The US right still paints Muslims as the ‘enemy’. But they are fighting for a brighter future for Americans | Nesrine Malik
Progressive politicians such as Zohran Mamdani offer answers to the bitter post-9/11 legacy of failures at home and abroad Twenty-five years after 9/11, two pieces of journalism, describing two different phenomena in contemporary New York, tell us a great deal about a city, and indeed a world, caught between two eras. In one, New York Magazine dives into “ Habibi City ”, a New York where a…
Twenty-five years after the tragic events of 9/11, two distinct journalistic portrayals of New York offer intriguing insights into the city's evolving identity and the broader global landscape. New York Magazine highlights a cultural transformation, spearheaded by a generation of New Yorkers hailing from "SWANA" – an acronym encompassing countries from Palestine to Iran to Sudan.
This emerging cohort, often referred to as "Habibi City", represents a new wave of influence in diverse fields, from entertainment and politics to high-end dining and media appearances.
Conversely, Vanity Fair sheds light on the persistent and deeply ingrained sentiments that continue to plague the city, particularly in relation to its first Muslim mayor. These sentiments are rooted in primal, emotional reactions, viewing Mamdani as a symbolic representation of the 19 Muslim hijackers who tragically orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. The narrative underscores a stark contrast between the progress made by Muslims in New York society and the lingering prejudices that still shadow their achievements.
Despite their strides, members of the Muslim diaspora in New York are acutely aware of their responsibilities towards their local communities and the larger global stage. They harbor a profound empathy for fellow Muslims in conflict zones like Gaza, reflecting a commitment to addressing both domestic and international issues. This nuanced perspective encapsulates the ongoing struggle between embracing a brighter future for Americans and battling the deep-seated animosity that still permeates certain segments of society.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.