A Cultured Convert's Struggle

Culture and Religion should be kept separate. 

Culture and Religion are not the same. 

I will not let other traditions dictate my faith. 
 

So WHY do you keep worrying about keeping tradition? 
 

I'll skip the pernil, I'll take bistec instead- but if it's halal. 
 

Yes, mom, I know I'm not Arab- 

No, mom, I don't feel oppressed, or depressed. 
 

Ukhti, we really aren't sisters- don't tell me how to live. 

I thought this was the nikkah, why are we in line to dabke? 

Akhi, I asked where you saw that was haraam.

Mom, it's called a mosque not a Muslim church. 

I'm sorry I didn't go to the festival. 

I was late because I had to pray, I really had to. 

Wait- I forgot it's Three King's Day...

Of course, I still know how to make tostones;

Just because I'm reciting in Arabic doesn't mean I'm forgetting Spanish.

You know I still talk to God in Spanish?

                                              and Italian? 

       I promise I haven't forgotten where I'm from.

I inhale the smell of the beachy breeze mixed with mofongo

and hear the rowdy drunks and glass crunching behind me.

I turn my head right and left to greet the angels

   Eyes closed.

         With peace.

I could never apologize for being Puerto Rican and Muslim. 

Culture and Religion should be kept separate. 

Culture and Religion are not the same. 

I will not let other traditions dictate my faith.