In this paper, I examine the effects of Othering (to be defined later) on Pakistani-American identity, pre and post September 11, 2001. I find that Othering is causing Pakistani-Americans to unite with other Muslims, creating an ethnic American Muslim group, while reducing their closeness to fellow South Asians or ‘Desis’ (to be defined later). I will start by examining the theory of ethnic identity, applying it to the multiple identities that Pakistani-Americans contend with. I go on to look at Othering vis-à-vis Islam and Muslims, highlighting how international affairs and their media coverage rather the than any actions on the part of Pakistani-Americans have affected domestic policy and common perception. I observe measures introduced by the Bush administration, which institutionalise the Othering process and the September 11 backlash from American citizenry. Furthermore, I argue that September 11 has had an added impact on Pakistani-Americans relative to other Muslims: the ‘Desi’ bond that existed within the South Asian community is being tested. I argue that, Pakistani-Americans, like other Muslims in the United States, are responding to the Othering process by ethicising Islam, and thereby aiming to achieve minority status under the ‘American Muslim’ classification. I conclude by noting that Pakistani-Americans, playing the role of the Ultimate ‘Other’, remain fearful of their future.
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