Past experiences

Past experiences fundamentally evokes and constructs one's perception of good and bad as well as their sense of reality and identity. Texts can also evoke these memories made up from past experiences. Past experiences is an occurring motif throughout the text. Shafana and Sarrinah have contrasting identities that clash and challenge themselves. These contrasting identities were solely formed from different past experiences. Shafanas perspective of the world was shifted due to the events of 911 in 2001. 

"everything had meaning for her, suddenly."

Not only do the events of 911 influence Shafans perspective, but also influences the audience. Shafana is resilient enough to bounce back, eager to use the past as a way to learn about her religion and battle against stereotypes. This questions the audience's perspective on the Muslim community. She is in conflict with her aunt and herself. Sarrinah is afraid of others reaction to the hijab. Shafana is concerned about others being too focused on the scarf, not herself. 

Shafana: "I don't want others to see the scarf first." 

Sarrinahs past negative experience were completely different than Shafanas. She is in acceptance of that lingering misery, integrated as part of her identity. This reminds the audience, everyone is able to move from the past, however, the past will always persist within themselves. 

Sarrinah: This pain is carved into the bones of my feet and horror tattooed around the base of my skull.