Identity is at the forefront of struggles and complexities that plague the lives of Egyptians, whether they are actually living in Egypt or abroad. Recently, Rami Malek earned a Golden Globe award for his masterful performance in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and although the award was much deserved, many took to social media to express that Malek was not a real Egyptian, although the star has often claimed pride in his heritage and roots. This is also something that I have personally experienced. “You’re so American.” “Your Arabic is so cute.” “How can you call yourself Egyptian if…” If these are words similar to anything you’ve uttered, I urge you to read on. I, like roughly 9.5 million others, are a product of the Egyptian diaspora who are currently living outside of Egypt. My parents emigrated from Egypt in 1972 to the United States, where I was born 15 years later. Raised in New Jersey with my two siblings, I spent my childhood and formative years into adulthood in the States. My parents left to create a life of opportunity and security for their family. They arrived to the United…
