Alaa Mady 

Professor Sokunthary Svay

English 210

1 September 2024

I think one of the most important functions of a social scientist in society today is to analyze human behavior and conduct research to uncover intricate aspects of society. Social scientists have the responsibility of looking into the depth of society to bring awareness to issues that might otherwise be overlooked by the general public such as systematic inequalities and political policies. Social scientists also help foster understanding within societies by uncovering cultural complexities to promote understanding and inclusivity. As a Muslim American female I feel that this is the most important job of a social scientist. There are many misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Muslims and especially American Muslim females, the biggest one being that we are oppressed. One article of clothing that connects to my identity as a Muslim American woman is my hijab or head covering.  The hijab is misinterpreted to symbolize the oppression of muslim women who are forced to cover their bodies while their male counterparts enjoy the freedom to wear whatever they please. This interpretation could not be further from the truth. I find my hijab empowering. To me, hijab symbolizes my identity as a Muslim woman and ties me to my religious and cultural values. Others might perceive the hijab as an oppressive piece of clothing meant to keep women in a submissive status. However,  the hijab is quite liberating. It frees me from the pressures of conforming to fashion trends, allowing me to focus on personal expression. Contrary to notions of oppression, the hijab is, in fact, empowering, liberating me from societal expectations placed on women. 

 I am excited to take the role of social scientist. I’ve always been interested in studying other cultures and find different cultural traditions fascinating. Discovering that, despite differences, humans universally share needs for belonging and purpose has fueled my passion for social science. For me, this aspect of social science is particularly exciting because it emphasizes our common humanity. It reinforces the idea that, despite our differences, there are fundamental elements that connect us all. By shedding light on these universal aspects, social scientists play a crucial role in fostering empathy, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting a more interconnected and compassionate world. Being raised my whole childhood in Egypt has helped me to see the world from different perspectives. Living in a country where necessities in the United States, like air conditioning, are luxuries for the wealthy, has provided me with diverse insights. Many times on my way to my private school in Egypt a child would stop us, attempting to sell some chocolates in a desperate attempt to make money.  Egypt is replete with children who roam the streets begging for money or working in various positions. They are deprived of an education and a childhood. Even those that attend public schools are cramped into a room with a teacher to student ratio of 1:100. It was disheartening to witness. 

Returning to the United States for highschool, I was shocked to realize that similar disparities existed in my birth country, the land of opportunity. Walking a couple of blocks down from my neighborhood in the Upper East Side, I was disappointed and appalled by the immediate change in atmosphere. The streets were no longer as clean with garbage scattered everywhere. Graffiti filled the walls of buildings. I could immediately sense the inequalities faced by people living in these marginalized communities. Although the gap between the classes was not as stunning as the one in Egypt, it was nevertheless discouraging to witness.  It seemed that the American dream was exactly that, nothing more than a dream. I couldn’t help but think that although the Civil Rights Movement of Dr. King’s era ended outward segregation and discrimination, yet systematic racism makes upward mobility for minority communities nearly impossible. Therefore, social scientists today still need to  fight for justice and bring awareness to the discrimination taking place in our society.  As a social scientist it’s exciting that  I could analyze society and help bring awareness to issues that cause gaps in society such as systematic racism, however, I am also nervous about potential backlash or resistance to the insights I uncover.  Regardless, I believe that entering the social sciences requires resilience and a passion for bringing positive change even if in small amounts.