“I Am Not Who You Think I Am”: Multiple, Hybrid and Racialized Identities of Canadian Muslim Youth in the Negotiation of Belonging and Citizenship

Abstract

While other studies explore the challenges faced by Western Muslim youth, this study focuses on the challenges and development of a meaningful stable Canadian-Muslim identity in an era of global conflicts, collective surveillance, and suspicion. Identity-formation is complex, involving the configuration of many influences—direct and indirect, local and global, personal and impersonal. Sometimes aspects of fluid, and multiple identities conflict and individuals are faced with navigating competing and not necessarily commensurable influences. Such is the case with the Canadian Muslim Youth—CMY. Thematic analysis of 30 interviews with CMY, identified five major themes: (a) Navigation of multiple, complex, and hybrid identities; (b) Religious identity and spirituality; (c) “I am not what you think I am”—Media portrayals of Muslims; (d) Claiming inclusion and belonging in the face of anti-Muslim racism; and (e) Recommendations. Listening to CMY voices will help policymakers, practitioners, Muslim communities and organizations to develop strategies for positive youth development.