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 While reading Kamila Shamsie's novel, I have learned a lot about the Muslim faith and the stereotypes associated with those who practice the faith. In particular, I was interested in how mainstream British society managed to alienate Muslims by stereotyping them and forcing them to choose between their faith and their nationality. As a member of a largely Christian township in suburban Philadelphia, I don't have much contact with people of other faiths. I think it would be interesting to learn about the stereotypes that marginalized communities must face. 

Another idea that I find interesting for my research excursion is the different characters' interpretations of the Muslim faith. Aneeka is more openly sexual than her sister, Isma, who is portrayed as a more conservative person. We see this in the way they dress their difference of opinion. Isma is very conservative in her dress as she chooses to always wear her hijab in public. Aneeka interprets Islam differently. Like Dr. Shah, Aneeka views sex as a gift and has a looser interpretation. Then, we compare the sisters' interpretation of Muslim women roles to Parvaiz's interpretation of Muslim women roles. Aneeka and Isma believe Muslim women should have the ability to go to university and earn a degree and a job. After Parvaiz has spent time with Farooq, he believes in more traditional Muslim women roles. He now thinks that Muslim women are inferior to Muslim men and that the women must ask the men for permission to complete everyday tasks.

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