Muslim Identity in 21st Century America: Ayad Akhtar's Works as Autobiography

Saljooq Asif

doi:10.6017/eurj.v11i1.8819

Abstract

Recipient of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Ayad Akhtar has been lauded as the de facto voice of the American Muslim in theatre and literature. Akhtar, A Pakistani American, claims that all of his works are inspired by his life and personal experiences; they are, he admits, a form of autobiography. In a post-9/11 world, however, where the position of Muslims in the United States has become increasingly scrutinized, Akhtar’s works purposely play upon American fears and anxiety in regard to Islam. Indeed, Akhtar’s works rely heavily on Muslim stereotypes in order to unsettle American audiences and gain artistic recognition. By doing so, Akhtar not only continues the clichéd depiction of Muslims in American media, but also upholds Stephen Spender’s theory on autobiography: that the perspective of the autobiographer, his Self, is forever forced to submit to that of society, the Other.

Highlights

“Everything I write is some version of autobiography,”1 years after the September 11th attacks is no coincidence
“It’s often a a combustible powder keg, Akhtar himself is the one who set the match at the right time and the right place to deformed version of autobiography,” he insisted in the create the loudest explosion possible
Never has same interview, “but everything I write is drawn from personal experience, whether it’s observed or lived.”3 Born in the position of Muslims in the United States been more scrutinized than in the post-9/11 world

Summary

Introduction

Akhtar has received worldwide attention nearly thirteen “Everything I write is some version of autobiography,” years after the September 11th attacks is no coincidence. By default, has become one of the most significant Muslim artists in America today His works, he admits, are essentially a portrait of himself and form his own autobiography. The fact that sible to depict Islam in a way that will correct Western misapprehensions Several of his works, including Disgraced, have ignited serious controversy over Akhtar’s incendiary depiction of Islam and Muslims. Akhtar’s recognition stems from his artistic decision to readily play into American anxiety and concern over the role of Muslims and Islam; only can he provoke and discomfort his audience. Based on his own personal experiences, Akhtar’s pseudoautobiographies seem to be shunted through another channel. In an attempt to grasp the internal essence of his life as an American Muslim, perhaps Akhtar has been forced to approach his own existence through an external viewpoint – the Western perspective that associates Islam with hostility and aggression

The Autobiographical Tradition

Portrayal of Muslims in American Media

Findings

Where they cut off your ear