The 411 - Arabisto

Before I get down to some serious blogging, I thought I'd introduce myself to Arabisto's readers. I'm Josephine Zohny, a publicist and freelance writer based out of New York City. I'm the daughter of an Egyptian-born father and an Italian American mother. My father is Muslim, my mother is Catholic and I was raised as such (to the dismay of a great many, I'm sure).

I grew up just outside of Washington, DC, which, according to census figures, is supposed to be a hotbed of Arabs and others from the Middle East, but curiously I only knew a few growing up. It was only until after I graduated from high school and moved to New York to attend NYU that my sense of self as an Arab (or Arab-classified) person began to take shape.

I don't know if 9/11 brought about a sense of urgency to assert myself, or if you can chalk it up to the event coinciding with my own personal "coming of age," but since that day I've taken it upon myself to help define what being an "Arab" means to myself and others. Much of my writing on this website will center around identity and how it is expressed in music, pop culture and other mediums. I hope you'll join in on the discussion.

Until then, salaam and take care.

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Added: February 21, 2008. 08:32 AM CST

its my opinion so late!!! To result from a Moslem father and a catholic mother is a great advantage, because generally the choice after, of the religion will be done on the basis of reflexion and not on (Etaklide) the imitation. But the kind between woman and man will be able to have a small influence. Generally pure of the needs for procreation generally avoids speaking religion or posting its religiosity before having to achieve the biological goal that to procreate. Thus Joséphine that will be clearer and easier for you to choose between Islam and Catholicism after having children. The two religions are acceptable with the proviso of following the Islam of Abrahame: salate, zakate, saoum, haje, chahadataine the remainder it is a question of study and conviction. from joseph reply1231atyahoo.fr

Arabisto

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Added: October 25, 2006. 02:05 PM CST

Woohoo!

Another halfie whoohooo! And I thought I was the only mixed one here. I look forward to the posts too. What do they call us anyay? My Indian friends call themselves american born confused desis, but we we half Arabs have a nick name?

dejana

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