During and after the Miss USA pageant, Fakih's religious and ethnic identity became the subject of widespread discussion. On the subject of identity, she was quoted as saying "I'd like to say I'm American first, and I am an Arab-American, I am Lebanese-American, and I am Muslim-American." Rima Fakih's path from Lebanon to Las Vegas, where she was crowned Miss USA on May 16, is not unlike other immigrant success stories, but she stands out because of one notable first: she is very likely the first Miss USA who is Muslim. At a time when many Americans view Muslims with suspicion and hostility, Fakih, 24, sees herself as a testament to America's promise as a land of opportunity. While she insists religion does not define her, the erstwhile Miss Michigan also recognizes she can challenge stereotypes of the cloaked and dour Muslim woman.While some people think Muslims are obsessed with modesty, Fakih strutted down the Miss USA catwalk in a bikini and says she has received nothing but support from Muslims.
Rimah Fakih, The First Muslim Miss USA, is Touted and Criticized by Arab Americans
Interview with Rima Fakih regarding Islam
Q: What role did religion play in your and your family's life?
A: We're more of a spiritual family. Religion really doesn't define me or my family. My family's been very liberal, and we appreciate all different kinds of religions.
Q: Do you see yourself as an ambassador for Muslims, or an activist who challenges the stereotype of the Muslim woman?
A: I do. I feel like I can be a great representative. America is the land of opportunity, and people can live in America and be who they want to be. Don't deny your faith. Don't deny your ethnicity. Don't stereotype Muslim women, because as you can see with me, or in Lebanon, for example, beauty is appreciated.
Q: While you don't define yourself by religion, did you still face questions about or hostility because of your Muslim background?
A: Oh yeah. People were always asking, '`Is your family OK with this? Do you know what you're doing?" They always assume I'm going behind my family's back, but my family is my biggest supporter. And there are many Muslims who appreciate and understand and support me, and those who just don't get it.
Q: You've said your family celebrates Muslim and Christian holidays. Can you explain?
A: We'd go to church on Easter. We always had a Christmas tree and every year we go the Radio City Christmas Show, and watch "The Miracle on 34th Street." But we celebrate some of the Islamic holidays as well. When I went to the University of Michigan, because there's more of a Muslim community, my dad wanted me to learn more about Islam. I didn't know much about Ramadan and other holidays, and my dad wanted me to take that opportunity and learn.
Q: With all these different influences, did you ever struggle with your identity?
A: No. My father always told it like this: We're from Lebanon, Lebanon is our mother. But we look at America as our adoptive mother. And we were never confused on any point because my dad was someone who always had stories and lessons. I think that's also why he sent us to Catholic school, just because he thought Catholic school would help us learn about how to be good, ethical human beings.
Rest of the interview can be found here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/26/muslim-miss-usa-rima-faki_n_591035.html
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