paix & Respect!!!
Mr Pity's Album Israeli Wall is out now Mr Pity would like to thank all our friends for there great support, We would also like to thank Marta for all her help with the band, a big thanks to Barbara Kubicz for her great art work for the Album cover.
Mr Pity will pledge all profits to the struggle and the unveiling of the evils of the Zionists. Help us help the Oppressed.
We will keep on Rocking till the wall is down and the world is free from the Evil Zionist.
this is the link for the album For those of you who can not afford to buy the Album then just buy a single it will go along way to help.
Online Now!
