Essay Questions

Compare Rasha’s family’s situation with the situations of the “Post-September 11 detainees”. - “Rasha”

Bayoumi writes, “RASHA WAS ONE of the lucky ones. She had family, both inside and outside prison, supporting her. She may have disappeared from her friends for a while, but she hadn’t dropped off the face of the earth. The family had an attorney, friends and relatives, and a growing chorus of advocates demanding their release. That wasn’t the case with most of the post-September detainees. Hundreds were arbitrarily arrested in the first months after the terrorist attacks.” In the "post-September 11" epoch, the detainees are not assured of legal representation. The arbitrariness of their detainment underscores the increasing prejudice which deems the detainees as criminals even before they are tried in courts. Rasha’s confinement which takes place before September 11 is relatively fair since they get support which expedites their release. The post-September detainees are unfortunate because they are labeled and stereotyped upfront; hence, their chances of getting justice are minimal.

What motivates Sami to remain in the club despite the omnipresent disagreements? (Apply Maslow’s hierarchy of Needs)

Bayoumi expounds, “But after a while, he was finding himself getting into heated arguments with some guys, disputes specifically over the war in Iraq and the American military presence there. The quarrels could often become heated, and they would frustrated Sami. But still he would continue to return to the club. It was as if he were looking for something and escaping it at the same time.” Sami yearns for belonging in the club. The ideological differences with his friends are exasperating, but he stays put because he anticipates to find acceptance from the comrades at the club notwithstanding his unique predilections. If he quits the club, it would be difficult for him to be unconditionally accepted in other clubs with members from other ethnic groups.