Blending in

I remember encountering, around six months ago, a fellow by the name of Hakim. Unfortunately, I don't remember Hakim's last name—but suffice it to say, his last name (much like his first) was very much of Arabic origin. And similarly, Hakim sported the light brown complexion typical of people of middle eastern descent. All doubt was removed, of course, when he opened his mouth and spouted a rich Arabic accent. Hakim was undeniably middle eastern.

But the confusing this was that Hakim didn't look at all like he came from the part of the world known for keffiyehs and turbans. Hakim sported a closely groomed goatee, a crisp baseball cap, dark blue jeans, and a lowrider t-shirt. And if you'd never met him, you would probably assume he was from the southwest of northern America—either Mexico or one of the many states that border it.

Now, I didn't get an opportunity to ask Hakim why, exactly, he dressed like this—but I've got my suspicions. I've seen hostility and outrage directed at middle easterners far more viciously than I've ever seen pointed to Hispanics. I'm guessing Hakim has seen the same sort of thing...and has found a largely superficial deflection to what's almost exclusively superficial contempt. It's certainly an interesting solution.