The story behind a portrait of an American family During the 2016 presidential campaign, which brought a spotlight to immigration and Muslims, Washington Post staff photographer Salwan Georges started a long-term photographic project on the daily lives of an Arab American Muslim immigrant family – the Almunas in Dearborn, Mich. Georges spent most of his life in Michigan, home to one of the largest Arab communities outside the Middle East. But like the protagonists of his work, he was born in Iraq during the First Gulf War. A decade later, his family fled President George W. Bush's war for Syria and, ultimately, the U.S. Through this work, Georges wants to "break a lot of the stereotypes" about American Muslims. He talked to me about it. Olivier Laurent: In this work, there's a photograph that shows this family celebrating Halloween. Can you tell me about that moment? Salwan Georges: In October 2016, I followed the family's kids as they met up with a few friends and went trick and treating in their neighborhood. It was what most children enjoy doing during Halloween in the United States. Halloween in Dearborn is different than in other parts in Michigan because fewer people celebrate the holiday based on their beliefs. I remember walking with the children through a whole street and not seeing one house with decorations. Why is that photo important to you? This photo shows how the children have become accustomed to the American way of living. They are like every other child in the United States. It also breaks a lot of stereotypes in this country about American Muslims and especially in recent times. So, how did you meet this family? I met the father, Ali Almuna, in July 2016, outside of an Islamic center in Dearborn, when he joined members of the mosque. Local Shiite Muslim community members had gathered to express their opposition to a bombing by ISIS of a market in Baghdad that killed more than 200 people. Almuna spoke in English alongside the imam. I approached him after the rally and shared my idea for this project and he was eager to tell his family's story. Why do you think this story is important today? This is a story of what many people have been forced to leave behind. It's a story about the sacrifices they have made so their children could have a better future here, in the United States. It's a reminder that immigrants have been coming to this country since it was founded and Muslim Americans are like every other immigrants trying to make it here. Click below to see the full essay and let us know which photographers you would like to hear from next. | 
Twitter
Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment